Tin Ceiling Resource Guide

By Urban Revivals LLC, a DC firm specializing in historic preservation. Please refer to manufacturer literature for the latest information on tin ceilings.

We were recently featured in the Washington Times for our advice on tin ceilings, and in the Washington Post for creating decorative ceiling treatments. (read our press)

Faux Leather Ceiling Tiles, Finished by Urban Revivals and installed in Rockville MD. Tiles are a rich mottled brown with rust glazing and copper sheen.

Buying a Tin Ceiling. The Cost Drivers.

The chart below summarizes the major cost considerations in a tin or faux tin ceiling. The costs are related to both materials, labor for finishing the tiles (if any), and the work to install the tiles. Some design solutions provide additional detailing tasks that can add extra beauty to your ceiling. Please see our other cost pages for some per sq. ft. pricing. This page is intended to show you what are the drivers in picking a ornamental ceiling design.

RED = High Cost or High Labor Effort. RED labor costs can be greatly reduced by the do-it-yourselfer.

YELLOW = Medium Cost (relative to other design choices).

GREEN = Lowest cost or least labor intensive approach

Tin Ceiling Tiles Prefinished	Unfinished Steel or Aluminum Tiles	Plaster Tiles	Armstrong Ceiling Tiles	Thermoplastic & High Density Polyurethane
Vendors: American Tin Ceilings M Boss Inc. Classic Ceilings	Classic Ceilings Renovator's Supply	Ornamental Plaster Ceiling Tiles Balmer Plaster	Armstrong Industries and their distributors (see ceilings.com)	Ceilings Magnifique Surfacing Solutions CeilingTilesByUs Ceilume Cumberland WoodCraft
Material Cost Per Sq. Ft.: High	Medium	High	Medium	Low - Medium
Additional Finishing Costs: N/A	Low - Medium. Oil Polyurethanes require more labor.	Low	Low	N/A
Installation Costs: High. Costs can be reduced with brands that directly attach to ceiling.	High	High	Medium	Medium
Incidental Costs: Medium - High. Hammered filler panels and metal cornices make wonderful companion products.	Medium - High. Hammered filler panels and metal cornices make wonderful companion products.	Medium - High. Plaster corbels and door pediments and plaster ceiling medallions make wonderful companion products.	Low - Medium. Typically accompanied by painted wood or polyurethane cornice molding.	Low - Medium. Typically accompanied by painted wood or polyurethane cornice molding.

Note: Stainless steel metal tiles are now available. Their cost is in the mid-range, and installation is low-medium in cost and complexity.

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