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Ceiling Tile Buying Guide

Everything you need to know before buying commercial ceiling tiles. From a contractor who installs them every day.

Step 1: Understand Your Space

Before picking a tile, figure out what the room needs. Different spaces have different requirements:

  • Standard office: Moderate noise absorption, basic privacy, clean appearance. NRC 0.55+, CAC 33+.
  • Conference room: Higher absorption for clear speech. Some sound blocking to adjacent spaces. NRC 0.65+, CAC 35+.
  • Medical office: Speech privacy (HIPAA). High CAC to block sound through the plenum. NRC 0.65+, CAC 40+.
  • Open-plan office: Maximum absorption to reduce noise buildup. High Articulation Class. NRC 0.70+, AC 170+.
  • Kitchen or wet area: Moisture resistance above all. Washable surface. Use vinyl-faced or metal tiles.
  • School classroom: Clear speech from teacher to back of room. ANSI S12.60 compliance. NRC 0.70+.

Step 2: Choose Your Material

Mineral Fiber

The most common ceiling tile material. Made from mineral wool, clay, and recycled paper. Cost-effective, good fire resistance, decent acoustic performance. This is what goes in 80% of commercial spaces. Products: Armstrong Cortega, USG Radar, CertainTeed Baroque.

Price range: $0.80–$2.50/sq ft (material only)

Fiberglass

Higher acoustic performance than mineral fiber. Smooth face, premium look. Used in spaces where acoustics matter more — conference rooms, healthcare, performing arts. Products: Armstrong Ultima, USG Halcyon, Ecophon Focus.

Price range: $2.00–$6.00/sq ft

Metal

Aluminum or steel panels. Durable, moisture-proof, washable. Non-combustible. Used in kitchens, lobbies, and modern spaces. Perforated versions with acoustic backing provide sound absorption.

Price range: $3.00–$12.00/sq ft

Wood

Real wood veneer or solid wood panels. Premium look for lobbies, restaurants, and high-end spaces. Custom-made to order.

Price range: $15.00–$50.00+/sq ft

Step 3: Pick Your Size

Commercial ceiling tiles come in two standard sizes:

  • 2'×2': The most popular for commercial work. Creates a grid pattern with shorter spans. Easier to handle and replace. Most product lines are available in 2×2.
  • 2'×4': Fewer grid lines visible, which some people prefer aesthetically. Slightly faster to install. Less product variety than 2×2.

If you're replacing existing tiles, match the existing size unless you're also replacing the grid.

Step 4: Select the Edge Profile

  • Square lay-in: Tile sits on the grid flange. Grid is fully visible. Most economical.
  • Tegular (stepped edge): Tile drops below the grid, creating a shadow line. Grid is partially visible. More dimensional look.
  • 9/16" tegular: Same as tegular but fits the narrow-face 9/16" grid. Sleeker, more modern appearance.
  • Concealed: Tile edges interlock and hide the grid completely. Monolithic ceiling look. Higher cost.

Step 5: Check the Ratings

  • NRC (Noise Reduction Coefficient): How much sound the tile absorbs. 0.50 = absorbs half the sound hitting it. 0.90 = absorbs 90%. Higher is quieter. Full NRC/CAC explanation →
  • CAC (Ceiling Attenuation Class): How well the ceiling blocks sound between rooms. 35+ for standard offices. 40+ for private offices and healthcare.
  • Fire rating: Class A (flame spread 0-25) is standard for commercial. Most tiles are Class A.
  • Light reflectance (LR): How much light the tile bounces back. Higher LR = brighter room. 0.83+ is typical for white tiles.
  • Humidity resistance: Standard tiles handle up to 70% RH. For high-humidity areas (pools, kitchens), you need tiles rated for 95-100% RH.

Step 6: Choose a Manufacturer

The three major manufacturers are:

  • Armstrong — Widest product selection. Strongest distribution. Most commonly specified.
  • USG — Strong product line. Donn grid is excellent. Good for seismic applications in California.
  • CertainTeed — Competitive pricing. Ecophon line for premium acoustics.

For standard commercial tiles, the performance differences between manufacturers are small. Price, availability, and architect preference usually drive the decision.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Buying on price alone. The cheapest tile might not meet the acoustic spec. Check NRC and CAC before comparing price.
  • Wrong edge for the grid. A 15/16" tegular tile won't fit a 9/16" grid. Match the edge to the grid you have (or are installing).
  • Ignoring humidity. Standard tiles in a high-humidity space will sag within months. Spend more on humidity-resistant tile now or replace them later.
  • Forgetting the grid. Old grid can look bad even with new tiles. If the grid is rusted, bent, or yellowed, replace it with the tiles.
  • Not ordering extra. Order 5-10% extra for cuts, waste, and future replacements. Matching tiles years later can be difficult if the product is discontinued.

Need Help?

We help building owners and architects select ceiling tiles every week. Tell us about your space and we'll recommend the right product at the right price. Contact us for a free consultation.