Primary markets include restaurants, bars, cafes, nightclubs, renovation, restoration, new home construction, remodeling centers. DIY chains and lumberyards. Panels are also available in perforated for enhanced acoustical value. This has opened up doors to new markets such as hotels, conference centers, offices and other interiors where acoustics are an important consideration. Our cornice moldings are appropriate in any environment, and offer a permanent decorative accent. If existing walls are cracked and peeling our decorative steel panels will hide a multitude of irregularities. The tiles also make for great backsplash's, especially in Brass, Copper and Stainless steel.

Metal Ceilings
Metal ceilings were introduced in the early 1860's, as a way for middle class homeowners to replicate the look of expensive hand-carved plaster work at a fraction of the cost. They increased in popularity through the turn of the century for use on the walls and ceilings of taverns, food establishments, grocery chains and other buildings because of their fire resistance, as well as resistance to mildew, moisture and vermin.

Many times referred to as "tin ceilings" the panels were never actually made from tin. Some companies used tin plated steel, but eventually found this costly and unnecessary as most people painted over them anyway.

Many ceilings originally installed one hundred years ago, are still in good repair today. While disappearing briefly during World War II, metal ceilings have regained their popularity, as people continue to recapture our country's architectural heritage. Metal ceilings are truly a part of Americana.

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Installation
Originally, metal ceilings were only installed by nailing to ceilings and walls using furring strips. Complete nail up installation instructions are available upon request covering both ceilings and cornices. Nail up installation should be considered for the most authentic effect.

Although any nails can be used to fasten the panels, we recommend our cone head nails, available in steel, brass, white and copper, as they give the ceiling a more finished, authentic look.

Shanker Industries now trims all patterns for standard 2' X 2' and 2' X 4' grid systems. We can cut to metric dimensions as well as English Standard.

When used in a grid system, we recommend backing the panels with 5/8" sheetrock or comparable material both to ensure proper fit in the grid and to meet local building codes. If a backer is not used, some other means is required to secure panels to the grid to prevent movement caused by air distribution.

For optimum effect, consider the use of the new, narrower 9/16" grid systems now being offered by manufacturers such as Chicago Metallic Corp. These blend into the design more readily, although any grid can be used.

For retrofitting an existing acoustical grid, installation is easy. Simply insert our metal panel between existing tile and grid. Paint over both the grid and panels using oil-based paint, and you will have a ceiling that should last two lifetimes or more.

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