When a project calls for something beyond standard T-bar, the conversation usually lands on wood or metal. Both are specialty ceiling systems that transform a space. We install both regularly — wood grille, wood plank, metal panels, metal linear — and they each have clear strengths and weaknesses. Here's the real comparison.
Aesthetics
Wood ceilings bring warmth. There's no getting around it — wood makes a space feel natural, high-end, and inviting. Hotel lobbies, corporate headquarters, university commons, upscale restaurants. When the architect wants warmth, wood is the answer. Species choices range from oak and walnut (rich, dark) to maple and ash (light, Scandinavian). Stain options are almost unlimited.
Metal ceilings bring edge. Clean lines, modern finishes, industrial-meets-refined. Metal works in tech offices, airports, transit stations, retail flagships, and healthcare. Finish options include white, silver, bronze, copper, black, wood-look laminates, and custom colors. You can get perforated metal for acoustics, solid for a clean look, or mesh for transparency.
Verdict: Depends on the design intent. Wood for warm. Metal for modern. Neither is "better" — they serve different aesthetics.
Cost
| System | Material $/sf | Installed $/sf |
|---|---|---|
| Wood Grille (9Wood/Rulon) | $15–$35 | $30–$60+ |
| Wood Plank | $10–$25 | $25–$50 |
| Metal Panel (lay-in) | $5–$12 | $10–$22 |
| Metal Linear | $8–$18 | $15–$30 |
| Metal Mesh/Custom | $12–$25 | $20–$40 |
Metal is significantly cheaper for standard applications. A metal lay-in ceiling costs roughly half what a wood grille ceiling costs. For budget-conscious projects that still want a premium look, metal panels with a wood-look laminate finish offer a good compromise at $12–$20/sf installed.
Verdict: Metal wins on cost. Wood costs 2–3x more for comparable coverage.
Acoustic Performance
Wood ceilings: Wood itself doesn't absorb much sound. Wood grille systems get their acoustics from an acoustic backer — usually a black fiberglass panel mounted above the grille. This combination can achieve NRC 0.60–0.85 depending on the backer and spacing. Wood plank systems with perforations and backers also hit good numbers. Without a backer, a wood ceiling is acoustically reflective (NRC 0.10–0.15).
Metal ceilings: Same story. Solid metal panels are reflective. Perforated metal panels with an acoustic fleece backer achieve NRC 0.60–0.90. The perforation pattern and backer thickness determine the rating. Armstrong MetalWorks perforated panels with acoustic pads hit NRC 0.85.
Verdict: Tie. Both rely on backers/perforations for absorption. Both can achieve good NRC ratings with the right configuration.
Durability and Maintenance
Wood: Sensitive to moisture. Wood ceilings in high-humidity environments (pools, kitchens) can warp, cup, or develop mold. Needs to be in climate-controlled spaces. UV exposure can change the color over time. Scratches and dents are harder to repair — you might need to refinish or replace individual pieces. On the plus side, wood can be sanded and refinished if needed.
Metal: Extremely durable. Powder-coated aluminum doesn't rust, fade, warp, or grow mold. It handles humidity well — metal ceilings work in pools, kitchens, and exterior soffits. Easy to clean with a damp cloth. If a panel gets dented, you replace that one panel. Metal ceilings last 30+ years with minimal maintenance.
Verdict: Metal wins on durability. It's tougher, more moisture-resistant, and lower maintenance.
Fire Rating
Wood: Requires fire-retardant treatment (FRT) to meet Class A fire ratings in most commercial applications. The treatment adds cost ($2–$5/sf depending on the species). Some species naturally perform better in fire tests than others. Check local code requirements — some jurisdictions have additional restrictions on wood ceilings in certain occupancies.
Metal: Non-combustible by nature. Aluminum and steel are Class A without any treatment. Metal ceilings simplify fire code compliance, especially in assembly, healthcare, and high-rise occupancies.
Verdict: Metal wins. Non-combustible out of the box.
Installation
Both require experienced specialty installers — that's us. But there are differences:
Wood: Heavier. Requires robust suspension systems. Individual pieces need careful alignment — wood grille spacing has to be consistent across the entire run, which takes time. Field modifications (cuts, notches around penetrations) are slower. A 1,000 sf wood grille ceiling takes our crew about 4–5 days.
Metal: Lighter. Standard metal panels drop into a standard grid or clip to a carrier system. Field cuts are fast with aviation snips or a nibbler. Perforated panels need careful handling to avoid bending. A 1,000 sf metal panel ceiling takes 2–3 days.
Verdict: Metal installs faster and easier. Wood takes more time and precision.
Best Applications
Choose wood when:
- Design calls for natural warmth and biophilic elements
- Hotel lobbies, corporate reception areas, high-end restaurants
- LEED projects pursuing biophilic design credits
- Budget supports $30–$60+/sf installed
- Space is climate-controlled with stable humidity
Choose metal when:
- Modern, clean aesthetic is the goal
- Moisture or humidity is a concern (pools, kitchens, exterior)
- Budget is tighter but you still want premium look
- High-traffic areas where durability matters (airports, retail, transit)
- Fire code requirements are strict
Our Take
We love installing both. Wood ceilings are satisfying work — there's craftsmanship involved in getting a wood grille ceiling perfectly aligned. Metal ceilings are efficient and look sharp when they're done. If a client asks us which to choose and they can afford either, we ask about the design intent first. Warm and natural? Wood. Clean and modern? Metal. Sometimes we install both in the same building — wood in the lobby, metal in the corridors.