If you’re weighing up a suspended ceiling (false ceiling) versus a plasterboard (drywall/MF) ceiling, the right choice usually comes down to access, acoustics, aesthetics, and lifetime cost. This guide breaks down the pros, cons, and typical UK prices so you can choose confidently—and avoid expensive rework later.
What is a suspended (false) ceiling? A suspended ceiling is a secondary layer hung below joists or slabs using a metal grid with lay-in tiles or a concealed system. The void above is ideal for lighting, HVAC, sprinklers, and cabling, making maintenance fast and low-disruption.
Pros
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Easy access to services: Lift tiles for inspection, repairs, and upgrades, perfect for offices, retail, schools, and plant-heavy residential spaces.
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Strong acoustics: Mineral fibre/acoustic tiles reduce echo and improve speech privacy.
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Energy efficiency: Add insulation in the void; reduced room volume can lower heating costs.
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Rated options: Choose fire-rated or humidity-resistant tiles for compliance in kitchens, bathrooms, pools, and corridors.
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Speed: Clean, fast install with minimal wet trades, good for live environments.
Cons
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Height reduction: Typical drops 75–200+ mm; plan for door/window head clearances.
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Look and feel: Visible grid can feel “commercial” unless you specify higher-end or concealed systems.
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Impact vulnerability: Softer tiles can mark; select tougher tiles for schools/sports.
What is a plasterboard ceiling? Plasterboard is fixed to timber or MF metal framing, then jointed and skimmed for a seamless, continuous finish. Services are concealed, with access via hatches where planned.
Pros
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Premium aesthetics: Smooth, high-end finish with clean shadow gaps and feature details.
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Robust surface: More impact-resistant than mineral tiles—ideal for homes and corridors.
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High-performance build-ups: Multi-layer boards, resilient bars, and insulation can achieve strong sound and fire ratings.
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Design flexibility: Great for bulkheads, coffers, curves, and integrated lighting features.
Cons
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Limited access: Changes to electrics/ducts later can be invasive and costly unless hatches are planned.
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Longer programme: Boarding, plastering, and drying extend timelines; more dust and disruption.
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Lower absorption: Standard boards reflect sound; add perforated boards or acoustic treatment to control reverberation.
Which should you choose?
- Commercial, education, healthcare, retail: Suspended ceilings usually win on access, speed, and acoustic control.
- Homes and premium interiors: Plasterboard delivers the seamless look and durability most homeowners want.
- Plant-heavy spaces (HVAC, sprinklers, data):Suspended ceilings reduce future maintenance costs and downtime.
- Feature-led designs: Plasterboard excels at architectural details and integrated lighting.
- Tight ceiling heights: Plasterboard can run closer to joists, saving precious millimetres.
Compliance and performance tips
- Fire strategy: Match the full system; boards/tiles, grid/framing, fixings, penetrations, to the required rating.
- Acoustics: For echo control and speech privacy, use acoustic tiles (suspended) or perforated boards/panels (plasterboard).
- Moisture zones: Specify humidity-resistant tiles or moisture boards in kitchens, bathrooms, and pools.
- Coordination: Lock in lighting, ventilation, and access hatch positions early to avoid rework and cost creep.
Bottom line
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Choose suspended (false) ceilings for speed, easy access, and adaptable lifetime costs, especially in commercial or service-heavy areas.
- Choose plasterboard for seamless aesthetics, robustness, and feature ceilings. plan access hatches to future-proof.
Not sure which ceiling suits your space and budget? Get a fast, no-obligation recommendations report with estimated costs per m² for your project. Share room sizes, ceiling height constraints, service requirements (lighting/HVAC/sprinklers), and desired fire/acoustic ratings - and we’ll propose the optimal system with a clean bill of materials you can send to installers for quotes. Contact Us Here.