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Metal Ceilings

Clean, durable, modern. Metal ceiling panels for spaces that need to look sharp and last.

What Are Metal Ceilings?

Metal ceilings are ceiling systems made from aluminum, steel, or tin panels. They come in several formats: lay-in tiles that drop into a standard T-bar grid, snap-in panels with concealed grid, linear strips, and custom-formed panels. Metal ceilings are chosen for their durability, moisture resistance, and the clean modern aesthetic they bring to commercial spaces.

Types of Metal Ceiling Systems

  • Lay-in metal tiles: Metal panels that drop into a standard 15/16" or 9/16" T-bar grid, just like acoustical tiles. Available in 2×2 and 2×4 formats. The easiest metal ceiling to install.
  • Snap-in / clip-in panels: Metal tiles that attach to a concealed carrier system. No visible grid. Creates a monolithic metal plane.
  • Linear metal strips: Long, narrow metal panels that run in parallel. Creates a directional, modern look. Available in various widths (2"–8") with open or closed joints.
  • Custom panels: Perforated patterns, curved panels, shaped panels — metal can be formed into almost anything.

Commercial Applications

  • Auto dealerships — Showrooms love metal ceilings. Clean, bright, and tough enough to handle the environment.
  • Retail — Modern stores, especially electronics and fashion, use metal ceilings for a premium look.
  • Airports and transit — Durable, easy to maintain, and resistant to humidity from open doors and unconditioned spaces.
  • Healthcare — Metal tiles with antimicrobial coatings work in clean rooms, labs, and surgical suites.
  • Commercial kitchens — Moisture-proof and washable. Metal handles grease and steam better than acoustical tiles.
  • Lobbies and common areas — Architectural statement ceilings. Metal panels in custom patterns make a space stand out.

Benefits

  • Durability: Metal doesn't sag, stain, or degrade over time. It looks the same in year 20 as it did on install day.
  • Moisture resistance: Won't absorb water. No mold, no warping, no sag. Works in humid and wet environments.
  • Acoustic options: Perforated metal panels with acoustical fleece backing achieve NRC 0.60–0.90. Solid panels reflect sound (use where you want it bright and lively).
  • Fire rating: Non-combustible. Meets the toughest fire codes.
  • Cleanable: Wipe down with a damp cloth. Power-wash in commercial kitchen applications.
  • Design variety: Dozens of panel profiles, hundreds of colors, wood-grain finishes, custom perforation patterns, curved and angled options.
  • Recyclable: Aluminum and steel are 100% recyclable. Good for green building credits.

Specs

  • Materials: Aluminum (most common), galvanized steel, stainless steel, tin
  • Panel sizes: 2×2, 2×4 (lay-in); 2"–8" wide strips (linear); custom
  • NRC (perforated with backing): 0.60–0.90
  • NRC (solid): 0.05–0.10
  • Finish: Powder coat, anodized, wood-grain, mirror, brushed
  • Fire rating: Non-combustible

Installation

Lay-in metal tiles install the same way as acoustical tiles — hang the grid, drop in the panels. Our T-bar crews handle these all the time.

Snap-in and clip-in systems use a proprietary carrier system. We hang the carriers on threaded rod, level everything, then clip each panel into the carrier. Panels are removable for plenum access, even though the grid is hidden.

Linear metal strips mount to carrier channels. The strips snap or hook onto the carriers. Spacing between strips is adjustable — close them up for a nearly solid look or space them apart for an open-joint design.

Metal panels are heavier than acoustical tiles, so we verify hanger capacity before starting. Most standard hangars handle the load, but we check.

Manufacturers

Armstrong MetalWorks is the most commonly specified metal ceiling line in our market. They offer lay-in, clip-in, linear, and custom metal options all under one brand. We also install metal ceilings from Chicago Metallic, Hunter Douglas, and Lindner for specialty projects.

Get a Quote

Metal ceilings range from simple grid-and-tile to fully custom. Tell us what you're working with and we'll price it. Contact us for a free estimate.

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