Suspended Ceiling

What is a suspended ceiling?

It is also known as a false ceiling or dropped ceiling. If you are in a commercial or public building, you will likely see a type of suspended ceiling above you. It may resemble that in a private house, featuring smooth, painted plasterboard. If so, the ceiling contractor does not fix the plasterboard to floor joists as in a residential home. Instead, they secure the plasterboard to an MF (metal frame or furring) ceiling system. This metal framework suspends from the structure above using steel angle as hangers. The structure above may be the soffit or structural roof beams. Furthermore, the space or void created by the MF ceiling is suitable for housing mechanical and electrical services. Click the link to read more about exposed soffit ceilings.

Or you might see a traditional 600×600 mm demountable, modular tile and grid system. This suspended ceiling also uses a metal framework. But the tee grid frame is thinner, exposed, and often painted white. The grid hangs from the soffit using galvanized angles, rigid hangers, or pre-stressed suspension wire. Together with a perimeter L-trim fixed to the wall, the grid forms a lattice structure. The installer places mineral fibre or metal tiles into the openings. The ceiling tiles are removable, providing convenient access to the space and services above. Click the link to learn more about ceiling installation.

Ceiling grid supplier

OWA UK stocks a range of ceiling grid sizes, connection methods and colours. There are two widths of tee grid available, 24mm and 15mm. We also offer two different designs with regards to the fitment of the cross tees to the main runner. Traditionally, the cross tees hook onto the main runner. Thus, enabling easy removal and demounting of the temporary ceiling. Today, a click tee grid is more popular. The ends of the cross tees click into slots in the main runner and installers prefer this installation method. The grid is rigid, you can’t see visible joint gaps from below, yet you can still demount the grid. The exposed click grid design is available as 24mm and 15mm. We stock our 24mm and 15mm grids in OWAwhite (like RAL 9003 bright, signal white). We also stock our 15mm grid in RAL 9010 white (classic, pure, off-white) for metal ceiling systems. Along with white, we also stock black 24mm hook ceiling grid. Click the link to view our range of ceiling grids.

Ceiling tile supplier

OWA is one of the UK’s leading suppliers and we stock a large range of premium 600×600 mm mineral and metal ceiling tiles at our Birmingham warehouse. Even though we refer to them as 600×600 mm, the external dimensions of the tiles are generally 595×595 mm. You can buy these via your local interiors distributor for immediate delivery. Delivery is usually available within 2 – 5 days from receipt of order. We also offer a collection service by special arrangement. If required, you can order 1200×600 mm or bespoke tiles on request. Custom tiles are project specific, and you will need to factor the lead time into your project schedule.

We stock both square edge and stepped tegular edge lay-in mineral tiles. The SE tiles sit on the exposed tee grid giving a flush ceiling appearance. Whereas the visible face of the tegular edge tiles sit 6mm or 8mm below the grid. You can use square edge 600×600 mm tiles for 24mm and 15mm grid. But tegular edge tiles are specific to 24mm or 15mm tee grids. So, when ordering tegular edge tiles, please confirm which grid size you’ll be using. Click the link to view our range of ceiling tiles.

Why use a suspended ceiling?

Generally, a tile and grid system is more cost-effective to install compared to an MF ceiling. An MF ceiling requires extra finishing and decorating. Additionally, a tile and grid ceiling offer benefits related to room acoustics. Your project specification may refer to the inclusion of an acoustic ceiling. This indicates the need for sound absorption or sound containment. OWA offers a variety of premium ceiling tiles suitable for different acoustic requirements. Please follow the link below to view our suspended ceiling solutions.

Ceiling Systems