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Elegant Ceilings & Walls — Frequently Asked Questions

Choosing the Right Ceiling Product

Where can I buy decorative ceiling tiles in Canada?

Elegant Ceilings & Walls specializes in decorative, acoustic, suspended and glue-up ceiling products and ships most products throughout Canada's 10 provinces.

Products can be purchased online, by phone, or at our retail showroom in Anjou (Montreal), Quebec. We carry major ceiling brands and are the only authorized Canadian distributor of Ceilume.

What types of ceiling tiles does Elegant Ceilings & Walls carry?

Elegant Ceilings & Walls carries a broad range of ceiling products, including:

  • Lightweight decorative thermoformed ceiling tiles from Ceilume and MirroFlex
  • Rigid decorative vinyl/PVC ceiling tiles from LEVANTO
  • Rock-wool acoustic ceiling tiles from LEVANTO and Rockfon
  • Mineral-fibre ceiling tiles from Armstrong and CertainTeed
  • Aluminum-composite ceiling panels from T|Karra
  • Low-clearance suspended-ceiling systems from Embassy

Products are available for residential and commercial applications, with options designed for appearance, acoustics, moisture resistance, fire performance, easy maintenance and reduced ceiling clearance.

What is Ceilume, and where can I buy Ceilume ceiling tiles in Canada?

Ceilume specializes in lightweight thermoformed vinyl ceiling tiles available in a wide range of decorative styles, colours and finishes.

Elegant Ceilings & Walls is the only authorized Ceilume distributor in Canada and carries Ceilume products for suspended/drop-in and direct-mount applications, depending on the model.

Ceilume tiles are particularly popular because they combine decorative variety with very low weight, waterproof construction, easy maintenance and straightforward installation. Certain Ceilume models are also approved for specialized drop-out applications beneath fire sprinklers.

What is LEVANTO, and how are Simplicity, Evoque and Whispr different?

LEVANTO is a ceiling-tile brand offered by Elegant Ceilings & Walls with products designed for different suspended-ceiling applications.

LEVANTO Simplicity is a flat, smooth, rigid vinyl/PVC ceiling tile for a clean, minimalist appearance. It is available in 2 × 2 and 2 × 4 formats.

LEVANTO Evoque is a decorative formed vinyl/PVC suspended-ceiling tile with a three-dimensional design.

LEVANTO Whispr is a high-density rock-wool acoustic ceiling tile designed for applications where both appearance and sound absorption are important.

Simplicity and Evoque emphasize waterproof construction, durability and decorative appearance, while Whispr is designed primarily around acoustic performance and the advantages of rock wool.

What is the difference between PVC, rock-wool and mineral-fibre ceiling tiles?

Each material has different strengths.

PVC/vinyl ceiling tiles are lightweight, waterproof or highly moisture resistant depending on the product, easy to maintain and available in a broad range of decorative designs. Ceilume, MirroFlex and LEVANTO Simplicity and Evoque are examples.

Rock-wool ceiling tiles combine strong sound absorption with excellent dimensional stability and resistance to high humidity. They can also provide a cleaner, smoother and more contemporary appearance than many traditional acoustic tiles because the finished surface does not require visible holes or perforations to provide sound absorption. Rock-wool ceiling products can be suitable for environments approaching 90% relative humidity or higher, depending on the specific product.

Mineral-fibre ceiling tiles remain widely used in offices and commercial buildings. They are available in many acoustic ratings and price levels. Many traditional mineral-fibre designs use visible fissures, perforations or textured surfaces as part of their acoustic construction, although smoother designs are also available.

The best material depends on whether the priority is appearance, acoustics, moisture resistance, maintenance, budget or another project requirement.

Which ceiling tiles are best for a basement?

Suspended ceilings are particularly practical in basements because individual tiles can be removed to access plumbing, wiring, ducts and other services above the ceiling.

For basements where moisture resistance, easy maintenance and decorative appearance are priorities, waterproof vinyl products such as Ceilume, LEVANTO Simplicity and LEVANTO Evoque are strong options.

Where sound absorption is important, rock-wool products such as LEVANTO Whispr provide strong acoustic performance while also performing well in high-humidity environments.

Where preserving ceiling height is especially important, a low-clearance suspended system such as Embassy may be worth considering.

The best choice depends on moisture, acoustics, ceiling height, desired appearance and access requirements.

Which ceiling tiles are best for bathrooms or other humid areas?

The best choice depends on whether the ceiling may be exposed to direct moisture or primarily to high ambient humidity.

For bathrooms and other areas where moisture, condensation or easy cleaning are important, Ceilume and LEVANTO PVC/vinyl ceiling tiles are particularly strong choices because they are waterproof and do not absorb moisture.

T|Karra aluminum-composite panels are another durable, moisture-resistant option.

Where high humidity and sound absorption are both important, LEVANTO Whispr is a strong alternative. Its rock-wool construction provides high acoustic performance while remaining dimensionally stable in environments up to 90% relative humidity.

Other ceiling materials may also be suitable for humid environments, but humidity and moisture resistance should always be confirmed for the specific product.

Which ceiling tiles are best for reducing noise?

For sound absorption, look for ceiling tiles with a published NRC rating.

LEVANTO Whispr is specifically designed for acoustic applications and has an NRC of 0.70, placing it in the high sound-absorption range. Its rock-wool construction combines strong acoustic performance with a clean, smooth appearance and good dimensional stability in high-humidity environments.

Armstrong and CertainTeed also offer acoustic ceiling products with different levels of sound absorption.

The appropriate tile depends on the desired level of acoustic performance as well as appearance, humidity resistance, edge style and other project requirements.

What does NRC mean for a ceiling tile?

NRC, or Noise Reduction Coefficient, indicates how effectively a ceiling material absorbs sound rather than reflecting it back into the room. Higher numbers indicate greater sound absorption. As a practical guide, an NRC below 0.50 provides relatively low sound absorption, 0.50–0.65 is moderate, 0.70–0.80 is high, and 0.85 or greater is very high.

NRC is calculated from sound absorption measured at several speech-related frequencies, so it is particularly useful when comparing ceiling products for offices, restaurants, basements and other spaces where reducing reflected sound and reverberation is important.

What is the difference between a decorative ceiling tile and an acoustic ceiling tile?

A decorative ceiling tile is selected primarily for appearance, although it may also provide benefits such as waterproof construction, durability, easy cleaning or fire-performance characteristics.

An acoustic ceiling tile is specifically designed to absorb sound and normally carries a published NRC rating.

Some products combine an attractive finished appearance with strong acoustic performance, but a decorative ceiling tile should not automatically be assumed to provide significant sound absorption.

Can decorative and acoustic ceiling tiles be used in commercial spaces?

Yes. Elegant Ceilings & Walls supplies ceiling products for offices, restaurants, retail stores, salons and other commercial interiors as well as residential projects.

Commercial suitability depends on the project. Important considerations may include acoustics, fire-performance requirements, humidity, maintenance, cleaning, durability and appearance.

PVC, rock wool, mineral fibre, thermoplastic and aluminum-composite products can all have appropriate commercial applications depending on the specific product and project requirements.

Compatibility and Technical Performance

Can I replace old 2 × 2 suspended-ceiling tiles without replacing the existing grid?

Often, yes.

If the existing suspension grid is in good condition, new ceiling tiles can frequently be installed directly into it. The replacement tile must have the correct dimensions and be designed for the width of the existing grid.

This can make it possible to significantly change the appearance or performance of an older suspended ceiling without replacing the complete suspension system.

Which ceiling tiles fit a standard 15/16-inch suspended-ceiling grid?

Most suspended-ceiling tiles sold by Elegant Ceilings & Walls are designed for standard 15/16-inch or approximately 1-inch suspension grids.

This includes many products from Ceilume, LEVANTO, Rockfon, Armstrong, CertainTeed, MirroFlex and T|Karra.

Some specialized ceiling systems use their own suspension components, so compatibility should always be confirmed for the specific product before ordering.

Elegant Ceilings & Walls also sells 15/16-inch T-bar suspension grid systems in black and white for local delivery or pickup in the Montreal area.

Do you sell suspended-ceiling T-bar grid systems?

Yes. Elegant Ceilings & Walls sells 15/16-inch suspended-ceiling T-bar grid systems in both white and black.

The grid can be used with many of the 2 × 2 and 2 × 4 suspended-ceiling tiles we carry and is available for complete ceiling installations as well as replacement or expansion of existing grid systems.

Because of the length and shipping requirements of the grid components, T-bar grid is available for pickup at our Anjou (Montreal) retail showroom or for local delivery only. It is not available for parcel shipping across Canada.

Customers can contact us at 888-544-0369 for quantities, availability or a project quote.

Should I choose 2 × 2 or 2 × 4 ceiling tiles?

Both sizes are common in suspended ceilings.

A 2 × 2 layout creates a more compact grid pattern and is often preferred in residential applications or when a more detailed ceiling appearance is desired.

A 2 × 4 layout creates fewer grid openings and can provide a simpler, more linear appearance.

The choice also depends on the existing grid layout, ceiling design, room proportions and availability of the desired product.

What is the difference between square-edge and tegular ceiling tiles?

A square-edge tile rests on the suspension grid, with the face of the tile sitting approximately level with the grid.

A tegular tile has a stepped edge that allows the visible face to sit slightly below the grid, creating additional depth and a shadow line around the tile.

Both square and tegular tiles can be designed for standard 15/16-inch suspension grids. The difference is primarily the finished appearance rather than the basic grid system required.

Can different brands of ceiling tiles be installed in the same existing grid?

Yes, provided the individual products are compatible with the grid.

A standard suspended-ceiling grid is not normally tied to one tile manufacturer. Products from Ceilume, LEVANTO, MirroFlex, Rockfon, Armstrong, CertainTeed and other brands can potentially be installed in the same standard grid when their dimensions and grid-width requirements are compatible.

Tile thickness, weight, material and appearance can differ between brands, so the individual product specifications should still be checked.

Which ceiling tiles have a Class A surface-burning classification?

A Class A surface-burning classification under ASTM E84 is available across a large portion of the ceiling products offered by Elegant Ceilings & Walls.

Examples include Ceilume ceiling tiles and panels, LEVANTO Simplicity, LEVANTO Evoque, LEVANTO Whispr and MirroFlex ceiling tiles, as well as many models from Rockfon, Armstrong and CertainTeed.

Fire-performance documentation varies by individual product and model, so the applicable technical documentation should always be checked for the ceiling tile being considered. Some products also have testing under other standards, including CAN/ULC-S102.

For commercial or code-sensitive projects, Elegant Ceilings & Walls can help identify the available fire-performance documentation for a specific product.

What does ASTM E84 Class A mean for a ceiling tile?

ASTM E84 is a test method used to measure the surface-burning characteristics of building materials under controlled test conditions.

The test reports two principal values:

  • Flame Spread Index (FSI) — how quickly flame travels across the surface of the material.
  • Smoke Developed Index (SDI) — the amount of smoke generated during the test.

A Class A surface-burning classification generally indicates a Flame Spread Index of 25 or less, together with a Smoke Developed Index of 450 or less.

ASTM E84 Class A is commonly specified for ceiling and interior-finish products in commercial applications.

It should not be confused with a fire-resistance rating for a complete ceiling assembly. Project requirements can vary by building type, occupancy and jurisdiction.

Can ceiling tiles sag or warp in humid conditions?

Performance in humid conditions depends greatly on the ceiling-tile material.

PVC/vinyl ceiling tiles, including Ceilume, LEVANTO Simplicity and LEVANTO Evoque, are waterproof and do not absorb moisture like many traditional fibre-based products, making them highly resistant to moisture-related sagging or warping.

T|Karra aluminum-composite panels also provide excellent dimensional stability in humid environments.

Rock-wool ceiling tiles such as LEVANTO Whispr are not waterproof in the same way as PVC, but they are designed to remain dimensionally stable in high-humidity environments. Whispr is suitable for conditions up to 90% relative humidity, making it a strong option where both humidity resistance and acoustic performance are important.

Other ceiling materials have product-specific humidity and sag ratings, so the manufacturer's specifications should be checked when humidity is an important consideration.

Can ceiling tiles be cleaned or washed?

Cleaning requirements depend on the material and surface.

Ceilume, MirroFlex, LEVANTO Simplicity and LEVANTO Evoque have finished surfaces that are easy to wipe clean, making them well suited to applications where low maintenance is important.

T|Karra aluminum-composite panels also have a durable, non-porous surface that is easy to clean.

Embassy ceiling panels and components have finished laminated surfaces that can be wiped clean, although MDF-based products should not be treated as waterproof or exposed to excessive water.

Rock-wool, mineral-fibre and other acoustic ceiling products may require different cleaning methods.

Always follow the cleaning recommendations for the specific product.

Installation

Can I install suspended-ceiling tiles myself?

Many suspended-ceiling products are suitable for DIY installation, particularly when an existing grid is already in place.

Lightweight vinyl products such as Ceilume are especially DIY-friendly, while rigid PVC products such as LEVANTO Simplicity and Evoque are also straightforward to handle and cut.

Drop-in tiles simply rest in the suspension grid. Installing a complete new suspension system requires additional layout, levelling and fastening work.

Installation instructions should always be reviewed for the specific product before beginning.

What is the difference between drop-in, glue-up and low-clearance suspended ceilings?

Drop-in or suspended ceiling tiles rest in a metal grid suspended below the structure. Individual tiles can normally be lifted or removed to access utilities above the ceiling.

Glue-up ceiling tiles are bonded directly to a flat, solid ceiling using a compatible adhesive. They preserve ceiling height but do not offer the same easy access above the finished ceiling.

Low-clearance suspended systems, such as Embassy, use specialized suspension components designed to preserve more ceiling height while maintaining removable access.

Can ceiling tiles be cut for border pieces?

Many can, but not every decorative ceiling tile is intended to be used as a cut border tile.

LEVANTO Simplicity, Evoque and Whispr are particularly well suited to perimeter cuts.

Many Ceilume designs can also be cut, while some heavily moulded decorative patterns look better when used as full centre tiles with a flatter coordinating border tile.

MirroFlex also offers patterns with different border-cutting limitations depending on the depth of the design.

Check the individual product before determining the ceiling layout.

What tools are needed to cut ceiling tiles?

The cutting method depends on the ceiling-tile material:

  • Ceilume and MirroFlex: can be cut with scissors or shears.
  • LEVANTO Simplicity, LEVANTO Evoque and T|Karra: can be scored with a utility knife and snapped along the cut line.
  • Rock-wool and mineral-fibre ceiling tiles: can be cut with a sharp utility knife.

These relatively simple cutting methods make many of these products suitable for DIY installation and for fitting perimeter tiles around walls and other obstacles.

Can I access plumbing, electrical wiring and ducts above a suspended ceiling?

Yes. This is one of the main advantages of a suspended ceiling.

Individual drop-in tiles can normally be lifted or removed, allowing access to pipes, wiring, ducts, valves and other building services without demolishing the finished ceiling.

This is particularly valuable in basements and commercial spaces where mechanical systems may require future inspection, repair or modification.

How much ceiling height does a suspended ceiling require?

The required drop depends on the suspension system, obstructions above the ceiling and the space needed to install and remove the tiles.

Traditional suspended-ceiling systems normally require enough clearance for the grid, hangers and tile installation.

Where ceiling height is especially limited, specialized systems such as Embassy are designed to minimize the required drop while still maintaining access to pipes, ducts and wiring above the ceiling. The Embassy system requires only approximately 1¾ inches of clearance below the structure.

What is a drop-out ceiling tile, and can it be installed beneath fire sprinklers?

Certain Ceilume ceiling tiles are specifically approved for drop-out applications beneath fire sprinklers.

Under fire conditions, an approved drop-out tile softens and falls from the suspension grid, allowing the sprinkler above it to operate without the ceiling tile obstructing its spray pattern.

This can allow a decorative suspended ceiling to coexist with a sprinkler system without requiring a sprinkler head through every tile.

Drop-out approval is product- and installation-specific, so only approved Ceilume models and configurations should be used for this application. The installation must also be accepted by the applicable building/fire authority having jurisdiction.

Planning, Pricing and Purchasing

How do I calculate how many ceiling tiles I need?

Start by calculating the ceiling area in square feet.

A nominal 2 × 2 ceiling tile covers approximately 4 square feet, while a nominal 2 × 4 tile covers approximately 8 square feet.

Divide the ceiling area by the coverage of the selected tile and then allow additional material for border cuts and waste.

Room dimensions, grid layout and decorative patterns can affect the actual quantity required.

How much extra ceiling material should I order for cuts and waste?

For many projects, approximately 10% extra material is a reasonable starting point for perimeter cuts, waste and future replacement pieces.

Simple rectangular rooms may require less, while irregular layouts or products with directional or heavily patterned designs may require more.

The recommended quantity should be based on the actual room layout and product selected.

How are ceiling tiles priced?

Most ceiling tiles are priced by the square foot, making it easier to compare products for a given project area.

Total project cost depends on the product selected, required quantity, suspension system or accessories, waste allowance and shipping.

Complete systems such as Embassy are priced based on the components required for the project.

Do you offer volume pricing or project quotes?

Yes. Many ceiling products have quantity-based pricing.

For larger residential or commercial projects, Elegant Ceilings & Walls can provide a project quote based on the selected product, quantity and required accessories. Please contact us at 888-544-0369.

Can I order ceiling-tile samples before buying?

Yes. Samples are available for many ceiling products.

Where a sample option appears on a product page, it can be ordered directly, or customers can contact Elegant Ceilings & Walls at 888-544-0369 for assistance.

Samples are particularly useful when comparing colour, texture, finish, thickness and overall appearance before placing a larger order.

Ordering, Shipping and Showroom

How can I buy Elegant Ceilings & Walls products?

Products can be purchased online at ceilingsandwalls.com, by phone, or in person at our retail showroom in Anjou (Montreal), Quebec.

Customers can visit the location to see products in person, receive product-selection assistance, place an order, make a purchase or pick up an order.

For help selecting a product, confirming availability, requesting a project quote or placing an order, customers can also contact Elegant Ceilings & Walls by phone at 888-544-0369.

Some specialty or project-based products may require assistance from our showroom team.

Do you ship ceiling tiles across Canada?

Yes. Elegant Ceilings & Walls ships the majority of its ceiling tiles and accessories throughout Canada's 10 provinces.

The territories are currently excluded and some product or destination restrictions may apply.

How much does shipping cost?

Shipping cost depends on the product, quantity, size of the order and delivery destination.

Shipping charges are calculated for the individual order rather than using one flat shipping rate.

Large or unusual orders may require freight service.

How are large or heavy ceiling orders delivered?

Orders that are too large or heavy for standard parcel delivery are shipped by freight carrier.

Freight deliveries are curbside, meaning the carrier unloads the shipment at the delivery address but does not carry it inside the building.

For shipments weighing 150 lb or more, tail-lift service is included so the shipment can be lowered safely from the truck to ground level.

A signature is required at delivery.

How quickly do in-stock ceiling products ship?

In-stock orders ship within 2 business days of the order being placed.

Transit time then depends on the destination and shipping method.

Special-order products have different lead times, which are confirmed when ordering.

Do you have a ceiling-tile showroom and retail location in Montreal?

Yes. Elegant Ceilings & Walls operates a retail showroom in Anjou (Montreal), Quebec, where customers can see ceiling products in person, compare materials and finishes, receive product-selection advice, purchase products, request project quotes and pick up orders.

9220 boulevard du Golf
Anjou (Montreal), Quebec
H1J 3A1

The retail showroom is open Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

If you have any further questions or concerns, or if you need further assistance, our customer support service team is always available to help you.

IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS, PLEASE DO NOT HESITATE TO CONTACT US