Smooth dropin 2x2 ceiling tile?

[olivierk]

Hello everyone,

I have a kitchen that unfortunately has a suspended ceiling (T Bar system) with ugly textured 2x2 ceiling tiles. I'm doing some renovations and I'd like to find a 2x2 tile that most closely resembles a regular sheetrock ceiling (ie: smooth white no texture). I've looked at HD and Lowes as well as many online sites but it's either really expensive (ie: $25+ a tile) or still has some details/texture.

Anybody know where I could get flat plain smooth 2x2 tiles (it probably needs to be mineral since I'll be adding some recessed lights and I've read that it's a big no-no with the plastic ones).

Help will be much appreciated (btw: I'm in the Boston area if that helps).

Thanks!

zeO

[Philip Lewis]

Have you thought of using plaster/spackle to skim coat the existing ones? If the current one is coming down anyway... you can test on a panel or two to see if you like the result.

Be careful, the support system might not handle the extra load.

For that matter, you could probably get 4x8x1/4 drywall and cut them to size.

[Brian V]

Why not simply buy some drywall, cut it into 2x2's and paint it? As long as the celing is suspended properly it will take the weight.

[SQLit]

Call a local grid ceiling contractor and ask them. Personally I have never seen 2x2. I have seen 2x4 that was used in commercial kitchens, washable.

[wkearney99]

Or why not just replace the ceiling with actual drywall? If you don't like the look then cobbling up something to imitate a drywall ceiling isn't really ever going to look right. Is there some reason it needs to be a suspended ceiling? If it's just a matter of height then just frame it up to the desired height and hang new drywall on it. Just make sure you properly anchor the framing of course.

[olivierk]

Thanks for the responses but

1. Spackling is going to be too time consuming and not sure the result will be as nice as I'd like
2. I believe that using cut up dry wall is going to be way too heavy for the T bar structure (I've read several threads against this)
3. Closing up the ceiling alltogether is not an option since there is a huge amount of exposed plumbing from an added bathroom on the second floor (done in the 70s I would guess)

I'll call a local contractor but I was hoping that someone had an online source for me...

Thanks for the help,

zeO

[BocesLib]

Dont really think there is any happy medium for you. If you fear the plumbing will go on you, then have it checked or replaced. If you want a nice smooth surface any and all contractors are going to say put up drywall. nice thing about drywall is that it can be hacked up and replaced smooth again with a little bit of work.

I looked at the 2x2 tiles too. Didnt really find anything that appealing.

[olivierk]

Not trying to be a pain but this project is a quick improvement job not a install-a-brand-new-ceiling job so that's why I'm dismissing all these suggestions.

I aggree with you that what would look the closest to drywall would be drywall and if I had the time/money that's what I would have do.

I actually went back to Lowes last night and the solution was staring at me all this time! They sell mineral 2x4 smooth tiles that I can just cut in 2. I can't believe I did not think of this earlier! Duh!

Thanks for all your help!

zeO