Disclosure: This post is sponsored by The American Tin Ceiling Company. I was provided materials for this project in return for my honest review.Â
American Tin Ceiling Company Install
I am so excited to finally share this with you! If you’ve been reading for a while you know I purchased this old house in serious need of repairs. We are almost three years in and have finally finished the majority of the interior work. On to the exterior this spring (new deck, new siding and eventually all new windows). We’re debt free with this house and plan to keep it that way- so it’s a little work here and a little work there. One step at a time. Rome wasn’t built in a day- neither will Chateau Buteau be restored overnight. And, repeat- one day at a time!
Sometimes we’ve taken two steps forward just to be thrown three steps back. This is the third ceiling this particular entry way has seen since we’ve purchased this house. The first was the original plaster ceiling. When we bought the house all of the plumbing had to be replaced due to frozen cracked pipes We replaced all of the old copper pipes with PEX tubing. A fairly easy job except that this entry way is exactly below my master bathroom. And yup, the only access to all of that plumbing is through the ceiling. Insert sledge hammer here.
We then put up a type of paneling, painted the walls and finished off the room. All was well until the toilet upstairs, which hadn’t been replaced, decided it wanted to run a 10k while we weren’t home. The water just kept running… and running, and running. Until our efforts were destroyed! See…
Installing Our New American Tin Ceiling
When I had an opportunity to work with The American Tin Ceiling Company I jumped hard and fast and almost begged them to save me from my desperate state of sagging, ruined ceiling mess. And they agreed! They asked me to choose the tin ceiling tiles I liked best. They have so many beautiful choices! I also loved the “old” feeling of the tin ceiling- for this ancient old house it couldn’t be more perfect!
I finally decided on Pattern 4 in the Dessert Sand color. The #4 tin ceiling tile design (24″x24″) utilizes a 12″ swirling design with flowered hasps framing a sunken medallion. A decorative pattern with a concentrated fill. I am so glad that I chose this! It’s elegant but not too detailed and whenever I walk into my entry way I am in awe!Â
I wasn’t quite sure which type of tin ceiling tiles I needed. They offer Nail Up, DropIn and SnapLock installations. While their site is full of information, I really wanted to be sure I got the right product for this room. It just took a minute with their live help feature on the website to figure it all out.Â
The American Tin Ceiling Co. Online Help
Here is the actual transcript from my online help experience with The American Tin Ceiling Company-
Hi, can I help you today?
→quick question- I’m replacing a ceiling that currently has paneling nailed to studs. Would the SnapLock or NailUp option be better?
Nicole:Â Hello. Do you plan to remove the current paneling that you have or are you looking for something to install over it?
→either is an option
Nicole:Â The Nail Up panels are designed to be installed into wood, so if you remove the current paneling, you should be able to use the Nail Up panels as long as your studs are on 2 foot centers.
Nicole:Â The snaplock panels are designed to be installed into a drywall or plaster ceiling.
Nicole:Â You’re welcome. Have a great day!
American Tin Ceiling Co. Ordering
Crystal helped me figure out exactly what I needed based on my measurements. She recommended adding in a couple of tiles in case of damage. As it turns out my measurements were spot on  and we ended up with exactly what we needed! Thanks Crystal!
I placed my order on Mar 21st and received my shipment on Apr 18th. Each order is custom made. Once I selected my tile pattern and color it all had to be powder coated and then it was shipped via Fed Ex on April 10th.
Below is the actual invoice and products ordered. This was based on an estimated ceiling size of 6×12 feet.Â
| Item # | Qty | Description | Retail Price Each |
|---|---|---|---|
| n-p04-ads | 20 | Nailup Pattern #4 Desert Sand | $12.00 |
| c2-n-ads | 6 | C2 Molding none Desert Sand | $15.00 |
| c2-m-ads | 1 | C2 Molding outside corner Desert Sand | $20.00 |
| c2-c-ads | 3 | C2 Molding inside corner Desert Sand | $18.00 |
| g-01-ads | 2 | Girder Nosing 01 Desert Sand | $10.00 |
Unboxing my American Tin Ceiling Tiles
I was really impressed with how carefully my tiles were wrapped and boxed. They were very well protected and there was absolutely no damage to any of the tiles.
American Tin Ceiling Tiles Install Easily!
Although we took on this huge house, neither my husband or I are carpenters. In fact, neither of us had any experience with remodeling anything prior to moving here. We’ve learned a lot through trial and error, YouTube, and logic. So, lucky for us, the American Tin Ceiling Co. sends along an installation guide plus offers installation information and videos on their website and on YouTube. The install guide was helpful but the videos were a complete lifesaver, especially when it came to installing the Crown Molding.
The first step was removing the old crown molding and ceiling panels. Then we needed to add some wood framing for the NailUp installation. We borrowed a friend’s really nice air compressor and brad gun or framing nailer (whatever it’s called!) from a friend and set up two ladders. Also, for the record, I’m better with the nail gun than the hubs is. There- I said it! Haha!
 Finally, we found the center of the ceiling and got started installing our tiles.
The hardest part of installing the ceiling was cutting out a squareish hole for our light fixture. Turns out though, that was pretty easy. They recommend tin-snips for all the cutting. My husband is stubborn and set in his ways and really, really wanted to play with his new Dremel tool. So, he had another idea- Watch-
American Tin Ceiling NailUp
Nail-up tin ceiling is a classic tin ceiling panel that overlaps on its 1/4″ perimeter nail rail installing direct to a wood substrate. All panels regardless of pattern are 2’x2′. These tin plated steel metal ceilings date back to the 1800’s. The tin panels will nail to plywood or furring strips on ceilings using nails.
The installation went really well. The tiles are thin and light so holding them in place to nail is easy. My husband and I worked together but this could easily be a one-person job. The little tongue and groove type pattern on the overhang made it really easy to line the tiles up perfectly. It was also easy to tell where to nail on every tile. We actually had a great time installing these tiles from start to finish!
I truly couldn’t be more happy with the tin ceiling look in my 1890 house. Tin ceilings were most popular about 150 years ago. I love that The American Tin Ceiling is bringing them back stronger than ever. In fact, I’ve got a master bath remodel to do and we’re strongly considering using the DropIn tiles for that room. Also, while I hadn’t decided this until my new tin ceiling was in place, I am thinking that my kitchen ceiling, with it’s slowly cracking plaster is in need of a remodel, too. I enjoyed working with The American Tin Ceiling company from start to finish- from figuring out what I needed to ordering through installation and now, catching myself staring at this ceiling for quite a long time!
About American Tin Ceilings
Free Design Consultation call Toll Free: 866.264.8076
The American Tin Ceiling Company manufacturers and ships from Bradenton, Florida. We pride ourselves in producing the highest quality tin plated steel ceiling tiles for our customers. Our design center is equipped with experts to assist in design, layout, and product selection for all projects.
American Tin Ceilings provides an excellent selection of tin panels for ceilings, wall panels, retail accents and back splashes for residential and commercial customers supported by high quality product, pattern and finish variety, competitive pricing, quick shipping, accessible experts and personalized service.
Company sales / service staff are experts in the selection and specification of correct product and job requirements. Design and drawing services are available at no cost for both consumers and commercial specifiers. Post sale installation questions are welcomed. Staff is accessible by phone 8-5 EST M-F and by chat and email.
Gorgeous! And that headboard ain’t bad, either!
I know! I love that headboard! American Tin Ceilings isn’t just about ceilings for sure!
Interesting. I’ve never seen tin ceilings before and think the design is very neat. Looks like installation wasn’t all that hard either.
With all of the pattern variations it’s amazing how many different designs there are. This pattern was my top choice but there were so many more that I loved!
That looks beautiful! Much nicer than the popcorn ceiling I’m looking up at 😉 The picture of the tiles used as a dramatic wall covering is quite lovely, too.
We have two rooms with popcorn ceilings. They serve their purpose but are definitely not what I would choose for new!
Oh I love it! So pretty and unique!
Thank you! Definitely unique! We love it!
What a beautiful ceiling! I love tin ceilings.
Thank you! It’s my favorite in the house for sure!
I am in love with tin ceilings. My parents actually have an original tin ceiling in one of the rooms in their house. It was my old room, actually, and the ceiling has been there since about 1910.
That’s really awesome! They really have a vintage charm to them that it enjoy!
Wow that is a lot of work but it looks fantastic afterwards and so worth all the effort. I’d love to have a ceiling like that.
The work wasn’t too bad. The panels nail up so easy!
Your ceiling looks so much better! What a fun vintage look and I like them on the wall as well.
I’m seriously considering that multiple tile look on my focal wall in my living room. Right now it’s a black and white damask wall paper and the walls are painted a silvery gray. Might be time for an update!
I love the look of a tin ceiling. Not very often you get to see it. Recently went to a restaurant that had them and I was in awe. I bet you love your new ceiling!
I’m totally in love. I can’t stop admiring it!
WOW those are amazing! What a fantastic looking ceiling you have and so usual – I wonder if I can get anything like it over here :/ x
American Tin Ceilings ships Internationally!
Those tin ceiling tiles are beautiful! They wouldn’t fit in the theme of my house as ceilings, but they would make a great backdrop I think.
Wow. I never saw a tin ceiling before
Wow, this tin ceiling is beautiful! I love everything you’re doing with this place.
I think it turned our gorgeous!I would have loved to do my hallway with these tiles as well!
WOW I don’t think I could ever pull that off without a professional. That turned out absolutely beautiful. I would love to have this in my bathroom.
I think this is a great and affordable way to beautify a damaged ceiling without spending a lot of money.
This is absolutely beautiful. I love the classic yet modern look.
Those are some really nice ceilings and seems like a very affordable price.
This is the second blog post this month I have seen on these tin ceiling tiles. I think they look fabulous and definitely give the room a more creative vibe!
WOW!! What a great transformation!! I can’t get over the finished look.
I love the way your tin ceiling turned out! I really like it as on the wall as well. Very nice
I am so jealous, I love tin ceilings and backslashes. I can not wait until we find our next home because I will have one too. I love how yours turned out.
I love your new ceiling! It is so pretty 😀
Wow, this looks amazing! I love projects that end up being simple and products that help the process! great job!
You did a really great job installing them! They look very nice 🙂
They look great! We’re slowly redoing the kitchen. I want those for the backsplash!
I didn’t know you could do them inside. How do they effect heating and cooling?
What a spectacular look. It’s just gorgeous. I know you must be beyond happy!
I love the look and I could see where these would really do the trick. Especially in an older home with lots of imperfections to cover. I agree, the bedroom wall is stunning.
Love the new ceiling! I’m not sure how you were ever able to make a decision on which tile to use….they are all awesome! I really love the idea of using them on a wall too – very unique!
Wow. Your ceiling came out great! I really like the picture of the wall as well.
The new tin ceiling looks gorgeous! I don’t think I’ve ever seen one before. I love that wall too, so cool!
I saw a tin backsplash recently and thought it looked fantastic!
Congrats on your new gorgeous ceiling.
What a great and somewhat inexpensive way to change up a room! Tin panels have come a long way in design and color! Is it really as easy as that to install?
What a neat finish! Definitely a unique feature to your home!
Not a huge fan but at least maintenance would be easy.
Wow – what a difference! It’s beautiful. I Didn’t know about tin ceilings before this post.
That is an amazing difference! I never heard of tin ceilings before this.
Your new ceiling looks great! I really like that wall idea too. It’s warm and interesting to look at.
I LOVE these kinds of ceilings – yours turned out so beautiful!!! And I love that idea to use the tiles as an accent wall in the bedroom! How creative!
Wow I really love the texture of the tiles on the ceiling! I would kill for that tile wall behind my bed!
Great job on your ceiling! I’d never thought of using them on a bedroom wall. I really like that idea.
Your new ceiling looks fabulous! As someone who just completed a decade of home renovations, it’s great to know that these were easy to install.
These tiles are beautiful! I want some for my house! Great job!!!
Like the Tin Ceiling, use to like the old tin roofs when it would rain!
That turned out really well and doesn’t seem to hard to do! Awesome!
That is gorgeous and so original! If I wasn’t renting I’d definitely be checking them out.
Love that headboard! Your ceiling looks so much better now, and elegant. It’s good to know that tin ceiling is easy to use.
This looks like a really creative way to update a house. I think I would like to try this over the summer.
I love tin ceilings! And it definitely looks awesome in your house!
Your house looks amazing with those tin ceilings installed. I love older homes. You are adding great detail.
What a huge change! I love the color of your walls.
What a transformation – looking so lovely now!
Tin ceilings are so charming – I love the vintage look. It’s neat that you can choose your own colors – I didn’t know that there were so many options out there!
Wow, I absolutely love this! I am definitely going to look into this for our upstairs small living room! Thanks!
WOW! A beautiful transformation. Looks very good and professional. The tin adds personality i think! 🙂
I really love that image of the bedroom backwall with tiles. Beautiful — I am inspired!
Hello! I’ve seen this process used on ceilings in buildings that are really old but have never seen it done recently. It’s gorgeous!! What a beautiful way to make your ceiling look very posh & pretty. Thanks for the review!
Wow, this is such beautiful ceiling and such a good idea! I have never thought about doing this but now that I see it I really like it, especially behind the bed!
I would love to have the tiles in my house they are beautiful
Happy SITS day! I’m just perusing some of your old reviews- such an awesome idea to even have your ceiling remodel experience done!
Thanks, Alysia! Glad to see you here!
Wow, this is a such beautiful ceiling and such a good idea! I didn’t know about tin ceilings before this post.