What is an Inexpensive Way to Tile a Basement Ceiling?

Polystyrene Foam Ceiling Tiles

• Available in embossed three-dimensional designs, polystyrene foam ceiling tiles are inexpensive and feature a surface that is easy to personalize with water-based paints. These tiles are flexible, have sound-dampening properties and add an extra layer of insulation to a basement ceiling. Because they are soft, you can use a utility knife to cut corner and end tiles to size. Polystyrene foam ceiling tiles are lightweight, which makes them ideal for installing on textured ceilings, stucco, plaster, drywall and plywood using mastic as an adhesive. After placing polystyrene foam tiles on a basement ceiling, apply caulk to seal the seams. The caulk acts like the grout you would use on floor tiles.

Metal Ceiling Tiles

• Slightly more expensive than polystyrene foam tiles, ceiling tiles made with thin metal also come with three-dimensional designs. These tiles are ideal for basements used as entertainment and game rooms because they reflect light and make the room look brighter. Metal ceiling tiles come in a variety of finishes, and the materials include aluminum, copper and tin-plated steel. By using tin snips, you can cut end and corner ceiling tiles to size. Instead of affixing metal ceiling tiles with an adhesive, you secure them with nails. Therefore, it is a good idea to install a ½-inch-thick plywood board on your current ceiling or a drop ceiling prior to installing metal tiles. Good ceiling tiles made of metal are primed on both sides to prevent corrosion.

Plastic Tiles

• Create a natural, soft look in your basement with the installation of plastic ceiling tiles that look like wood. The surface of the plastic tile looks like wood grain, but the tiles cost a fraction of those made from real wood. As with metal tiles, install wood-like tiles with nails on plywood you affixed to your ceiling or a drop ceiling. Use a jigsaw to cut the plastic wood tiles to size.

Considerations

• Several basement ceiling tiles require the use of a drop ceiling for installation. Drop ceilings allow easy access to pipes and electrical wiring. A drop ceiling, however, can also lower the height of the basement ceiling by up to 4 inches.