It is said by some authorities that drop ceiling panels were invented in 1958, first used in commercial buildings and later for residences. The first ceilings were made of a common material called gypsum, a chalky compound now mostly used to manufacture drywall.
Once electricity, indoor plumbing, and central heating began to be installed in both existing buildings and new construction, the ceiling was determined to be the easiest place to utilize. At first, all wires, pipes, and ducts were exposed. You have probably seen old farmhouses with pipes running across the top of the kitchen and up the sides of staircases, painted to match the wall so they would not be too obvious.
Especially in commercial buildings, the profusion of these utilitarian components could be very untidy. Once the concept of a lightweight, suspended second ceiling was conceived, it became instantly popular. Consisting of a hanging grid suspended by wires, with spaces to hold tiles made of gypsum and later of tin or mineral fibers, the ceilings hid the wires and pipes but did not block access for maintenance and repair.
The basic design was a series of tiles in regular rows, interspersed with fluorescent lighting panels whose covers fit in the grid. Over time, leaks would result in staining and sagging of the tiles, or a tile would break and a gaping hole would remain until another could be fit in the space. Function definitely triumphed over any sort of decorating sense.
Although the two by four size is still marketed, a two by two panel is also available. The mineral fiber tile is only one option among many, as manufacturers have developed styles that range from reproductions of antique sculpted or tin to modern innovations.
Do it yourself home and business owners also love drop ceiling panels, which are easy to install and a very affordable way to finish a room.
Once electricity, indoor plumbing, and central heating began to be installed in both existing buildings and new construction, the ceiling was determined to be the easiest place to utilize. At first, all wires, pipes, and ducts were exposed. You have probably seen old farmhouses with pipes running across the top of the kitchen and up the sides of staircases, painted to match the wall so they would not be too obvious.
Especially in commercial buildings, the profusion of these utilitarian components could be very untidy. Once the concept of a lightweight, suspended second ceiling was conceived, it became instantly popular. Consisting of a hanging grid suspended by wires, with spaces to hold tiles made of gypsum and later of tin or mineral fibers, the ceilings hid the wires and pipes but did not block access for maintenance and repair.
The basic design was a series of tiles in regular rows, interspersed with fluorescent lighting panels whose covers fit in the grid. Over time, leaks would result in staining and sagging of the tiles, or a tile would break and a gaping hole would remain until another could be fit in the space. Function definitely triumphed over any sort of decorating sense.
Although the two by four size is still marketed, a two by two panel is also available. The mineral fiber tile is only one option among many, as manufacturers have developed styles that range from reproductions of antique sculpted or tin to modern innovations.
Do it yourself home and business owners also love drop ceiling panels, which are easy to install and a very affordable way to finish a room.
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