A suspended ceiling, or dropped ceiling, typically takes the form of a grid of metallic supports with rectangular or square tiles installed in between, which is suspended below the roof structure or next floor to provide a location for air supply, cables and piping, and to produce an appealing look with no visible clutter.

The suspended ceiling was invented in 1958 by an American called Donald Brown and has altered little since. Suspended ceilings are seldom seen in domestic situations, yet are frequently encountered in office and commercial facilities where property construction approaches are distinct and more services for example air-con, PA systems and fire detection are utilised.

Suspended ceilings aren’t with no down sides, nevertheless, and can easily become aesthetically displeasing after some years of installation. Often, the panels can get discoloured due to tobacco smoke or water leakage. Panels can bulge downwards, or repeated taking out and replacement for maintenance may result in the edges and corners of the tiles becoming ruined. Once the layout of the space requires alteration, suspended ceilings can be modified to match the new layout but this really is often carried out amateurishly by general trades-people and may result in a poor visual appeal. In damp conditions for example pools, mildew could become a concern if left without treatment.
Stretch ceilings really are a new development which can be a superior option to suspended ceilings more often than not.

A stretch ceiling is a PVC sheet which is secured at all edges to the walls and placed under stress so that it becomes flat. A stretch ceiling has many of the benefits of a suspended ceiling, in terms of covering up aesthetically displeasing roof beams or old plaster, but gives you a more attractive finish and neater installation around columns and other unusual features. The ceiling may also be arched or curved to take advantage of the space available, and may be offered in a wide variety of colours and even lit from behind by coloured lights. They are also immune to mildew and mold because water just flows off them, causing them to be proper for use in wet conditions.
Stretch ceilings are an attractive modern alternative to traditional suspended ceilings and are increasing in popularity.