Roger’s Pub & Grill inside the Gordon M. Trim Dining Hall on Babson College campus in Gloucester, MA is a stunning example of just what nail-up tin tile can do. The historic building underwent renovations recently but maintaining its heritage stayed front and center.

Of particular note, the bar at Roger’s was capped with a nail-up tin ceiling in Stainless Steel Gloss and various patterns including #6, #7, #12, and filler pattern #1. As the heart of the space, the bar sets the tone and the tin tile is key in accomplishing that.


To simplify your project and resolve any hesitations, we’ve put together an easy-to-follow guide for installing Nail-Up tin tile ceilings.

Steps to Install a Nail-Up Tin Tile Ceiling

Step 1: Decide on a Layout

The first goal you should have in any nail-up installation is to design your ideal layout prior to ordering the tiles. This will ensure the partial tiles around the perimeter of the room are balanced and uniform. In almost every situation, the installation will begin in the middle of the ceiling, so you’ll want to make sure that your layout has a definite center point where the rest of the tiles can flow from.

Use this ceiling planner to figure out your layout.

2. Install Furring Strips

Our recommendation is to create a furring strip grid along your ceiling since you’ll be attaching the tiles with nails. Without furring strips or a layer of plywood, the nails won’t have adequate gripping power in mere wallboard or plaster. Not only will furring strips provide a level and supportive structure, but they will also ensure a smooth finish once the tiles are nailed in place.

3. Shim to Create a Flat Nailing Surface

While this won’t be the case for every new build, sometimes ceilings may not be entirely flat. If this is the case for your ceiling, you may need to install wooden shims between the furring strips and the ceiling so that the furring strips are even.

4. Nail Up the Tin Tiles

This part of the job is best completed with two people: one person to hold the tiles in place, and a second person to use a nail gun or hammer to secure the tiles to the ceiling. Make sure the nails are driven through the edges and into the furring strips or plywood.

What About Other Kinds of Installation?

As soon as the word “installation” is mentioned during a remodel, it can cause homeowners an undue amount of worry and stress. We all have this idea that, without the help of professionals, installation projects are nothing but costly and complicated – but this doesn’t have to be the case when installing tin tiles.

In fact, there are several easy ways to install tin tiles depending on the material forming the base or background of the new tile feature. Each type of installation requires a slightly different approach and set of tools, but each can be done easily with the right preparation.

To give you more context about the different types, here are two other installation styles of tin ceiling tiles and how they are best installed.

Snap Lock™

Since drywall is so customary on ceilings and walls, our Snap Lock™ tiles readily screw into drywall using 1-¼” screws. The Snap Lock™ technology contains a flange system, so each tile can seamlessly interlock together making for a simple DIY install.

Drop-In

In commercial buildings and basements, ceilings are often suspended and consist of a grid. In spaces like these, installing Drop-In tin tiles is best, as they simply lay on top of the grid. We manufacture a clip that ratchets over the t-bar, which helps to push the tile in place and keep it from moving. Plus, the versatility of a Drop-In tin tile install means you’ll still be able to access electrical wiring.

 
Have more questions about installing Nail-Up tin tiles? Our expert customer service agents are always ready to offer support and advice.