How Much Does an Acoustic Ceiling Cost?
Last Updated: January 21, 2022
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An acoustic ceiling, or drop ceiling, is a beneficial ceiling system when you may need access to utilities that are located above. There are many different styles of ceiling tiles that can add an elegant look to your room. An acoustic ceiling system can be mounted on any type of wall – sheetrock, brick, concrete, etc. Most popular in commercial buildings, an acoustic ceiling can also be used in finished home basements and other rooms in your home. They give access to plumbing pipes, ductwork, and electrical conduits, all the while giving that finished look.
How Much Does Acoustic Ceiling Tile Cost? #
You can buy acoustic ceiling tiles in either 2'x2' or 2'x4' sizes. It will cost about $1,000-$1,700 to install an acoustic ceiling system in an average 12'x14' room. Most contractors will charge between $2 and $5 per square foot for labor. A modest set of 12, 2x2 tiles can cost from $25-$40. There are more extravagant tiles which can cost as much as $100 for a set of 12.
Labor costs should remain constant no matter how much you spend on the tiles. The amount of cuts that have to be made to the tiles will change but the added cost to labor shouldn't be much. One fact that should be mentioned is that you can expect to pay more per square foot if you have several small rooms as opposed to 2 or 3 large rooms. The reason for this is that setting up the equipment and tools takes time.
Shopping for Acoustic Ceiling Installation? #
Confer with your acoustical ceiling contractor about the height of the ceiling and make sure nothing has to be moved in order to achieve your desired height. More often than not there is a plumbing pipe or conduit that is a little too low to allow an acoustical ceiling to be installed at a certain height. You have the option of moving the fixture or building around it. Moving the fixture could cost $1,000 and up. Creatively building around it is usually prudent.
In most cases you do not need a permit to install acoustical ceiling tiles. You might want to check with your local building office to make sure. The money you pay for a permit pales in comparison to a fine.
