Installing Copper Ceilings
by Dave Donovan
History shows us that the Egyptians, as far back as 6000 B.C., used copper for a variety of decorative purposes. Originally used to make jewelry, it wasn’t long before Egyptians started 
hammering the metal out into sheets for adorning their walls and ceilings. It’s from this inspiration that today’s copper ceiling tiles are reproduced.
Copper ceiling tiles can be purchased from most home improvement stores and through a number of online sources. Available in a diverse range of styles and sizes, they offer a beautiful and creative alternative to a simple painted or pop-corned ceiling.
Copper Ceiling Installation Costs
Like most materials, the more elaborate the copper tile, the higher the price tag will be. Typical copper ceiling tiles start off around $20 per 2 ft x 2 ft tile. Homeowners should expect highly detailed tiles to be priced as much as double that amount.
Broken down into square-footage costs, the average job ranges between $10 and $15 per square foot. To help improve the affordability of this ceiling option, many manufacturers sell their tiles in bulk amounts of 100 for a third of the cost per tile compared to purchasing them individually.
Another way to improve the price point on this type of installation is to use PVC ceiling tiles that are made to mimic the look of copper. A discerning eye can tell the difference between the two, but most people aren’t able to tell the difference and you’ll have a brilliant, expensive looking ceiling for a fraction of the cost.
Ideal Locations for Copper Ceilings
Copper ceilings are typically found in kitchens and bathrooms, but they make excellent choices for a number of other applications. They can add richness and depth to virtually any room, including dens, game rooms, enclosed breezeways and dining rooms.
Methods of Installing Copper Ceiling Tiles
Just as there are many variations of copper ceiling tiles, there are also different methods for installing them. Typically, the PVC variation of faux-copper tile comes with pre-glued backing for easy peel-and-stick applications. This is possible because the PVC tile is lightweight and won’t fall away from the ceiling once glued in place. Other types of “real copper” tiles are designed to be screwed into furring strips or used in conjunction with a suspension grid. The metal tiles are significantly heavier than PVC tiles and therefore require a more stable installation method to prevent gravity from pulling them free from the ceiling.
The method of installation is determined by the type of tile you ultimately choose. It should go without saying that the least expensive installation in both time and effort involves the PVC tiles that can be attached directly to the ceiling.
What Kinds of Nails Should I Use?
Most professional copper ceiling tile installers use 18-guage T-brad nails to secure the copper tiles to furring strips on the ceiling, although decorative upholstery nails do add a nice finishing touch. Other types of nails commonly used for installing copper tiles are domehead, or conehead finishing nails.
Tips From the Pros
There’s a reason why many homeowners choose professionals to do their ceiling tile installation. The pros know all the tricks to get the best look possible! But, here are a few tips you can put into action to help you get the results you’re looking for without the added cost of hiring a professional.
hammering the metal out into sheets for adorning their walls and ceilings. It’s from this inspiration that today’s copper ceiling tiles are reproduced.Copper ceiling tiles can be purchased from most home improvement stores and through a number of online sources. Available in a diverse range of styles and sizes, they offer a beautiful and creative alternative to a simple painted or pop-corned ceiling.
Copper Ceiling Installation Costs
Like most materials, the more elaborate the copper tile, the higher the price tag will be. Typical copper ceiling tiles start off around $20 per 2 ft x 2 ft tile. Homeowners should expect highly detailed tiles to be priced as much as double that amount.
Broken down into square-footage costs, the average job ranges between $10 and $15 per square foot. To help improve the affordability of this ceiling option, many manufacturers sell their tiles in bulk amounts of 100 for a third of the cost per tile compared to purchasing them individually.
Another way to improve the price point on this type of installation is to use PVC ceiling tiles that are made to mimic the look of copper. A discerning eye can tell the difference between the two, but most people aren’t able to tell the difference and you’ll have a brilliant, expensive looking ceiling for a fraction of the cost.
Ideal Locations for Copper Ceilings
Copper ceilings are typically found in kitchens and bathrooms, but they make excellent choices for a number of other applications. They can add richness and depth to virtually any room, including dens, game rooms, enclosed breezeways and dining rooms.
Methods of Installing Copper Ceiling Tiles
Just as there are many variations of copper ceiling tiles, there are also different methods for installing them. Typically, the PVC variation of faux-copper tile comes with pre-glued backing for easy peel-and-stick applications. This is possible because the PVC tile is lightweight and won’t fall away from the ceiling once glued in place. Other types of “real copper” tiles are designed to be screwed into furring strips or used in conjunction with a suspension grid. The metal tiles are significantly heavier than PVC tiles and therefore require a more stable installation method to prevent gravity from pulling them free from the ceiling.
The method of installation is determined by the type of tile you ultimately choose. It should go without saying that the least expensive installation in both time and effort involves the PVC tiles that can be attached directly to the ceiling.
What Kinds of Nails Should I Use?
Most professional copper ceiling tile installers use 18-guage T-brad nails to secure the copper tiles to furring strips on the ceiling, although decorative upholstery nails do add a nice finishing touch. Other types of nails commonly used for installing copper tiles are domehead, or conehead finishing nails.
Tips From the Pros
There’s a reason why many homeowners choose professionals to do their ceiling tile installation. The pros know all the tricks to get the best look possible! But, here are a few tips you can put into action to help you get the results you’re looking for without the added cost of hiring a professional.
- Choose lighter colored copper or tin ceiling tiles for low-hanging ceilings. The lighter color will help make the ceiling look higher than it really is.
- Save bold colors for the bathroom or smaller-sized rooms where they can make a more dramatic impact.
- Use filler trim to make up the distance between the last row of whole tile and the wall to prevent cutting tiles and having an inconsistent-looking finish.
- Remember to account for the crown molding’s projection from the wall when sizing your tiles. If you want to avoid the bulkier look of crown molding, choose a lower profile molding like shoe molding.
- If you’re using a suspended ceiling system , take one of your tiles to your local hardware store to find a paint match so you can paint the grids for a consistent look.
- Choose sealed copper tiles to prevent patina build-up and minimize cleaning instead of unsealed tiles. Never use acetone-containing cleaning products on lacquered tiles.
- Copper is a soft metal so be careful when handling and installing your tiles to prevent scratching. This also applies when cleaning it.
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