How to Choose Between Grid Sizes: 15/16 vs 9/16
The grid face width changes the whole look of the ceiling. Here's what to consider.
When specifying a suspended acoustical ceiling, you've got two main grid face widths to choose from: 15/16" (standard) and 9/16" (narrow-face). Both work. Both hold the same tiles. But they look different, cost different, and have different compatibility considerations. Let's break it down.
15/16" Standard Grid
This is the workhorse. The majority of commercial ceilings in the country use 15/16" face width grid — it's what Armstrong Prelude, USG Donn DX, and Chicago Metallic 4000 series are all built around.
Advantages:
- Lowest cost — this is the most produced, most stocked grid profile
- Compatible with virtually every ceiling tile ever made
- Compatible with standard 2×4 and 2×2 lay-in light fixtures
- Easy to source from any distributor, anytime
- Strongest structural capacity — the wider face means more material
Disadvantages:
- The grid is visible. At nearly an inch wide, you see white lines across the whole ceiling. In budget office spaces, nobody cares. In a design-driven environment, it can look dated.
9/16" Narrow-Face Grid
Narrow-face grid cuts the visible grid width almost in half. The result is a ceiling that looks more monolithic — less grid, more tile. It's what architects spec when they want a cleaner, more modern aesthetic.
Advantages:
- Cleaner, more refined appearance
- Grid lines nearly disappear, especially with tegular-edge tiles
- Pairs well with premium tiles (Armstrong Ultima, Calla, CertainTeed Symphony)
- More popular in design-forward commercial spaces — offices, medical, hospitality
Disadvantages:
- Costs $0.50–$1.00/SF more than standard grid
- Not all light fixtures are compatible — many standard 2×4 lay-in troffers are designed for 15/16" grid. You need fixtures specifically made for 9/16" or use recessed cans.
- Slightly lower load capacity (rarely an issue in practice)
- Some basic tiles don't come in 9/16" compatible edge details
Tile Edge Compatibility
This is where it gets specific. Ceiling tile edge profiles interact with grid face width:
- Square edge (lay-in): Works with both 15/16" and 9/16" grid. The tile drops into the grid and sits on the flange. The grid face is visible.
- Tegular edge: The tile has a step-down edge that drops below the grid face. On 15/16" grid, you see a reveal with the grid behind it. On 9/16" grid, the reveal is tighter and the grid nearly disappears. Tegular + 9/16" is the premium look.
- Beveled tegular: Similar to tegular with an angled edge. Works with both grid sizes but looks best on 9/16".
Read our ceiling grid specs guide for detailed compatibility charts.
Cost Comparison
For a 5,000 SF office ceiling:
- 15/16" grid: ~$1.00–$1.50/SF for grid material
- 9/16" grid: ~$1.50–$2.50/SF for grid material
The difference is $2,500–$5,000 on a 5,000 SF project. In the context of a full tenant improvement, that's a small upcharge for a visible improvement in ceiling quality. For budget-driven projects or back-of-house spaces, it's money you don't need to spend.
When to Specify Each
Use 15/16" standard when:
- Budget is the priority
- Using standard lay-in light fixtures
- Back-of-house, utility, storage, warehouse office areas
- Basic tile spec (Armstrong 769 or equivalent)
Use 9/16" narrow-face when:
- Design and appearance matter
- Using tegular or beveled tegular tiles
- Premium tile spec (Ultima, Calla, Symphony)
- Reception areas, executive offices, medical, hospitality
- Using recessed lighting or 9/16"-compatible fixtures
Our Take
For front-of-house commercial spaces where clients and visitors see the ceiling, 9/16" grid with tegular tiles is worth the upgrade every time. For back-of-house and budget projects, 15/16" gets the job done.
Need help spec'ing grid for your project? Contact Elite Acoustics Inc — we'll recommend the right grid and tile combination for your space and budget.