Published January 14, 2021
Thinking Outside the (Ceiling Tile) Grid
Featuring: Wade Architectural Systems
By Jen Levisen
Editor
Adding a New Dimension to Ceilings Everywhere
There are many reasons to cover a ceiling, whether it is inharmonious, or you are just looking for a change. Some options are very economical while others are seen as more of an investment, and it all comes down to two things — how much you are willing to spend and your personal taste.
In the past, common white ceiling tiles were the standard go-to materials. Thankfully, today’s market demands that commercial interiors not only perform well but also look great and contribute to a sustainable and healthy world. Let’s explore some options.
From Boring to Eye-Catching — Wood Ceiling Panels
A wood ceiling system can be an economical way to solve a number of acoustical problems and transform your space from boring to eye-catching. Because natural wood provides a cozy environment, metal with wood veneers and faux wood finishes have become a popular choice when transforming these spaces.
The most common use of ceiling panels is to lower a high ceiling so plumbing, electrical and other elements of a building that are better left unseen are covered. Metal wood ceiling panels have a few advantages over white tiles, but the most important advantage is aesthetics.
Explore wood ceiling systems from our partner manufacturer, USG | Ceilings Plus: READ ON >
An Acoustic Advantage — Metal Wood Panels
One of the biggest topics in interior design right now is acoustic performance, but designing a space that eliminates unwanted noise is not always easy.
In this, the solid nature of a good wood slat ceiling cannot be overstated. Custom wood ceilings are designed to naturally absorb and reflect sound at its core forming a solid acoustic wall. Acoustical performance can be adjusted with a backer or acoustical blanket to maximize sound control. Sounds from adjacent rooms or floors above are easily reflected and stay in their respective areas.
The sound advantages are particularly important in auditoriums and libraries, as well as places smaller spaces, including classrooms and meeting rooms.
While white ceiling tiles are also designed to absorb sound, they just aren’t as aesthetically pleasing. If you are looking to customize your space with the best acoustics, then metal ceilings are a great option.
Explore metal wood panels and wood slat ceilings from our partner manufacturers Panelite, USG | Ceilings Plus, NedZink, and StoVentec: READ ON >
The main advantage of metal linear wood slates over real wood is maintenance and installation. While both products add a lot of character to a space, metal requires very little maintenance or repair work and is very resistant to its surrounding conditions. The lightweight structure makes metal installation faster and places minimum weight on a buildings structure.
It is also complete upon installation. The finish is already applied, so when the panels go up the ceilings are completely finished. No messy taping, sanding, painting or dust cleanup.
Metal panel systems have come a long way. You can find them in an endless variety of styles, shapes and colors. Adding to the allure, they are also fire resistant and durable.
Explore the difference between aluminum and wood: READ ON >
A Smart Solution — Metal Ceiling Systems
Metal ceiling systems offer excellent performance year around, and the durability translates into lower cost because of the life cycle of the product.
In addition, they are not limited to traditional rectilinear, 2-D shapes. You have total design flexibility with systems that can accommodate convex and concave curves, polygons and polyhedron, second and third dimensions, as well as infinite finish and perforation options.
If you are looking for bold, beautiful aesthetics over the standard, then metal ceilings might be a great option for your next project.
Wade Architectural Systems has been providing exterior metals to the architectural industry for more than 30 years. Partnered with a number of high-quality manufacturers, WAS supplies projects across the country, to the tune of 4,000+, with aesthically pleasing, high performing, and sustainable products that exceed expectations time after time. Connect with WAS and their manufacturers on Mortarr.
