With virtually endless design options, decorative tiles are dressing up the ceiling plane while offering numerous performance, safety, and environmental benefits. Part of the ATI University, this CEU covers the following four learning objections: 1. Identify various design and finishing options available in decorative ceiling tiles 2. Explain the performance characteristics of suspended ceiling systems as they relate to durability, safety, and sustainability 3. Describe the benefits of installation methods for snap-on ceiling systems 4. Discuss appropriate applications for decorative ceiling tiles across various market industries

1. ATI University
CEU
The 5th Wallin Over Your Head

2. The 5th Wall in Over Your Head

3. Learning Objectives
1
2
3
4
Identify various design and finishing options
available in decorative ceiling tiles
Explain the performance characteristics of suspended
ceiling systems as they relate to durability, safety, and
sustainability
Describe the benefits of installation methods for
snap-on ceiling systems
Discuss appropriate applications for decorative
ceiling tiles across various market industries

4. With virtually endless design options, decorative tiles are dressing up the
ceiling plane while offering numerous performance, safety, and
environmental benefits.
• Are a low cost way
to add appeal
• Are flexible and
install quickly
• Have acoustical
properties
• Are adaptable to
lighting &
mechanical
systems
• Can hide mechanical
systems like
ductwork and piping
• Gives space a clean,
monolithic look

5. • Adding design elements to
the ceiling can have huge
impact on overall
ambiance of the space
• Ceiling design elements
create feelings of
openness, seclusion,
intimacy, and even energy
• Over time, energy costs
and maintenance of
suspended ceiling systems
are lower than those of
exposed ceilings
Research Shows

6. Light
Diffusers
Heavy
Metal
Modern
Looks
Nature
Inspired
Luminous
Tiles
Custom
Designs
Design Options Through the Roof!
Decorative ceiling tiles are far from new. Tin ceiling tiles gained popularity in North America in the late 19th
& 20th century as an economical alternative to plaster ceilings.
Modern day faux tin ceilings offer a variety of impressive benefits with easy to install, light-weight, fire rated
options. And there are virtually endless color and pattern combinations…all for a fraction of the
cost of tin!

7. Heavy Metal
Thermoplastic panels are
produced by laminating
decorative foils to a
plastic substrate. This
results in the ability to
mimic real metals
such as silver, bronze,
gold, and copper finishes,
but for a fraction of the
cost and weight.

8. Textured patterns offer
options to meet
contemporary and
traditional design needs
including geometric
and organic forms in
differing scales. Shown
above are textured tiles
in a fun spiral pattern
matching the Van Gogh
print on the wall
Shown below are
textured tiles
installed in a
checkboard
pattern to
provide the
ceiling with
additional focus
and dimension

9. Modern LooksFor more
contemporary
aesthetics, you
can choose from a
nearly limitless
variety of finishes
including brushed
metals, mirrored
looks, high-gloss
finishes, and
hundreds of color
combinations.

10. Nature Inspired
• Nature inspired
design is in high
demand
• Research shows a
link with positive
human health
• Variety of wood
grains available
• Adds warmth to a
space
• Occupants feel
more at ease

11. Luminous Tiles• Utilize translucent rather
than opaque material
• Provides even light
distribution
throughout the space
• Can reduce stress on the
eyes while creating an
open feel in conference
rooms or basements
where daylight is lacking
• Color gels can be added to
change the mood of a
room—perfect for bars,
restaurants, lobbies, spas,
and salons

12. Light Diffusers • Dramatically enhance the look
of existing drop ceiling systems
• Can add up to 30%
brighter light within a
space
• Replace existing prismatic
ones within a suspended
ceiling system
• A more attractive look without
the need to change out mineral
fiber tiles
• Ideal for office environments—
light is dispersed outward, not
downward to computer station
and desks

13. Custom Designs
Custom laminate options can be matched to virtually any color or replicated to mimic just about any
pattern, including company logos that can effectively showcase a brand in corporate or retail
environments.
For Jackpot Joanie’s, the design incorporated the look of a corrugated metal ceiling using
laminated, lay-in tiles t create a greater sense of brand unity. The finished product met the
customer’s needs and resembled a real corrugated metal panel that also complied with a Class A
Fire Rating and weight criteria for a suspended ceiling product.

14. Here you can see
the same
Corrugated pattern
presented in three
different finishes to
give a completely
distinct look just by
using a different
finish

15. Decorative
Ceiling tiles
Safety
AcousticsDurability
• Meets ASTM E84
• Ultra-rigid
• Impact, chemical, abrasion & scratch
resistant
• Mold & mildew free
• Additional protection with overlays
• Can be installed directly over
mineral tile to retain sound
absorption & insulation
properties

16. Installation: As Easy as Cut & Paste
One of the benefits of using
decorative ceiling tiles is the ease of
installation in new or existing
facilities. Many can be installed
directly over an existing grid
system
Allow the look of an interior space to
be changed without too much
intrusion. A renovation or
remodeling project can be quickly
completed by even the most novice
handyman or DIYer.

17. Easy Installation
Storage
Cutting/
Fabrication
Adhesive/
Glue-up Tiles
Lay-in Tiles
• Prior to installation,
thermoplastic tiles
should be stored inside
in a cool, well-
ventilated, dry area—
not on a concrete floor
• Should be laid flat, not
on edge
• Can be easily cut to
size with razor knife,
scissors, or with
routers, saw blades,
and drilling tools
• When fabricating,
always cut from
decorated side
• Always check
manufacturers
recommendations for
adhesives
• Existing popcorn ceilings
should be scraped away
• Can use trowel-on, brush or
roll-on, spray-om, non-
flammable, and water-
based adhesives suitable for
PVC
• When trimming
panels, use existing
mineral tiles as
template
• If grid covers are
used, install then first
• If making room for a
ceiling lamp, cut
opening on tile where
lamp will be attached

18. Benefits of Specifying Decorative Ceiling Tiles
• Low Cost
• Quick Installation
• An array of design options (colors, patterns, textures, custom)
• Superior durability
• No loss of acoustical properties (when installed over existing mineral tiles)
• Recycled content/LEED credits
• No waste to landfill (when installed over existing grid system)
• Adaptability to lighting & mechanical systems
• Easy access to the plenum
• Scratch resistance
• Mold & mildew resistance
• Impact resistance
• Flame retardant

22. Thanks forWatching