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I know what you are thinking. What in the world do I need to know about ceiling tiles? They are completely easy. All you have to do is pick them up and install them.

Well, that is kind of the case. Ceiling tiles are do-it-yourself job but before you do it your self, there are some things that you need to know which is why I am here today to talk with Rich Wiley, the marketing manager here at Armstrong.

I am hitting the road searching for answers and finding great designs. It is a quest of beauty, function and of course, inspiration.

Meghan: When people think of ceiling tiles, they do not only think it is just decorative but are there other reasons why the pre-ceiling tile in your house.

Rich: Well, obviously the first thing that people used ceiling tile for is maybe repair or replaced. If they have any problem with the plate above and does damage to the ceiling, most people used these basic ceiling tiles to repair or replace the damaged plaster, just cover it up. And again, decorative would be the second reason. People want to add an accent or do something really special with their ceiling and return to tile and get really creative with it.

Also, with planks, too, planks are also used as a decorative element and get people to focus on the ceiling of what we call the fifth wall of a room.

Meghan: I have heard that there are different types of tile, what are they? What are your different options if you are going to choose this to décor with?

Rich: Well, you have 2x2 tiles which are the traditional tiles that most people think about and if maybe they have a home between 1940's and 1950's. We still have some of that in there and again it just might be basic white either or have some patterns to the plaster pattern, most older homes recreated a stack over plaster effect with their tile.

Then you have decorative tile which we have over there that stimulates a tin roof or a tin ceiling tile. These are 12x12's and then most people think of fissuring tile which is the dot and squiggles that most people probably experienced as they grow up in the 60's and 70's and right now there are a lot more decorative options.

Meghan: When you are going to install any of these, what point do you do that in your renovation?

Rich: Most people do it first if they are going to enhance their ceiling. They would start from the top literally and moved down so it is best to install the ceiling first.

Meghan: As I see it, do not scratch the walls.

Rich: Yes and if you are redoing the floor then you are not moving a lot around the floor any other apparatus to get up to the ceiling.

Meghan: Not to mention that you can paint most of these.

Rich: Oh, absolutely.

Meghan: For staining, correct?

Rich: That is correct. You can paint or stain many in the matter of five more products that we offer. Full finished them, make them white any way you want, customizing, free agent style.

Meghan: And you always paint the ceiling first.

Rich: That is right, yes and you know, we want to inspire people to do very creative with these so it does make a big difference once you can do it. When people do something with the ceiling tiles or planks, the first thing people do is lift up and they walk into their home and we find, many of our customers tell us that.

Meghan: Wow, so it become the focal point.

Rich: That is correct, yes.

Meghan: Is these a product that a home owner can install or is this something that only the professional should handle?

Rich: Oh no, absolutely whenever we developed new products here, we are always thinking of the do-it-yourself person and we make them as easy to install as possible. Our 12x12 tiles are installed here using inferring strops or adhesive and they are applied directly to the ceiling with haven planks which are some of the easiest products you can install. Once you get the first one update, just simply snap in as you go along the ceiling and suspending grid is very simple, too.

Meghan: How long did it take to install?

Rich: Usually, we say you can summon it by the weekend. Let us say a couple of days and dependi

I know what you are thinking. What in the world do I need to know about ceiling tiles? They are completely easy. All you have to do is pick them up and install them. Well, that is kind of the case. Ceiling tiles are do-it-yourself job but before you do... click to read more