Buying tin? Or buying Armstrong, plaster, or the new plastic tiles? Making this decision isn't easy.

Historic purists want real metal ceilings. There is no substitute for real finished tin, but today's alternate materials have some advantages in cost, functionality, or ease of use. It's worth a look to determine what can work for your bedroom or bathroom, which types can be cut with a utility knife, and what brands can be directly attached or glued up. In addition, today's tin ceilings come in a staggering array of no-tarnish colors. While furring strips remain the standard means for tin panel installation, new methods forgo that labor-intensive step. And, with the new powder-coated finishes, new stainless steel tiles, and colored thermoplastics, you have a lot of new choices to make. You can even install now over popcorn ceilings!

This site is intended to help you sort through products, pick the products you need, to meet your budget and decorating tastes.

In addition, take a look at the embossed coverings such as Old World wallpapers, anaglypta, and metal filler panels that can add texture and variety to your ceiling. Even artfully stenciled ceilings can bring a touch of the Old World into your new (or old) home!

Pictures shown: Top and Left: American Tin ceiling installed by Urban Revivals LLC near Washington DC. Top Left Corner: Hand finished Armstrong tiles, shown in antique gold, and aged bronze, finished by Urban Revivals LLC in Washington DC.