Pros and cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Access to plumbing, wiring and shutoffs | Loses 3-6 inches of headroom |
| Hides uneven joists and obstacles | Can look commercial if you choose basic tiles |
| Easy to replace a damaged tile | Tiles can sag in humid basements |
| Good acoustic options | Lights need to be grid-compatible |
Headroom
Most codes require about 7 feet of ceiling height in finished habitable basements (with allowances for beams and ducts): check your local code before you lower the ceiling.
Choosing tiles for a basement
- Sag- or humidity-resistant tiles, or PVC if the space is damp. See moisture-resistant tiles.
- 2x2 for a more finished look in living space.
- Acoustic tiles if the basement is a media or play room.
Cost
Fixr puts a 1,000 sq ft basement at $5,000-$9,000 installed. See drop ceiling cost or calculate your own with the calculator.
