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Lay-In vs Tegular Ceiling Tiles: Edge Detail Comparison

The edge detail on a ceiling tile changes how the entire ceiling looks. Lay-in and tegular are the two most common edge profiles, and choosing between them is one of the first decisions in any ceiling spec. Here's the practical difference.

What's the Difference?

Lay-in (square edge): The tile drops into the grid and sits with its face flush with the bottom of the grid tee. The grid face is visible between tiles. Simple, functional, and the default for most commercial ceilings.

Tegular: The tile has a stepped or rabbeted edge that drops the tile face below the grid line by about ¼" to ⅜". This creates a reveal — a visible shadow line between each tile — and partially hides the grid tee behind the step. The result is a more architectural, three-dimensional look.

Visual Impact

This is the main reason to choose one over the other. Lay-in ceilings look flat and utilitarian. The grid is fully visible. It reads as "office ceiling" — functional but not a design feature.

Tegular ceilings have depth. The shadow lines created by the step-down give the ceiling visual texture. It reads as more intentional, more designed. In spaces where the ceiling is visible and matters to the occupant experience — lobbies, conference rooms, executive offices, medical waiting rooms — tegular is the usual choice.

Cost Difference

Tegular tiles cost more than their lay-in equivalents, typically 15–30% more for the same material and acoustic performance. The grid is the same cost. Installation labor is essentially the same — tegular tiles drop in just like lay-in tiles.

For a 10,000 SF office ceiling, the upgrade from lay-in to tegular might add $3,000–$8,000 to the material cost. Not trivial, but small relative to the total project budget. See our ceiling cost guide for broader pricing context.

Tile Availability

Most ceiling tile product lines are available in both edge profiles. Armstrong Cortega comes in lay-in (square) and tegular. Same for USG Radar, CertainTeed BET-197, Armstrong Ultima, and others. Some specialty products are only available in one profile — check the product data sheet.

Common tiles we install in both profiles:

Access to Above-Ceiling Space

Both lay-in and tegular tiles lift out easily for access to the plenum above. There's no functional difference in accessibility. Both sit in the grid by gravity — push up, tilt, and they come out.

Grid Compatibility

Tegular tiles work with standard 15/16" and 9/16" grid. The step on the tile edge sits on the grid tee the same way a lay-in tile does — the contact point is the same. No special grid required.

That said, tegular tiles look best with 9/16" narrow-face grid because less grid face is visible. The combination of tegular edge + narrow grid creates the most refined appearance. Our grid size guide covers this pairing.

Variants

Within tegular, there are sub-types:

  • Square tegular: The step has a square profile. Clean, contemporary.
  • Angled tegular: The step has a beveled profile. Softer shadow line.
  • Reveal edge: Some manufacturers offer a wider reveal for a more dramatic effect.

When to Specify Each

Choose Lay-In When:

  • Budget is the primary driver
  • The space is utilitarian (back-of-house, storage, mechanical rooms)
  • Frequent above-ceiling access is expected and speed matters
  • The ceiling isn't a design priority

Choose Tegular When:

  • The space is customer-facing or architecturally significant
  • The spec calls for an elevated appearance
  • You're pairing with 9/16" narrow grid for a refined look
  • The architect or designer has specified a reveal

Our Recommendation

For most commercial projects, we install lay-in in back-of-house and tegular in public-facing areas. It's a smart split that keeps cost controlled where appearance doesn't matter and invests in appearance where it does.

Need help deciding? Contact Elite Acoustics Inc for a consultation on your project.

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