Ceiling Tile Edge Types Chart
Visual reference for every ceiling tile edge profile used in commercial construction. Bookmark this for quick reference when specifying or identifying tile types on existing projects.
Edge Profile Cross-Sections
Square Lay-In (Flat)
┌──────────────────────┐
│ │ ← Tile face (flush with grid)
│ TILE BODY │
│ │
└──┬──┘ └──┬┘
│ GRID TEE │
───┴──────────────────┴─── - Grid compatibility: 15/16" and 9/16"
- Tile position: Face flush with top of grid tee
- Appearance: Full grid tee visible between tiles
- Access: Easiest — lift tile straight up
- Cost: Base price (most affordable)
- Best for: Budget projects, back-of-house, warehouses
Square Tegular
┌──────────────────────┐ │ │ ← Tile face (below grid) │ TILE BODY │ │ ┌──┘ └──┐│ │ │ GRID TEE ││ └──┤ (hidden) ├┘ ───┴──────────────────┴───
- Grid compatibility: Must match grid width (15/16" or 9/16")
- Tile position: Face drops below grid — reveals shadow line
- Appearance: Narrow reveal with shadow; grid partially hidden
- Access: Angle tile to lift past grid flange
- Cost: +$0.10-$0.30/SF over lay-in
- Best for: Class A offices, healthcare, corporate, hospitality
Angled Tegular (Beveled)
┌──────────────────────┐ │ │ ← Tile face (below grid) │ TILE BODY │ │╲ ╱│ ← Angled edge │ ┌──┘ └──┐ │ └──┤ GRID TEE ├──┘ ───┴────────────────┴───
- Grid compatibility: Must match grid width
- Tile position: Below grid with beveled transition
- Appearance: Softer shadow line; sculpted, architectural feel
- Access: Same as square tegular
- Cost: +$0.25-$0.50/SF over lay-in
- Best for: Executive spaces, performing arts, upscale retail
Reveal Edge
┌────────────┐ ┌────────────┐
│ │ │ │
│ TILE │ │ TILE │
│ └──┐│ │┌──┘ │
└───────┤ ├┘ └┤ ├───────┘
────────┤ T ├──────┤ T ├────────
└───┘ └───┘
Wide reveal between tiles - Grid compatibility: Specialty wide-flange grid
- Tile position: Recessed with defined channel between tiles
- Appearance: Strong linear pattern; deep shadow channels
- Access: Moderate — depends on system
- Cost: +$0.50-$1.00/SF over lay-in (plus specialty grid)
- Best for: Institutional, government, design-driven commercial
Concealed (Kerfed)
┌────────────────────────────┐
│ TILE A │ TILE B│
│ │ │
│ ┌─┐ │ │
│ kerf│T│kerf │
└──────────────┴─┴───────────┘
Tiles butt together, grid hidden - Grid compatibility: Proprietary concealed grid only
- Tile position: Tiles interlock; grid completely hidden
- Appearance: Monolithic — looks like drywall from below
- Access: Difficult — tiles interlock, must remove in sequence
- Cost: +$0.50-$1.50/SF over lay-in (plus concealed grid premium)
- Best for: Executive suites, high-end retail, boutique hospitality
Micro-Reveal / Fine Line
┌──────────────────────┐ │ │ ← Tile face │ TILE BODY │ │ ╲┌──┘ └──┐╱│← Small chamfer └──┤ GRID TEE ├──┘ ───┴──────────────────┴───
- Grid compatibility: 15/16" or 9/16"
- Tile position: Below grid with subtle edge chamfer
- Appearance: V-groove effect; minimal shadow
- Access: Same as tegular
- Cost: +$0.15-$0.35/SF over lay-in
- Best for: Modern offices wanting subtle detail
Critical: Grid Width Must Match Edge Type
⚠ Common Ordering Mistake
Tegular tiles are manufactured for specific grid widths. A tegular tile designed for 15/16" grid has a wider rabbet than one designed for 9/16" grid. If you order the wrong combination, tiles won't sit properly — they'll either fall through the grid or sit too high. Always verify the grid face width before ordering tegular tiles.
Lay-in tiles are universal and work with either grid width. Concealed tiles only work with their proprietary concealed grid system.
Quick Selection Guide
| Priority | Recommended Edge |
|---|---|
| Lowest cost | Square lay-in on 15/16" grid |
| Best value for professional spaces | Square tegular on 9/16" grid |
| Highest-end standard option | Angled tegular on 9/16" grid |
| No visible grid | Concealed edge on concealed grid |
| Easiest above-ceiling access | Square lay-in (any grid) |
| Matching existing ceiling | Match existing edge AND grid width exactly |