How much does it cost to install a suspended acoustic ceiling?

Reviewed by Cristina Miguelez remodeling expert. Written by Fixr.com.

A “drop ceiling” is any secondary ceiling hung below the main ceiling. Although the terminology may be confusing to some, a drop ceiling is the same thing as a suspended acoustic ceiling. It’s also referred to as T-bar ceiling, false ceiling, grid ceiling, drop-in ceiling, drop-out ceiling, or ceiling tiles. The national average cost for installing a drop ceiling is between $955 and $1,510, with most people paying around $1,494 for a 130 sq.ft. plastic suspended ceiling with trim. 

Suspended Acoustic Ceiling Cost

Drop Ceiling Cost per Square Foot

The total cost to install a drop ceiling depends on the exact type and design that you choose. The average cost to install a drop ceiling when hiring a contractor is $9.35 per square foot including labor costs.

Suspended Ceiling Grid Cost per Square Foot

Suspended ceilings consist of two parts: the grid and the tiles. The grid consists of a system of T-bars that is attached to the walls and holds the ceiling tiles/panels in position. You can expect to pay anywhere between $1.50 and $2.25 per square foot for the grid rails, without installation. The added cost of hiring a handyman or a licensed contractor is between $35 and $80 per hour.

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Ceiling Tiles Cost by Material

There are different tile materials you can use for your drop ceiling, all of which provide different features and come at different prices. The most commonly used materials for drop ceiling tiles are wood, mineral fibers/fiberboard, plastic, and tin/metal.

The exact cost of a ceiling tile depends on the manufacturer, as well as the design of the tile itself (smooth, textured, or patterned).

Mineral Fibers/Fiberboard Ceiling Tile

Mineral fiber tiles are the most common type used for acoustic ceilings. This is because they have the most acoustic properties for the best price. They are very sound-absorbent while still being relatively affordable and easy to install.

The main downside of mineral fiber tiles is that they have to be installed in a dry environment. If there is any moisture around them, you will quickly notice yellow stains or other discoloration on the tiles, and other similar damage.

Plastic Ceiling Tile

One of the biggest advantages of using plastic tiles for your drop ceiling is how easy they are to install. They can be dropped in using grid rails or nailed up, and even if they get damaged during the installation process, you can always paint them in another color and cover up the dents.

However, as they are made from plastic, they aren’t as durable as other materials, so they can break more easily.

Wood Ceiling Tile

Wood tiles can give a more rustic and luxurious look to a room. Their cost can range anywhere from $8.66 for an oak tile to as high as $68.00 for a cherry wood tile.

Although they lend an elegant look to the space, wood tiles are very vulnerable to rot and warping if they are installed in areas with moisture, so they aren’t the best choice for houses in locations with high humidity levels.

Tin/Metal Ceiling Tile

Contrary to their name, tin/metal tiles are not really made of tin today, but rather from aluminum, copper, or brass. They usually come with different patterns that add a dramatic visual impact to the home and are the most durable out of the types of drop ceiling tiles we listed. But, that durability comes at a price, so they are also the most expensive ceiling tiles and the most difficult ones to install.

Ceiling Tile Cost per Square Foot

There is a whole variety of ceiling tile sizes you can use: 1x1, 1x2, 2x2, 2x4, 2x5, 2x6, 3x3, 3x5, 4x4, and 5x5. However, the most commonly used ceiling tiles are with a 1’x1’, 2’x2’, and 2’x4’ size. 1x1 tiles sell for a price between $1.08 and $4.99 per square foot, 2x2 drop ceiling tiles sell for $2.66 to $5.59 per square foot, while tiles in the 2x4 size sell for $3.09 to $14.54 per square foot.

Labor Cost to Install Ceiling Grid and Tiles

As we mentioned in the beginning, a drop ceiling or suspended acoustic ceiling is a secondary ceiling hanging below the main ceiling. A structure consisting of metal tracks is suspended from the main ceiling using wires to create the grid framework where the panels or tiles will be laid. Typically, a minimum space of 4 in. is required between the main and suspended ceilings, plus an additional 2 in. space if you want to install ceiling lights.

After the grids are secured, the acoustic ceiling installer will start laying out the tiles between the tracks to form the suspended ceiling. Typically, a professional acoustic ceiling installer charges $53.20 per hour on average, while hiring a handyman to install your drop ceiling costs between $35 and $80 per hour. The speed of installation depends on the experience of the installer, with experts being able to install 30 to 40 square feet in only an hour, which would mean installing grid tiles in a 130 square feet room would take 3 to 4 hours to finish. However, considering there are other things involved before installing a grid such as inspection of the area, constructing the framework, and hanging the grid tiles, it may take up to three days to complete the installation.

Cost to Replace Acoustic Ceiling Tiles

The labor costs to replace a damaged drop ceiling are typically between $50 and $80 per hour for a handyman and $70 to $135 for a licensed contractor. They typically do 30 to 40 square feet per hour, which means replacing a 130 square feet drop ceiling would take around 3 to 4 hours, with the added cost of installing the new drop ceiling tiles ($150-$540).

This means that replacing an old ceiling will cost around $150-$320 in handyman labor or $210-$540 for licensed contractor labor, plus the average $955 - $1,510 for installing a new drop ceiling. This comes to around $1,165 - $2,050 or more to replace an existing suspended acoustic ceiling.

Drop Ceiling vs Drywall

Drop ceilings allow you to choose the design, shape, and color of your suspended ceiling and are more affordable than installing drywall. However, drywall is not only more durable, but it will also give your home a more polished look than a drop ceiling would. Drywall ceilings are installed by attaching pieces of sheetrock to the structure of your home. A sheet of drywall costs anywhere between $12 and $60 for a 4’x8’ piece, depending on the thickness and any added features of the drywall piece. A basic ½” sheet of drywall costs $12 to $18, while mold-resistant drywall sheets can run from $15 to $60.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Suspended Ceiling

One of the major advantages of suspended ceilings is that they can be easily installed in any home or office. A suspended ceiling is also an inexpensive solution to cover up any pipes, ductwork, stains, or peeling paint on your ceiling. They come in different sizes, shapes, colors, and designs so you can customize and change the appearance of your room, without spending thousands of dollars on renovation costs. Because they are relatively easy to remove, you can replace or repair them easily, or add lights between the panels for an added visual impact.

Another benefit of drop ceilings is the insulation and sound-proofing they offer. You can completely block the sound from outside by using fiberglass or other sound-proof tiles and enjoy the silence and comfort of your home without interruption.

If you have peeling paint or cracking on your ceiling, a drop ceiling is not a good solution to simply cover up the problem instead of getting to the root of it and properly repairing it. Other downsides include that suspended ceilings are not as durable as traditional ceilings, so they may deteriorate faster, or even fall during a major disturbance. There is also an added risk of the installed fixtures falling, so suspended ceilings require a lot of maintenance to maximize their lifespan.

Drop Ceiling Cost Factors

The overall cost of a drop ceiling is determined by several factors: the size of the ceiling, panel material, panel quality, complexity of the work, and whether lighting is included in the job or not.

Logically, the bigger the size of the ceiling, the higher the cost, but sometimes, a smaller ceiling may cost more if installing a suspended ceiling is more complicated. For instance, if pipes or wires are in the way of installing the suspended ceiling, they need to be relocated to another area, which would result in additional costs. The main ceiling may also need repair or modification so it can support the drop ceiling. All of this comes at an additional cost, so the complexity of the job is a major factor in the total cost of a suspended acoustic ceiling.

The durability and quality of the panel material determine the cost of the panels. If you want durable, sound-proof metal panels, they would cost you more, while wood or plastic panels are a more affordable option that, unfortunately, don’t last as long and provide minimal insulation.

You may also want to install lighting between the panels, which comes at an additional cost. Keep in mind that the best time to install lighting is after the grids have been installed so that the location of the junction boxes is known beforehand.

Enhancement and Improvement Costs

Drop-out Tiles

Drop-out tiles are heat-sensitive tiles that work in conjunction with the fire sprinkler system. They are designed to melt and fall from the dropped ceiling in case a fire breaks out, allowing the sprinkler system to activate and extinguish the fire.

Also known as melt-away tiles, the typical cost of a 2x4 drop-out ceiling tile is around $95 to $100.

Light Panels

Drop ceiling LED panels are panels that emulate light. They are usually installed to avoid installing ceiling fans or additional lighting fixtures. LED lights usually cost between $85 and $170 each, while recessed light fixture prices start from $30 and up. If you install lighting, you also need light controls, which cost between $20 and $35.

Ceiling Fan

A ceiling fan is a mechanical fan that hangs from the ceiling and rotates its blades to provide ventilation to the surrounding area. The cost of installing a ceiling fan depends on the exact type you choose and the location where you will install it, with the average cost being $450-$700​.

Edge Detail

If you want to add more depth and texture to the drop ceiling, you can also purchase regular or reveal edge ceiling tiles. They come in a square and angular shape and hang down from the drop ceiling grid to hide the grids and add texture to the drop ceiling. They are cheaper than regular tiles with their cost ranging from $1.46 to $3.53 per tile.

Additional Considerations and Costs

• DIY: many people choose to install a drop ceiling themselves. If you’re one of them, make sure you take your time to find compatible materials (typically the same brand), plan out your project carefully before starting (consider the edges, tile cutting, and grid placing), and take all safety precautions while installing the dropped ceiling. And remember, the predicted time to install a drop ceiling will always be around two times longer when you go DIY instead of with a professional contractor.
• Hiring tips: make sure that you’ve analyzed your contractor options before hiring one. Sometimes, an expensive contractor may offer fewer services than an independent, cheaper one. Get 3 to 5 estimates to get a better idea of what is included in a full drop ceiling installation and what costs you need to take into consideration.
• Permits: most states don’t require a permit to install a suspended acoustic ceiling. However, make sure to check with local authorities as there may be minimum space required between the old and the new ceiling.
• Fire rating: fire-rated ceiling tiles are designed to provide enhanced resistance to ceiling failure in cases of fire. Before installing your ceiling tiles, ALWAYS consult a local home inspector or fire marshall. Fire ratings vary from city to city and even from building to building, so it’s important to ask the manufacturer for a spec sheet with an ASTM E84 report that contains information about the fire rating of the tiles.
• Maintenance: make sure you keep the drop ceiling panels clean and dry to ensure they last. Remove any dust, dirt, or chemicals that may damage them with a dry cloth, and regularly inspect them for any visible damage or cracks.
• Make sure your contractor is licensed and insured: drop ceilings are installed below main ceilings, where parts of the heating, plumbing and electricity installation are found, so any mistake they make can cost you thousands of dollars down the line. However, if they have liability insurance, any damage they do will be covered through it. Additionally, having a licensed contractor install your drop ceiling will ensure that it’s installed faster and lasts longer.
• Check with your local codes about minimum allowed ceiling heights: according to the Code of Federal Regulations, “Every habitable room and bathroom shall have a minimum ceiling height of not less than 7 feet, 0 inches for a minimum of 50 percent of the room's floor area. The remaining area may have a ceiling with a minimum height of 5 feet, 0 inches. Minimum height under dropped ducts, beams, etc. shall be 6 feet, 4 inches.” When you install your suspended ceiling make sure that the final height of the ceiling and dropped ceiling is within the regulated standards
• Be sure cold water pipes are insulated before installing the ceiling: some panels and tile material aren’t water-resistant, so water that condenses on the pipes and drips onto the ceiling will cause staining and mold.