How much does ceiling cost ?

If you are installing new or looking to upgrade an existing ceiling, you should know that there are many options available to you. Gone are the days of old drop ceilings that fall apart and mold anytime there is a little moisture in the room. Advancements in technology have caused the market to become flooded with many different types and styles of drop ceilings as well as the traditional drywall or plaster ceilings. Having access to good drop panels is something to consider when looking into ceiling installation cost.

When you consider what type of ceiling to install, the number one thing to keep in mind is access to utilities. The most common reason why people choose to install a drop ceiling is so that they will still have access to the water pipes, electrical, and telephone lines running through the ceiling (basement ceiling). If you do not believe that you will ever need access to these, then installing a drywall ceiling could be your best option. However, if you want to save money from ripping down a ceiling if you do need to access these, then a drop ceiling is what you want to go with.

Drywall Ceiling Costs.

Having a drywall ceiling can be great as it is a naturally finished look. For drywall ceilings, you will be quoted based on either cost per sheet or cost per square foot. The cost will run you approximately $45 to $75 per sheet (4’ x 8’ sheet) or $1.50 to $2.25 per square foot for a finished drywall ceiling. This cost does include mud and taping but does not include the price to paint the finished drywall.

Drop Ceiling Costs.

Although drywall ceilings may look more natural, there are many different drop ceiling panels that often make your ceiling look better than drywall. If you elect to go with a drop ceiling, you will pay approximately $6 to $15 per square foot for installed tiles. The overall price will depend on the type of tile that you ultimately choose; however, the quoted price includes both material and cost of installation.

Installation Cost.

If you have already purchased the panels and materials for a drop ceiling, then plan on spending approximately $3.00 to $7.50 per square foot to complete the job. The overall ceiling installation cost will depend on the height of the ceiling and the weight of the panels.

Drywall ceilings will take a little longer to install than drop ceilings as it will take approximately 3 days to finish the drywall with mud and tape. However, cost for installation is based on cost per sheet or cost per square foot so your overall price will be approximately $22 to $37 per sheet (4’ x 8’ sheet) or $1.50 to $2.25 per square foot. Also keep in mind that there will be additional time needed to paint the drywall once it is finished.

Additional Price Consideration.

If you are removing old ceiling tiles, there is a chance that they contain asbestos. Make sure that your contractor is equipped to handle the removal of such panels and plan on spending the extra money to have this done properly. This should also not deter you from going with a modern drop ceiling as due to regulations none of the materials used in the manufacturing of new ceiling panels contain asbestos.

If you do decide to go with a drywall ceiling, make sure that any extra wires (e.g., audio, cable television, etc.) that you may want in the future are run before the ceiling is installed. Even if you do not plan on using them right away, it is cheaper to have them installed now rather than cutting up the ceiling to do it in the future.

To get a better idea of costs, here are some ceiling estimates from professionals.

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