ArcaMax

The pressed metal of a tin ceiling draws all eyes up because it’s an attractive treatment to top off a room. It creates an authentic and appealing look, but a tin-like material is easier to install and less expensive than pressed metal. Lightweight, vinyl-coated tiles in classic turn-of-the-century designs are dead ringers for real tin and mimic their timeless appeal. The 12-inch square tiles are applied directly to the ceiling using furring strips or adhesive. To get ideas for using the tiles and advice about measuring and installing them, go to www.armstrong.com.

A contractor will charge $684, including labor and material, to install a tin-look ceiling in a 10-by-12-foot room. You can make the installation for $375, the cost of the ceiling tiles, furring strips and ceiling cornice molding. You’ll pocket 45% by doing the job yourself. If you want to paint the tiles to match your decor, budget in the cost of a good-quality latex paint.

To do the job you’ll need basic carpentry tools including a chalk line, a tape measure, a hammer, a utility knife, a stapler, a carpenter’s level, a straightedge, cutting pliers, safety glasses and a ladder. The job goes faster if you have a go-fer helper who also needs a ladder. If you’re looking for an excuse to buy a laser level, this is it; the tool is extremely helpful to lay out and install the tiles so they are level.

Pro Cost: $684 — DIY Cost: $375 — Pro time: 2.7
DIY Time: 4.5 — DIY Savings: $309 — Percent Saved: 45%

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To find more DIY project costs and to post comments and questions, visit www.diyornot.com and m.diyornot.com on smartphones.

©2024 Gene and Katie Hamilton. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.