Many people think of drop ceilings and drop ceiling panels as the unattractive, plain panels seen in so many office buildings.  They couldn't be farther from the truth.  Although drop ceiling tiles were originally developed as an inexpensive, practical way to lower the ceilings in cavernous office buildings while retaining access to plumbing and wiring, today's drop ceiling panels offer style, exceptional sound absorption and easy care to homeowners.

You can generally find three different types of drop ceiling tiles to choose from.  Gypsum is very similar to drywall and is made from pressed minerals made into dense, semi-rigid sheets or squares.  Plaster drop ceiling tiles are sometimes used for the most elaborate styles because of plaster's exceptional ability to retain crisp detail on even the most complex designs.  You can leave your gypsum and plaster tiles plain (usually a pure white color), or prime and paint them to match the decor of your room.  Fiberglass drop ceiling panels are lightweight and inexpensive, but shouldn't be painted, as they can flake and peel.

You install a drop ceiling by first installing a grid that is suspended by wires from the existing ceiling, then simply laying the drop ceiling tiles in place in the thin metal or PVC strips that form the grid.  There are several advantages to this system of ceiling renovation:

-        Drop ceiling tiles cover up old ceiling damage.  Whether it's a sagging ceiling, old water damage or a botched patching job, installing a dropped ceiling is a quick way to camouflage the damage and give you a fresh, clean ceiling.

-       Drop ceiling panels give easy access to wiring and plumbing.  This is particularly helpful when you're renovating a basement, where the ductwork, wiring and plumbing is usually exposed in the ceiling.  With a drop ceiling, you can cover all of these elements but still have easy access to them any time you need to make repairs.  It's much more expensive to try and pull wire through drywall or to have to rip out part of your plaster ceiling to reach problem plumbing.  With a drop ceiling, you simply push up on and remove a few of the drop ceiling tiles, then put them back in place once you've completed any needed repairs.  No muss, no fuss!

-        You can easily update the look of a room with drop ceilings.  If you decide you want to remodel the room five years from you, simply buy new drop ceiling tiles in a different style or color.  There's no need to do anything to the existing grid and you won't have to do another expensive and time-consuming installation; just pop out the older tiles and drop in the new ones.  Another great advantage?  If you love your drop ceiling tiles, you can take them with you when you move!  Simply install a new grid in the next room and drop in the tiles you love.

-        Drop ceiling tiles improve the acoustics in a room.  Today's ceiling tiles and panels have increased sound absorption.  If you're putting in a home theater or music room, acoustic drop ceiling tiles will improve the sound quality of the room and enhance your enjoyment of movies and music.

-        Drop ceiling tiles come in every imaginable style.  You can find ornately detailed classic ceiling tiles that feature scrollwork and floral motifs for a traditional dining room, or ultra-modern geometrics for your contemporary living room.