Acoustic Ceiling Systems

The technology behind acoustical ceiling systems

Sound in a commercial space behaves predictably: it radiates outward from the source, hits the first hard surface it encounters, and is reflected. A concrete or gypsum ceiling reflects more than 90% of incident sound energy, creating overlapping reflections that cause reverberation. The abbreviation RT60 is used to measure this parameter — it is the so-called reverberation time, during which the sound level decreases by 60 decibels. When this value exceeds 0.8–1.0 seconds in a restaurant or 0.6 seconds in a medical facility, speech intelligibility drops, which means people become fatigued more quickly.

Acoustic ceiling panels address this at the surface level. The EPS core in our panels features a controlled-porosity structure, achieved through microperforation of the face or through an open-cell acoustic coating. That allows sound waves to penetrate the panel body rather than bounce off it. Inside the panel, the energy is converted into heat through friction at the cell walls. The result is broadband absorption across the 250 Hz to 4,000 Hz range, where speech frequencies are most concentrated.

In terms of fire safety requirements, EPS ceiling systems are ideal for commercial spaces such as: 

• schools, 
• healthcare facilities, 
• restaurants,
• offices. 

The panels have Class A fire resistance in accordance with ASTM E84 (when specified). They also emit low VOCs throughout their service life — a relevant factor for LEED v4 credits and for residential renovation projects where off-gassing from ceiling materials is a scheduling concern. 

Furthermore, the EPS substrate is inherently resistant to mold and mildew growth, making these panels the optimal choice for kitchens, natatoriums, and other high-humidity areas. Mineral fiber ceiling tiles may sag and discolor under such conditions.

Premium design without the hassle: available styles and configurations

In this case, acoustic performance and visual quality are not in conflict. The same EPS substrate that absorbs sound can be CNC-routed into virtually any profile:

• flat tiles
• linear planks, 
• deep coffers
• freeform sculptural panels. 

Surface finish options range from smooth, paint-ready surfaces to faux wood grain, cast stone, stucco texture, and custom relief. The polyurea hard coat provides a consistent, pore-free substrate for any architectural paint system.

Here are the types of ceiling panels we offer.

Acoustic ceiling tiles and panels

Square and rectangular acoustic ceiling panels measuring 2×2 feet and 2×4 feet for direct installation into standard exposed or concealed grid systems for acoustic ceilings. These panels replace standard mineral fiber ceiling tiles in the same grid system, providing a visual upgrade and equivalent or improved acoustic performance.

Options are available with such surface types:

• smooth
• lightly textured
• micro-perforated.

NRC values are determined by face configuration and can be confirmed during the submittal phase.

Coffered acoustic ceilings

Ideal for classic-style interiors, as well as for projects where the ceiling is intended to be one of the main focal points. Our coffered acoustic ceiling assemblies integrate sound-absorbing EPS inserts into deep classical coffer frames. The coffer geometry adds thickness and surface area, both of which improve low-frequency absorption. The outcome is a ceiling that reads as a luxury architectural element in both photography and in real life, while delivering measured NRC performance in the 0.80 to 0.90 range. Coffer dimensions, reveal depth, and border width are determined individually for each project.

Acoustic ceiling panels for restaurants and hospitality venues

Practice has proven that a restaurant’s acoustics directly impact revenue. When the noise level in the dining area exceeds 75–80 decibels, guests shorten their stay, table turnover decreases, and per-cover spend follows. Hospitality research consistently shows that an acoustically comfortable dining environment increases average table occupancy by 20–30% compared to untreated rooms.

The target RT60 value for most restaurants and bars is between 0.8 and 1.2 seconds — lively enough to feel the energy, yet controlled enough to hold a conversation. This can typically be achieved by covering 40 to 60% of the ceiling area with acoustic ceiling solutions with an NRC of 0.80 or higher in spaces with standard ceiling heights and hard floor and wall surfaces. Our team can confirm the coverage requirements during a design consultation based on the room’s dimensions and the list of surfaces.

Our range of restaurant panels includes high-humidity options with a sealed front surface, suitable for installation near kitchen exhaust vents. We can manufacture custom-shaped panels and match colors to your brand’s palette without charging an additional fee for special tooling.

Why EPS acoustic ceiling systems outperform wood, fiberglass, or mineral wool

The cost-effectiveness of EPS-based acoustic ceiling systems is driven by three factors: structural load, installation labor, and long-term maintenance. EPS outperforms gypsum systems, wood-slat systems, and alternatives made of fiberglass, mineral wool, or rock wool in all three areas.

• Weight. EPS acoustic ceiling panels weigh significantly less than wooden structures or rock wool panels. In retrofit applications on existing structures, this difference can determine whether the project is feasible without structural upgrades. In new construction, it reduces dead load and simplifies the framing specification for the suspension system.

• Installation. Standard-size panels are installed in a conventional acoustic ceiling grid system — the same 15/16 in. exposed T-bar grid used for mineral fiber tiles. A two-person crew can complete a typical commercial installation in a single day without lifting equipment.

• Moisture and long-term performance. Mineral fiber ceiling tiles sag in spaces where relative humidity fluctuates or where HVAC supply air causes periodic condensation. The tile loses its shape and its acoustic performance simultaneously. EPS panels with polyurea coating are resistant to moisture absorption. The closed-cell core does not retain water, and the hard coat surface does not support biological growth. The panels retain their profile and NRC rating for decades.

Your architectural partner from concept to installation

Our acoustic ceiling panels are manufactured at our facility in Jacksonville, Florida. Before shipment, every project goes through internal design review, CNC fabrication, polyurea coating, and finish application. The lead time for standard sizes averages 7 to 14 business days. Custom profiles and coffered systems are quoted on a per-project basis with shop drawings provided for contractor review before fabrication.

We have 25 years of experience manufacturing EPS products, with a successful track record of projects in the commercial sector, the hospitality industry, healthcare, and government agencies.

What we bring to your ceiling project:

• In-house CNC capability for custom profiles, with no additional tooling costs for non-standard sizes or shapes
• 10-year product warranty with  archived project drawings
• CSI MasterFormat submittal package available for commercial projects, including material data sheets, ASTM references, and installation guidelines.

Upload your drawings for a free acoustic analysis and pricing. We accept files in DWG, PDF, and Revit formats.