A suspended ceiling, or dropped ceiling, ordinarily takes the shape of a matrix of metal supports with square or rectangular tiles installed in between, which is suspended beneath the roof or next floor to give a location for air supply, wires and cables and plumbing, and to create an appealing look and feel without noticeable mess.

The suspended ceiling was invented in 1958 by an American named Donald Brown and it has altered little since that time. Suspended ceilings are generally hardly ever found in the home, but are often found in office and commercial settings where building construction techniques are different and a lot of utilities including air con, public address systems and fire detection are utilised.

Suspended ceiling systems usually are not without disadvantages, nevertheless, and can grow to be unsightly after some years of installation. Commonly, the panels can get discoloured due to cigarette smoke or water leaks. Panels can sag downwards, or repeated removal and replacement for repair may result in the edges and corners of the tiles getting broken. When the layout of the space requires alteration, suspended ceilings can be revised to fit the new layout but this really is frequently done amateurishly by general building contractors and may result in a inadequate appearance. In wet conditions including swimming pools, mold can be a difficulty if eventually left unattended.
Stretch ceilings really are a new development which can be a superior alternative to suspended ceilings more often than not.

A stretch ceiling is a PVC sheet that is attached at all perimeters to the wall surfaces and put under stress so that it will become flat. A stretch ceiling has many of the advantages of a suspended ceiling, in terms of covering up unsightly roof beams or old plasterwork, but gives you a more eye-catching finish and neater installation all around pillars and other unusual features. The ceiling may also be arched or curved to make the most of the room available, and could be offered in a variety of shades or perhaps illuminated from behind by coloured lighting. They are also immune to mildew and mold because water simply flows off them, which makes them ideal for use in wet conditions.
Stretch ceilings are an interesting contemporary substitute to traditional suspended ceilings and so are increasing in popularity.