Tiles with Square Lay-In are the easiest to install, but the visual effect of tegular, vector, or tongue & groove are interesting and appealing to many people.
The combination of grid size and edge profile will affect the visual appearance and ease of installation of your suspended ceiling.
Square Lay-in design hangs directly on the suspended ceiling grid.
Flush Tegular design hangs flush with the ceiling grid to create a smooth surface.
Square Tegular design hangs 1/4” below the grid, so the ceiling looks like a field of protruding squares.
Vector design creates a clean, grid-hiding visual effect.
Beveled Tegular design has rounded corners on the hanging tiles to create a softer look.
Tongue & Groove design provides a seamless, uninterrupted, grid-less look.
Angled Tegular design has angled corners on the hanging tiles to create a softer look.
The Grid are the lines you can see between the ceiling tiles.
The standard width is 15/16" wide metal frame around each tile – about the same size as the diameter of a Quarter. A narrower version, 9/16”, is also common.
There are many parts and pieces in a grid system. See the image above for the anatomy of a drop ceiling grid system.
A. Main Beams carry the load of the grid system, typically 12’ or 6’. B. Cross Tees are the supporting grid pieces that attach perpendicular to the main beams, helping create the 24” x 24” or 24” x 48” openings needed for your tiles. C. Wall Moldings are used as finishing trim to hang against the walls in the space. D. Ceiling Tiles are the tiles used to make up the drop ceiling. E. Hanger Wires attach to the ceiling joists and are how the main beams and cross tees hang. F. Plenum is the area or space in between the drop ceiling and the structure above, typically floor joists or an old ceiling.
Included in the grid system are main beams, wall moldings, cross tees, and hanger wires.
Main beams carry the load of the grid system
Wall moldings are used as a finishing trim to hang against the walls in the space
Cross tees are the supporting grid pieces that attach perpendicular to the main beams, helping create the 24” x 24” or 24” x 48” opening needed for your tiles. Alternate cross tee sizes are also available for less common tile sizes.
Hanger wires attach to the ceiling joists and are how the main beams and cross tees hang
ML and XL describe how main beams and cross tees attach to one another. The ML is a hook grid system and the XL is a stab grid system. The XL is required for seismic and specialty ceiling applications but is also the most common connection type across the United States.
The type of grid system needed is dependent on a few different things. First thing to consider is what size and type of tiles will be used within the space. Another thing to consider is the look you want. We have grid systems available in many styles and sizes. Additionally, you have unique circumstances to consider. We have grid systems for use in seismic areas, fire rated grids, as well as grids used for Clean Rooms. As always, reach out to one of our customer support experts or our installation services team for guidance on your specific circumstance.
Installing a ceiling grid requires planning and skilled work. We have many resources available to walk you through the process. Check out this video and always make sure to follow the installation instructions [PDF] included in the system. If you aren’t ready to tackle the challenge, we have a full-service certified installation team ready to help with completing your project from start to finish.
Yes, our ceiling grids can be cleaned. Our grid components are made from hot-dipped galvanized steel, with a corrosion-resistant zinc finish protecting it from rust. Refer to our cleaning guide [PDF] and disinfecting guide [PDF] for more info.
A 3” drop from the face of the grid is the minimum clearance needed for a drop/suspended ceiling. It’s not only a matter of getting the boards in, but the installers need room to twist the hanger wires, etc. Fiberglass is, of course, easiest to work with in the minimum clearance situation. More clearance can be given whenever possible to make the installation easier.
The default and preferred method of payment for Kanopi is to pay online using a credit card (we accept all major credit cards). However, in some cases, you might be able to buy now and pay later using alternate payment methods including a PO, invoice, or check.
Connect with one of our customer service team members by phone at (866) 438-8833, by submitting this form, or chat with us directly on our site to discuss your company's specific payment needs and see if you qualify.
Started in 2020, Kanopi is the direct-to-consumer platform of Armstrong World Industries. Kanopi serves the portion of the market of small general contractors, business owners, general managers, property managers, facility managers, and homeowners.Typically, jobs under 20,000 square feet can be serviced through Kanopi. Armstrong works with national distributors, architects, interior designers, and major commercial projects.
Yes. Almost all of the products sold on Kanopibyarmstrong.com are Armstrong Ceilings products. Kanopi will continue to expand its product offering of Armstrong products, as well as additional manufacturers added on in the future.
FIRE GUARD means that the product is engineered and tested as part of a fire resistant system, which includes tile, grid and the structure itself. Please check local building codes requirements for your space. The following link will direct you to additional information and support for Armstrong's Fire Resistant ceiling systems.
Fire ratings refer to flame spread and smoke development. Ratings indicate how rapidly flame spreads on one surface as compared to another. The flame spread rating is broken into three categories: Class A, Class B and Class C. Class A products have a flame-spread of 25 or less, and smoke developed of 50 or less. Class C products have a flame-spread of 76-200, and smoke developed of 0-450. Class A products are appropriate in the majority of commercial applications and Class C products are appropriate in most residential applications.
Armstrong products come packaged in cartons to protect and maintain product integrity. Shipping individual or smaller groups of tiles or grid can impact the quality of tile or grid. Kanopi sells solely in carton format because of this reason. BONUS: It's always good to have extra material on hand for accidents or damage over time.
On the Tax exemption page click on the ‘Submit Certificates’ button.
4.
The platform will guide you through the process until completion.
5.
Once you submit, our team will review your exemption within 24-48 hours. You will be able to immediately proceed with your purchase, but it will include sales tax if placed before your exemption is approved.
My Account
Easy 30-day returns
Thanks for subscribing!
