Ceiling Tiles Comparison (Tin vs. Plastic)
We know you have a choice when it comes to ceiling tiles, or home remodeling in general. In fact, you probably have way too many choices from colors and patterns to finishes and materials. If you're feeling overwhelmed, it helps to make a pros and cons list of the cost benefit analysis so you know where to splurge and where to save when comparing tin or another metal to plastic. At least in the world of ceiling tiles, we'll help break it down for you.
Tin Ceiling Tiles
Materials - Our tin tiles are made from T1 grade tin plated steel and are 0.010" thick to ensure they're durable and long lasting.
Sustainability – Made of recycled materials, our tin ceiling tiles are also powder coated instead of painted. Many paints emit volatile organic chemicals (VOCs) as they dry, which can degrade air quality or cause breathing problems and other health effects. Since powder coating uses only dry paint, it emits very few VOCs into the air and requires no special venting.
Installation – We offer three types of installation options, which are all quick and easy to DIY as a weekend project. Drop-in, which fit all standard 2 ft. x 2 ft. grids, Nail-up, the standard tin ceiling which can be installed with a wood substrate, and our patented SnapLock tiles, which screw directly over drywall or popcorn ceilings.
Fire Rating – Metal tin tiles have a fire rating of one-hour, giving you and your family plenty of time to escape safely should a residential fire break-out. Cost - A white tin ceiling tile starts as low as $12 per tile, while copper or pewter tin tiles start at just $16.
Plastic Ceiling Tiles
Materials - Authenticity is always preferred over cheap material and the difference is visible immediately.
Sustainability - It's no secret that plastic is terrible for the environment because it's so hard to break down. Believe it or not, it also comes largely in part from crude oil. Would you want that in your home?
Installation - Most competitors offer standard drop-in tiles or glue-up ceiling tiles, which can be mounted using adhesive, staples, or a combination of both. Self-adhesive Decorative Strips are used to hide the joints between tiles.
Fire Rating - It's also well known that plastic is quite flammable. In fact, it will melt in just 5 ½ minutes. Be prepared to get out – fast.
Cost - A leading competitor offers white plastic ceiling tiles starting from $13.99 and copper or pewter colors from $18.95, even more expensive than tin!