The pressed metal of a tin ceiling draws all eyes up because it’s an attractive treatment to top off a room. It creates an authentic and appealing look, but a tin-like material is easier to install and less expensive than pressed metal. Lightweight, vinyl-coated tiles in classic turn-of-the-century designs are dead ringers for real tin and mimic their timeless appeal. The 12-inch square tiles are applied directly to the ceiling using furring strips or adhesive. To get ideas for using the tiles and advice about measuring and installing them, go to www.armstrong.com.
A contractor will charge $684, including labor and material, to install a tin-look ceiling in a 10-by-12-foot room. You can make the installation for $375, the cost of the ceiling tiles, furring strips and ceiling cornice molding. You’ll pocket 45 percent by doing the job yourself. If you want to paint the tiles to match your decor, budget in the cost of a good-quality latex paint.
