Above: Antique Pewter Finish - Real Tin Tiles. Installed by Urban Revivals LLC

Installation Methods for Tin and Faux Tin Ceilings

Real Metal Ceilings.

Furring Strips. Are typically installed by nailing the metal tiles into furring strips which have been attached to the ceilings. Furring strips (1" wide mullion strips) are spaced every foot or every two feet depending on the size of the tin (steel or aluminum) panel. Furring strips are placed perpendicular to the joists and anchored into the joists using trim screws or nails. Attractive bead-head nails are used to attach the tin tiles to the furring strips. Furring strips and tiles should be centered within the ceiling area.

Wood Substrate Nail-Up. Nail-up may also be made over any wood substrate such as 3/8" thick plywood.

Suspension Grids. Panels may also be lain in standard 2' by 2' suspension grids which are hung from the ceiling via 12 gauge steel wire.

Direct Attachment with Screws and SnapLock flanges - These real metal panels, made by American Tin Ceilings, screw directly into the ceiling. The panels interlock based on flanges projecting from the edges. Caution should be used over popcorn ceilings, though it works well for ceilings with some degree of texture. No furring strips required. Manufacturer provides complete instructions and special anchor screws.

Armstrong Ceiling Tiles.

Glue-Up. A tacky ceiling adhesive can be used (Henry's is recommended), with a dollop placed on the 4 corners of the tile an inch or so back from the edges. Tiles are interlocked and glued to the ceiling. A smooth intact drywall or plywood substrate is required.

Furring Strips or Easy-Up Installation Kit. Conventional furring strips may also be used placed 1' apart. The Armstrong Easy Up Kit allows clips to "grab" the flanges of the tiles, holding them in place against the ceiling in a tightly interlocked position.

Polyurethane, Vinyl, or Thermoplastic Tiles.

These tiles are typically suspended in a 1" T-bar grid system, but some manufacturers support glue-up installations. When glue-up installations are used, some manufacturers provide strips, applied by adhesive or staples, that cover the seams.

Stainless Steel Tiles under 1' Square.

Depending on the manufacturer, these tiles may generally be applied using a very tacky adhesive, such as Loctite's® Power Grab.