Adding a drywall finish to a basement ceiling often proves difficult because of the need to work around existing utilities, and it makes those utilities hard to access for maintenance later. Drop ceilings are a convenient solution, but the standard drop-ceiling tile made of mineral-fiber panels is a depressing finish to live with. When my dad was searching for an alternative while finishing his basement, he came across Ceilume’s ceiling tiles. Made from vinyl and available as 2-ft. by 2-ft. tiles or 2-ft. by 4-ft. two-tile panels, the tiles are manufactured using thermoforming, and the result is lightweight, washable, and stylish. They come in many different styles and colors that elevate any basement aesthetic while also providing utility access and ease of installation.

Ceilume tiles are Class A–rated for fire safety and fit into a standard T-bar grid made to hang from ceiling joists, just like the old-school mineral-fiber tiles. For lighting, you can easily cut the tiles and install a can light or hanging fixture. Alternatively, some Ceilume tiles will allow a light installed above the tile to shine through, opening up a range of creative and practical design solutions. The tiles are stain resistant, impervious to moisture, and free of the fibers and dust that often accompany traditional mineral-fiber panels. Shown here is the Stratford Tile in black, which costs $2.12 per sq. ft. Other options range from under $2 to $5 per sq. ft., with bulk discounts available for larger projects.

—Chris Donegia, engineer

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