Drop Ceiling Birmingham AL

Drywall vs. Drop, Understanding the Differences

If you don't already know, here at the differences between them.

Drywall ceilings are pieces of sheetrock that are screwed, taped, and mudded to give a smooth finish and are most commonly found most in the upstairs of newer houses.

Drop ceiling, also called a suspended ceiling, is a grid system that holds tiles in place on the ceiling. 

Drop Ceiling Birmingham AL

Drywall Ceiling Advantages

Installing a drywall ceiling as your basement ceiling offers two main benefits.

First, drywall ceilings require less space. Typically all that is required for a drywall ceiling is about 1.0-1.5” of thickness (height). 

You need to account for the installation of 1”x3” furring strips to the floor (ceiling) joists and then another ½” for the drywall thickness. So if your basement ceiling heights are already low, installing drywall ceilings will limit the additional headroom loss.

Drywall Ceiling Disadvantages

The main disadvantage of a drywall basement ceiling is that it provides poor access to pipes and wiring, and if there’s a water leak then you’ll have significant ceiling damage. Drywall ceilings also curtail your ability to future proof your home and basement ceiling.

Drop Ceilings Birmingham AL

Drop Ceiling Advantages

Using dropped ceiling tiles for a basement ceiling has several advantages. 

First and foremost, it provides you easy access to pipes and wires running up in the main level floor joists. This can be a basement savior if and when your water pipes, tub or toilet drains spring a leak.

Secondly, dropped ceiling tiles enable you to future proof your home and basement ceiling. 

If later on you decide to install new wiring, such as telephone, computer, or electrical wiring, you can easily remove the dropped ceiling tiles to run the wires in your basement ceiling. 

This is also the case if later on you decide to install a central vacuum system.

When deciding between dropped ceiling tiles vs drywall ceilings for your basement ceiling, it’s important that you consider the height of your unfinished basement.

The one key downside of installing dropped ceiling tiles is that your basement ceiling will be lower, compared to installing a drywall ceiling. 

BCW Can Help You Decide!

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