What can I use to create a suspended ceiling?

My basement has been converted to a living area. i have a height of 7 ft. I installed a drop ceiling using the 2 X 4 fiberglass panels because ability to flex to install in grid which is 1 inch from rafters. Is there other then the dusty fiberglass that I can use. The alternative is to lower the entire grid an additional 1 plus inch which would be a lot of work for a 13 ft. X 39 ft. ceiling. Any ideas will be greatly appreciated.

  4 answers
  • Cheryl A Cheryl A on Nov 28, 2019

    we used vinyl lattice on our ceiling but painted the ceiling a darker color first and used the white lattice on top it makes the ceiling look deep and higher -

  • Laura Cooper Laura Cooper on Nov 28, 2019
    There are surface mount ceiling panels that aren't dusty fiberglass and they are really beautiful.
  • Lifestyles Homes Lifestyles Homes on Nov 28, 2019

    Spend some time on Armstrong Ceilings and USG Ceilings websites.

    They have alternatives to mineral fiber (not fiberglass) acoustical tiles. Keep in mind that being for commercial use, they have to meet commercial building codes and testing criteria and therefore are priced accordingly.


    Another idea is to screw 2’x2’ panels into the ceiling joists and leave the screws with washers exposed. This is a “techy” effect that will allow you to remove whatever panels you need to for future access.