Blog Layout

Drop Ceilings Birmingham AL: Suspended Ceiling or Drywall?

Birmingham Ceilings & Walls • Aug 05, 2015

Renovating a basement can be fun. However, you're faced with important questions, such as: 


Should you replace your current ceiling with drywall or go with a suspended drop ceiling? 


Pick a drywall ceiling if you want a ceiling that's smoothed and looks finished. Drop ceilings can give your basement an industrial look.

Drop Ceiling Installation

Drop Ceilings Birmingham AL


What You Should Consider When Picking A Ceiling

Ceiling Height

If you're dealing with a low ceiling basement, drywall is the better option. It can be attached directly to the floor above it. Therefore, you will have about an inch of ceiling height.


If you have duct work, electricity or plumbing in your basement ceiling, a drop ceiling is your best option. A drop ceiling requires at least a 3 to 6 inch space between the floor joists. It doesn't require you to relocate your plumbing or electricity to inside the wall like a drywall ceiling does.

Drop Ceiling Installation

Access

If you have a drop ceiling, you have access to electrical junction boxes. You cannot cover these items up with drywall. However, it's legal to cover plumbing and electrical wires with suspended ceiling tiles.

Drop Ceiling Installation

Sound

If your basement is going to be a hub for activity such as gaming or watching movies, you have to consider how sound travels. When you have a drywall ceiling, if someone is watching television on the main floor, sound can drift down to the basement or visa versa.


Drop ceilings add acoustics and more sound protection between the rooms. There's sound blocking drywall that you can buy. However, they cost more money.

Drop Ceiling Installation

Design Options

You can paint drywall ceilings any color you want. You can also paint drop-ceiling tiles any color you want or you can buy ones that come with their own design. For example, what about a tin ceiling to give your basement a funky retro vibe? You can't get a tin ceiling using drywall.

Drop Ceiling Installation

Need help with your ceiling? Call Birmingham Ceilings and Walls!



We're known as the best in the industry for our niche. We’re highly rated, licensed and insured. Our Work is Guaranteed.

 

We specialize in acoustical drop ceilings for residential and commercial clients, as well as custom drywall ceiling installations. We also do wall repair, metal drywall stud framing, insulation and lighting installation! Get a FREE Quote


Share

Read More of Our Blog

Acoustical Ceilings Birmingham AL
By Tammy Bridges 20 Mar, 2024
Acoustical Ceilings Birmingham AL: Acoustical ceilings, also known as drop ceilings or suspended ceilings, offer numerous benefits beyond their functional purpose.
Drop Ceilings Birmingham AL
By Tammy Bridges 11 Jan, 2024
Drop Ceilings Birmingham AL: When it comes to finishing the ceiling of your space, the two common options are drop ceilings and drywall ceilings.
Basement Design Birmingham AL:
By Tammy Bridges 15 Dec, 2023
Basement Design Birmingham AL: While basement renovations can be expensive, it’s important to remember the high return on investments they yield.
Drop Ceilings Birmingham AL
By Tammy Bridges 29 Nov, 2023
Drop Ceilings Birmingham AL: Tackle one of the most neglected components in living rooms - the ceiling - with some helpful tips and tricks! BCW is the best ceiling company in Alabama!
Drop Ceilings Birmingham AL
By Tammy Bridges 09 Nov, 2023
Drop Ceilings Birmingham AL: Want a great ceiling but not necessarily a drop ceilings? Here are some great alternatives to a drop ceiling.
Drop Ceilings Birmingham AL
By Tammy Bridges 06 Dec, 2021
One of the biggest decisions you’ll have to make when finishing your basement is the basement ceiling and you’ve got two options: a drywall ceiling or a dropped ceiling. We've listed out the advantages and disadvantages of both to help you decide!
Show More
Share by: