Bring Copper Ceiling Tiles into Your Home Easily with These Installation Tips
Written by Milan Jara on 17th May 2019
Dating back to ancient times, copper has been used to make jewelry, ceiling tiles, and other accent pieces. Copper has a unique coloring that brings style to anything it adorns. That’s why so many people like using copper for ceiling tiles or backsplashes in their homes.
Like tin ceiling tiles, floor tiles and even the ceramic tile, installing copper ceiling tiles doesn’t have to be complicated, either. In fact, some of the easiest home renovations are done with copper ceiling tiles. They’re easy to clean, beautiful, and durable. Using copper ceiling tiles in your home is a smart move for almost any project.
Where Can You Use Copper Ceiling Tiles?
The options for copper ceiling tiles and panels are really endless. In fact, there so many options you can use these ceiling tiles for that you might not know where to start. Some of the easiest and most impactful places to use copper ceiling tiles are
- Backsplashes (kitchens or bathrooms)
- Ceilings
- Walls (dining rooms, living rooms, kitchens, bathrooms, bedrooms, entryways, etc.)
- Cabinet paneling (kitchens and bathrooms)
Of course, these are not the only options you have. If you can think of a place where a pop of copper coloring would do the trick, the various styles and sizes of ceiling panels available will most likely meet the desires you have.
One place that is very popular for copper tile designs is in kitchens and bathrooms for tin ceiling tiles, When these ceiling tiles are used for backsplashes, they are easy to clean and very durable. Check below for the multiple installation methods you can choose from to ensure you get the job done right for your particular job.
Installation Costs and Needs
Of course, any installation costs and needs will vary depending on the project, space, and unique needs. However, on average, the standard copper ceiling tile starts around $40. You can find them cheaper or more expensive depending on the quality of the copper tile you choose. The more ornate the tile, the more expensive the tile usually is. Some copper ceiling tiles are stamped, smooth, or decorative. Depending on what you want/need, copper ceiling tiles are more elaborate and cost a bit more.
When it comes to installation materials, the method in which you choose to install the tiles will highly determine how much you spend. For example, glue-up copper ceiling tiles may cost less than nail-up copper ceiling tiles. Glue-up tiles wouldn’t require nails, hammers, grids, and so on.
Where you choose to install copper ceiling tiles will also determine how much you spend on installation materials. If you are trying to put them on cabinet panels, your cost may be significantly lower than outfitting an entire ceiling with copper ceiling tiles.
One particular piece of equipment you’ll need for copper ceiling tiles is 18-gauge, T-brad nails. While these are not the only nails you can use, they are the best. Some other nails you may use are dome head and cone head finishing nails. Ask your local hardware store for help determining which nails are best for your particular job. They are used to fix the copper ceiling tiles to the furring strips. If you want to add a nicer finishing touch to your project (for furniture, backsplashes, or focal point walls), you could use decorative upholstery nails instead!
If you are on a budget, starting with smaller projects/spaces may be the way to go when deciding to use copper ceiling tiles. They are worth the money, though, as they bring serious shine and elegance to any space!
Different Installation Methods
With a variety of home projects on the DIY list, there are various installation methods available. Some installation methods are easier than others, especially for the inexperienced renovator.
For copper ceiling tiles, you would want to screw them into furring strips or with suspension grids. This method helps to ensure that the heavier copper metal ceiling tiles stick the desired location. There are faux copper ceiling tiles on the market made from PVC other lightweight materials that do not require screws (glue-up would typically be used here as installation method). However, if you want real copper ceiling tiles, you will want to go for the lengthier (possibly a bit more expensive) method of installation to ensure that your beautiful copper ceiling tiles stay in place!
Pro Tips for Installation
Some experts in copper ceiling tile installation have some tips to share with DIYers to help them avoid serious (and costly) mistakes!
1. Lighter Colored Coppering Ceiling Tiles
If you have low-hanging ceilings, you’ll want lighter colored copper ceiling tiles rather than darker colors. For color options, check out your options here → https://www.decorativeceilingtiles.net/copper-tiles-and-panels/
The reason you want to go for lighter colors on low-hanging ceilings is that they will make the ceiling look higher. If you choose darker colors, you will close the room even more. Darker, bolder colored copper would look great in bathrooms or smaller rooms where a punch of color will make a larger impact.
2. Match Your Paint Color
This might seem like a minute detail, but the finished look is all in the details. Suspended ceiling systems require you to use a grid to hang copper ceiling tiles (or any ceiling tile). Therefore, to keep the look consistent and clean, you may want to match the grid’s paint color to your copper ceiling tiles. Take a copper ceiling tile to your local hardware store and have them match the color for you!
3. Never Use Acetone Cleaning Products
If you want to preserve the look of your copper ceiling tiles in any location, do not use acetone cleaning products on lacquered tiles. Because the metal is considered a soft metal, it will scratch from the acetone and create an undesired color. Be careful with the type of cleaning tools you use, as well. Use soft rags that will not be abrasive to the copper ceiling tiles.
4. Don’t Forget the Crown Molding
Using copper ceiling tiles on the actual ceiling is a common occurrence. However, some people forget to take the crown molding into account when projecting the layout and spacing of your ceiling tiles. If you don’t want your crown molding to look bulky, you could go for a shoe molding, which will make the molding stand out less compared to the copper ceiling tiles themselves.
Overall, copper ceiling tiles are a great addition to any space and offer a wide range of options to make the most of your home. They bring elegance, style, and class to your home.
