I'm in the process of installing a drop ceiling in my garage, and my wife prefers the look of decorative PVC tiles instead of the standard acoustic tiles. I've seen these tiles online, but I'm concerned about their durability. Specifically, do they really look as thin and flimsy as they do in pictures, almost like cheap plastic Halloween costume gear? I worry they'll attract a lot of dust and spiders (which we have plenty of in middle Tennessee) and might not withstand a cleaning broom, even with those clips meant to prevent them from lifting. Honestly, I'd lean towards the acoustic tiles due to our tight budget, but I want to know more about the PVC option. Can anyone with experience help me out?
1 Answer
Those decorative PVC tiles can actually be surprisingly sturdy! They often need a supportive backing, like drywall, to really shine, especially if your installation involves edges or light fixtures. If you stick to whole tiles without any cuts, you might get away with not using a backer for some areas, but partials definitely need extra support. Just keep in mind how they might hold up over time!

Exactly! I’ve had some experience installing these tiles, and without proper backing, they can sag or warp if they’re not whole. If you’re putting this in a garage, I’d recommend securing them properly!