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Published 2026-02-18 · 8 min read

9Wood vs Rulon: Wood Ceiling Manufacturer Comparison

Two of the best wood ceiling manufacturers in the US. Different approaches, different strengths. Here's how they compare from an installer's perspective.

When an architect specs a wood ceiling, the two names that come up most often are 9Wood and Rulon International. Both make excellent products. Both have been around for decades. Both are specified on high-end commercial projects across the country. But they're different companies with different product lines, different manufacturing approaches, and different strengths.

We've installed products from both manufacturers, so this isn't a theoretical comparison. It's based on what we see in the shop drawings, what shows up on the jobsite, and how the finished product looks on the ceiling.

Company Backgrounds

9Wood is based in Springfield, Oregon. They focus exclusively on wood ceilings and walls — that's all they do. Their product line covers grille, plank, tile, and custom systems. They manufacture everything in their Oregon facility.

Rulon International is based in St. Augustine, Florida. They also specialize in wood and wood-look acoustic products — ceilings, walls, and baffles. They've been in the business since 1982 and have a strong reputation for custom work.

Both are real wood ceiling specialists — not big conglomerates that happen to make a wood ceiling product as a sideline.

Product Lines

9Wood

  • 1100 Cross Piece Grille: Open-cell wood grille with cross members. The classic open-ceiling wood treatment.
  • 2100 Panelized Linear: Linear wood strips on a panelized backing. Faster installation than stick-built.
  • 2300 Tongue & Groove Linear: Tight-joint linear panels with concealed fasteners.
  • 3100 Acoustic Plank: Perforated wood planks with acoustic backing. Good NRC ratings while keeping the wood look.
  • 4100 Tile: Wood tiles that fit into standard grid systems. Easiest path to a wood look on a conventional grid.
  • Custom: Curved panels, sloped installations, and one-off designs.

Rulon International

  • Alustra: Aluminum substrate with real wood veneer. Lighter weight, moisture-resistant, and available in long spans.
  • Alustra Acoustical: Perforated Alustra panels with acoustic backing. Strong NRC performance.
  • RuggedWood: High-durability wood ceiling for humid and exterior applications.
  • Sculpt: 3D shaped wood panels for feature walls and ceilings.
  • Linear: Standard linear wood planks in various widths and profiles.
  • Grille: Open-cell wood grille systems similar to 9Wood's grille offerings.

Key Differences

Manufacturing Approach

9Wood works primarily with solid wood and engineered wood products. Their panels are manufactured in standard configurations that can be customized within their system parameters. The panelized approach (pre-assembled panels on a backing frame) speeds up field installation significantly.

Rulon leans heavily into their Alustra technology — aluminum core with wood veneer. This gives them advantages in moisture resistance, weight, and span length. Solid wood products are also available, but Alustra is their differentiator.

For straight wood-on-wood applications, 9Wood's approach is straightforward and proven. For environments where moisture is a concern (pools, exterior soffits, high-humidity spaces), Rulon's Alustra has a real advantage.

Acoustic Options

Both manufacturers offer acoustic versions of their wood panels. The approach is similar — perforated or slotted wood face with an acoustic backer (typically black acoustic fleece over fiberglass or mineral fiber).

  • 9Wood acoustic planks: NRC 0.60-0.85 depending on perforation pattern and backer thickness
  • Rulon Alustra Acoustical: NRC 0.55-0.80 depending on configuration

Both deliver real sound absorption while maintaining the wood aesthetic. The perforations are small enough that you don't notice them from the floor — you see wood, not holes.

Lead Times

Wood ceiling products are manufactured to order. Neither manufacturer keeps finished product in stock. Typical lead times:

  • 9Wood: 6-10 weeks for standard products. 10-14 weeks for custom configurations. Shop drawing approval is the critical path — get submittals in early.
  • Rulon: 8-12 weeks for standard products. 12-16 weeks for Alustra and custom work. The aluminum substrate manufacturing adds time.

On tight schedules, 9Wood's standard product lead times give them an edge. For projects with long design phases and plenty of lead time, the difference is less meaningful.

Pricing

Both are premium products, and pricing varies significantly by configuration, wood species, finish, and project size. Rough material cost ranges:

  • 9Wood grille systems: $15-35/SF material
  • 9Wood linear/plank: $20-45/SF material
  • Rulon linear: $22-50/SF material
  • Rulon Alustra: $28-55/SF material

Add installation labor (typically $8-15/SF for grille systems and $10-20/SF for plank systems) for total installed cost. Use our Material Cost Estimator for budgeting.

Species and Finishes

Both manufacturers work with most common wood species:

  • Standard: White oak, maple, walnut, cherry
  • Specialty: Douglas fir, cedar, teak, reclaimed wood
  • FSC-certified options available from both (important for LEED projects)

Finish options include clear coat, stain, paint, and custom color matching. Both manufacturers can match existing wood finishes in renovation projects — provide a sample and they'll match it.

When to Choose 9Wood

  • Standard grille and linear applications where solid wood is the right material
  • Projects with tight schedules that need shorter lead times
  • Budget-conscious projects that still need real wood (their panelized systems reduce installation labor)
  • Projects where the spec calls specifically for 9Wood (many architects have a preference)

When to Choose Rulon

  • High-humidity environments where moisture resistance matters (Alustra)
  • Exterior soffits and covered outdoor applications (RuggedWood)
  • Projects requiring long unsupported spans (Alustra's aluminum core is stronger per weight)
  • 3D sculptural applications (Sculpt product line)
  • Projects where the spec calls for Rulon

The Third Option: Armstrong WoodWorks

Worth mentioning: Armstrong's WoodWorks line is a third option for wood ceilings. It's more budget-friendly than 9Wood or Rulon, with shorter lead times and integration with Armstrong's standard grid systems. The trade-off is fewer customization options and a more limited range of wood species. For projects where the budget doesn't support 9Wood or Rulon, WoodWorks is a solid alternative.

Let Us Help You Choose

We've installed all three — 9Wood, Rulon, and Armstrong WoodWorks. We know the products, the installation requirements, and the pricing. If you're specifying a wood ceiling and want an installer's perspective on which product fits your project, give us a call. We'll help you match the right manufacturer to your design, budget, and schedule.