About Faux Tin Ceiling Tiles
Faux tin ceiling tiles are available in Styrofoam (foam) and PVC (plastic). These tiles are extruded or molded in a wide variety of patterns and styles then are painted or finished to mimic the look of tin. Faux tin ceiling tiles cost about $3.00 to almost $60.00 per tile. All the cost factors are discussed below. The average faux tin ceiling tile price is about $6.00 for foam and about $12.00 to $15.00 for plastic/PVC.
Styrofoam ceiling tiles are feather-light and can provide a very authentic appearance. These tiles should only be used on ceilings as they can be dented or scratched. Styrofoam tiles are sized at 20” x 20” (actually 19.5” or 19.6” square) and made to be mounted directly to the ceiling with an adhesive. They can be fragile, so handle with care.
PVC ceiling tiles are also lightweight but are more rigid and durable. These tiles can be used on walls and back splashes, as well as, on ceilings. PVC tiles are sized at 24” x 24” and can be dropped into standard suspended ceiling grids or applied to the ceiling with an adhesive, nails, or staples.
Top Brands, Costs, Where to Purchase
Brand | Profile | Material | Sizes | Cost | Specialty |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Antique Ceiling | 100+ | Styrofoam | 20" x 20" | $2.80-$8.00 | / |
PVC | 20" x 20" | $5.49-$13.75 | |||
24" x 24" | $7.50-$14 | ||||
Decorative Ceiling | 100+ | Styrofoam | 20" x 20" | $1.99-$3.99 | / |
PVC | 24" x 24" | $12-$59 | MirroFlex | ||
24" x 28" | $13-$33 | MirroFlex | |||
Talissa Décor | 100+ | Styrofoam | 20" x 20" | $3.49 | White Only |
PVC | 24" x 24" | $10.99-$12.99 | / | ||
24" x 28" | $22-$24 | ||||
Ceilume | 100+ | Styrofoam | Not Available | Not Available | / |
PVC | 24" x 24" | / | / | ||
FeatherWeight | $5.95- | 0.013 thick | |||
Signature | $13.99- | 0.030 thick | |||
Surfacing Solution | 75+ | Styrofoam (Styrene) | 24" x 48" | $9.95-$19.95 | Acoustic |
PVC | Not Available | Not Available | / |
Antique Ceilings
Antique Ceilings is one of the largest sellers of faux tin ceiling tiles. They sell both Styrofoam and PVC tiles.
Styrofoam/foam: There is a large selection of Styrofoam tiles available in simple to ornate designs and sized at 20” x 20”. Colors include white, off white, black, brown, and a patina, or turquoise color. Faux metallic finishes include one and two-tone bronze, copper, gold, and silver. Tiles cost between $2.80 and $8.00 per piece.
PVC: Antique Ceilings also carries an extensive line of PVC ceiling tiles with a faux tin appearance. The PVC tiles are sized at 24” x 24” and come in white, brown, and black, and two- tone bronze, copper, gold, and silver metallic painted finishes. Cost per tile ranges from $7.50 to $14.00 each.
Antique Ceilings customer reviews are generally excellent and feature comments about the stunning appearance, ease of installation, fast delivery, and exceptional packaging.
Some of Antique Ceilings tiles are available at Amazon under the “Anet” name, and all products can be purchased through their website at Antiqueceilings.com.
Decorative Ceiling Tiles
Decorative Ceiling Tiles offers one of the largest selections of faux tin ceiling tiles available. They offer both Styrofoam and PVC tiles. The Styrofoam tiles measure 20” x 20” and require glue-down installation. The PVC tiles measure 24” x 24” and can be dropped into standard ceiling grids, glued, or nailed down.
Tiles are available in a vast selection of designs, from simple to ornate, colors, and metallic looking finishes. The color choices include white, off-white, blues, browns, greens, and yellows. The metallic paint finishes include plain, antiqued, and patina-looking brass, copper, gold, and silver. There are single-tone, two-tone, and multi-tone color choices available. There are also hand-painted tiles and tiles finished with a reflective product called MirroFlex, which looks like shiny tin.
Styrofoam: The Styrofoam tiles cost between $1.99 and $3.99 per tile.
PVC: These tiles range from $12.00 each for many of the tiles, $25.00 apiece for the MirroFlex tiles, and $59.00 each for the hand-painted tiles.
Our reviews and consumer reviews for these tiles are all positive for appearance and ease of installation. Decorative Ceiling Tiles provides good customer service if you have questions or concerns about your order. The tiles are available on the website.
Some of the PVC tiles are available under the” From Plain to Beautiful in Hours” name and the Styrofoam tiles are available under the” A La Maison” name at Amazon, Home Depot, and Wayfair.
Talissa Décor
Talissa Décor sells both Styrofoam and PVC faux tin ceiling tiles.
Styrofoam: The Styrofoam tiles are available in a number of styles, but only available in white, at $3.49 per 20” x 20” tile. All of the tiles can be painted with water based latex paint and require glue-down installation.
PVC: The PVC tiles are offered in many styles and colors, including metal looks, but can also be repainted with water based paint, if desired. Tiles are sized at 24” x 24” and prices range between $10.99 and $12.99. A few styles are also available the 24” x 48” size. The PVC tiles can be dropped into a standard ceiling grid, glued, nailed, or stapled down.
Talissa Décor gets high scores for their realistic appearance, ease of installation, and exceptional customer service. Some of the Talissa Décor profiles are available at Amazon or on their website.
Ceilume
Ceilume is a top seller of ceiling tiles. They offer a large selection of PVC faux tin tiles, ranging from simple to very ornate. The tiles are sized at 24” x 24” and you can select drop-in or glue-down installation. There are many color choices including white, sand, merlot, black, and gray as well as tiles painted with metallic paint including copper, tin, and bronze.
PVC only: Ceilume PVC tiles come in 2 thicknesses, the Featherweight line is 0.013” thick, and the Signature line is 0.030” thick. The Signature line is recommended for either drop-in or glue-down installation and the Featherweight line is recommended for drop-in installation only. Costs range from $5.95 to $11.95 per tile for the Featherweight line and $13.99 to $18.95 per tile for the Signature line.
Ceilume receives exceptional customer ratings for appearance and being easy to handle and install. Amazon, Home Depot, and Lowes each carry some of the Ceilume profiles, or find them at Ceilume.com.
Surfacing Solution
Surfacing Solution carries faux tin ceiling tiles in styrene foam (similar to Styrofoam). The company website suggests that their faux tin tiles are the most realistic looking on the market.
Styrenefoam: The tiles are sized at 24” x 48” for glue-down installation. All of Surfacing Solution tiles are acoustical and provide a 0.55 NRC rating, meaning they will absorb about 55% of the sound in the room. The tiles are available in a choice of colors including white, black, bronze, nickel, copper, and crème. Prices run between $9.95 and $19.95 per tile.
Surfacing Solution, located in Minnesota, has been in business for over 30 years and gets good reviews for quality materials and responsive customer service. The website indicated that any customer that is unhappy with their purchase can contact them, and a solution will be found. View their tiles on there website.
Pros of Faux Tin Ceiling Tiles
- Easy to install – PVC or Styrofoam are easier to handle than real metal
- Large selection of styles and colors
- Affordable
- Lightweight
- Can be installed over popcorn ceilings
- Can be painted
- PVC tiles are very durable
- Water and humidity resistant
- Easy to maintain
- Recyclable
Cons of Faux Tin Ceiling Tiles
- Styrofoam ceiling tiles can be dented or scratched
- May release VOC’s, especially if they catch on fire
- May warp at high temperatures (over 120 degrees)
- Unpainted tiles may stain
Installation
There are two primary methods of installing faux tin ceiling tiles. Before purchasing tiles, check to make sure that the tiles can be installed by your preferred method.
Drop-In
Drop-In method is dropping or laying your tiles into an existing standard drop ceiling grid. You will find that primarily, PVC tiles are sized to fit the standard grid system of either 24” x 24” or 24” x 48” sizes.
Glue-Down
Both the Styrofoam and the PVC tiles can be installed by the glue-down method. Glue-down ceiling tiles are applied directly to the ceiling with an adhesive. Use an adhesive recommended for either PCV or Styrofoam. PVC tiles can also be nailed or stapled. Here is a video on how to install tiles using the glue-on method.
Maintenance
PVC and Styrofoam ceiling tiles are very easy to maintain. Dust them with a soft brush or vacuum with a brush attachment as needed. For heavier dirt, add a small amount of regular dish soap to a damp cloth and wipe the tiles.
FAQs
Can these tiles be installed over a popcorn ceiling?
Yes, with proper ceiling prep. First, remove loose material. Then fill large holes or cracks with spackling. Make sure the spackling is dry and free of sanding dust and debris before you begin.
Can I paint PVC and Styrofoam ceiling tiles?
Most tiles come finished, of course, but they can be painted too. You might have to try several paints to see which paint type adheres best. Painting tiles with a deep profile using brush can be difficult, so consider using a sprayer for this type.
Can ceiling lights and fans be used with Styrofoam ceiling tiles?
Yes, you can add ceiling lights and fans to a faux tin ceiling. The tile is installed over the electrical opening in the ceiling and a hole is cut into the tile to accommodate the light fixture.
Can PVC tiles be installed in areas with high humidity?
PVC / plastic tiles are a great choice for bathrooms, basements, laundry rooms and even in the shower itself. They are waterproof, so won’t absorb moisture or lead to mold and mildew problems. Just make sure the ceiling is completely dry at the time of installation.