Ceiling Tile Edge Types Explained: Tegular, Lay-In, Reveal

Square Lay-In (Square Edge)

The simplest edge. The tile sits on the grid tee flange with its face flush with the top of the tee. From below, you see the full width of the grid tee between tiles. This is the standard edge for budget installations and the most common profile in existing buildings.

Pros: Cheapest option. Tiles drop in and lift out easily for above-ceiling access. Available in every product line from every manufacturer. Universal compatibility with 15/16" and 9/16" grid.

Cons: The visible grid dominates the ceiling's appearance. Looks institutional in anything finer than back-of-house or value-driven tenant improvements.

Best for: Budget office TI, warehouses, back-of-house, and any project where acoustics matter more than appearance.

Square Tegular

A tegular tile has a stepped (rabbeted) edge that drops the tile face below the grid. The grid tee sits in a channel around the tile perimeter, partially hidden by the tile itself. From below, you see a narrow reveal between tiles with a shadow line — significantly more refined than a flat lay-in.

Square tegular tiles have a 90-degree step at the edge. The reveal width depends on the grid face width:

15/16" grid: Creates a wider reveal. Less refined but lower cost grid.
9/16" grid: Creates a narrow, architectural reveal. The standard for Class A office space and premium commercial interiors.

Pros: More architectural appearance. Hides grid partially. The shadow line adds depth and visual interest. Modest cost premium over lay-in.

Cons: Tiles must be angled and lifted to remove (slightly harder access than lay-in). Must match grid width — a tegular tile for 15/16" grid won't work in 9/16" grid and vice versa.

Best for: Corporate offices, hotels, medical offices, and any space where the ceiling should look intentional rather than utilitarian.

Angled Tegular

Similar to square tegular but with a beveled or angled edge rather than a square step. The tile face transitions to the edge at an angle (typically 45 degrees or a gentle curve), creating a softer shadow line and a more sculpted look.

Pros: Highest-end appearance of the standard edge options. Softer shadows. Works well with indirect and cove lighting.

Cons: Limited product availability compared to square tegular. Higher cost. Same access limitations as square tegular.

Best for: Executive offices, performing arts centers, high-end lobbies, and spaces where the ceiling is a design feature.

Reveal Edge

A reveal edge tile has a stepped or rabbeted edge similar to tegular, but the step is designed to create a specific, consistent reveal gap between tiles. Some reveal systems use specialty grid with a wider or shaped tee that creates a deliberate channel between tiles.

Armstrong's Prelude XL grid and similar systems create a defined reveal pattern that's wider than standard tegular reveals. The result is a strongly linear ceiling with clear channels running between tiles.

Pros: Distinctive geometric look. Defined reveals create clean shadow patterns. Works well in modern and institutional design.

Cons: Requires specific grid/tile combinations. Less flexibility in product substitution. Higher material cost.

Best for: Government buildings, institutional spaces, and designs where a strong grid pattern is desired.

Concealed Edge (Kerfed)

Concealed edge tiles have a routed channel (kerf) along the tile edges that hooks onto a concealed grid system. Adjacent tiles butt against each other, completely hiding the grid. From below, the ceiling appears monolithic — a continuous plane with no visible metal.

Pros: Cleanest appearance. No visible grid creates a drywall-like look with the acoustic performance of a tile ceiling. Impressive in high-end spaces.

Cons: Most expensive edge option. Difficult above-ceiling access — tiles interlock and can't be individually lifted. Special tools needed for removal. Limited product selection. Tiles must be installed in sequence.

Best for: Executive suites, high-end retail, boutique hotels, and spaces where a seamless ceiling is worth the cost premium. See our exposed vs concealed grid comparison.

Beveled Tegular

A variation where the tile edge has a slight bevel or chamfer at the face, creating a V-groove effect between adjacent tiles. Subtler than full angled tegular but more refined than square tegular. Some manufacturers call this "micro-reveal" or "fine line" detailing.

Matching Edge Types to Grid

This is where mistakes happen on projects. Edge types and grid widths aren't universally interchangeable:

Lay-in tiles work with any grid width (15/16" or 9/16")
Tegular tiles must match the grid width. A 15/16" tegular tile has a wider rabbet than a 9/16" tegular tile. Order the wrong one and tiles either fall through or sit too high.
Concealed tiles require their specific concealed grid system. No cross-compatibility.

When replacing tiles in an existing ceiling, identify the grid face width and edge type before ordering. Bringing a sample tile to your supplier prevents ordering errors.

Cost Comparison

Edge type alone doesn't determine cost — the tile product matters more. But within the same product line, edge types typically add:

Square lay-in: Base price
Square tegular: +$0.10-$0.30/SF
Angled tegular: +$0.25-$0.50/SF
Concealed: +$0.50-$1.50/SF (plus specialty grid cost)

The grid system adds cost for narrow-face and concealed options. 9/16" grid costs 15-25% more than 15/16". Concealed grid systems can cost 40-60% more than standard exposed grid. For detailed pricing, see our commercial ceiling cost guide.

Our Recommendation

For most commercial office projects, square tegular on 9/16" grid hits the sweet spot of appearance, cost, and accessibility. It looks professional, costs modestly more than lay-in, and still allows reasonable above-ceiling access. Save concealed edges for feature areas and high-end spaces where the budget supports it.

For visual reference, see our ceiling tile edge types chart.