Function

• A drop ceiling is used to finish off a room by covering the existing ceiling or deck. It may hide existing finishes that are in poor condition, which is often cheaper than making repairs. Drop ceilings are also used to conceal mechanical and electrical equipment. Because they are located some distance below the deck, a drop ceiling may be used to create a plenum space to carry air throughout the home for ventilation.
  
  

Benefits

• Suspended ceilings are one of the most affordable ceiling options available to builders. They are easy to install and maintain, and they offer many different looks to suit any decor. Drop ceilings provide easy access for renovations and repairs above the ceiling and help reduce noise in a room due to their sound-absorption capabilities.
  
  

Features

• Drop ceilings usually consist of steel framing members arranged in a grid. They may be installed to form 2-by-2-foot or 2-by-4-foot squares, depending on the type of tile being used. The grid is supported using perimeter molding, with metal wires installed at 16- to 24-inch intervals across the room. Recessed or panel lighting is often incorporated into the ceiling, along with heating and cooling grills and vents.
  
  

Types

• The most affordable and most common drop ceiling is the exposed grid system. With this type, the metal support grid is visible around each tile and is roughly 1 inch wide. Another option is a concealed grid, where the metal frames are hidden in the ceiling tiles. A concealed installation features only a thin joint between each tile and is used in high-end applications.
  
  

Drawbacks

• The biggest drawback associated with drop ceilings is a reduction in ceiling height. This type of installation may lower ceiling heights by a few inches or even a few feet, which can make a room look smaller and darker. Drop-ceiling tiles also tend to need replacement regularly, as they often start to show their age after only a few years.