ᐅ Adhered ceiling panels made of expanded polystyrene (EPS)

Hello everyone,

We are currently considering how to finish the reinforced concrete ceiling in our new build. Besides the usual non-woven wallpaper and/or painting, we have also thought about applying Styrofoam ceiling tiles. However, I wonder why this relatively simple method, compared to filling, sanding, wallpapering, and painting, is rarely seen in houses or apartments.

Are there any valid reasons for this? What are the advantages and disadvantages of such ceiling tiles?

Best regards and thanks in advance

Sven2617 schrieb:

Are there valid reasons for this? What are the pros and cons of using such ceiling panels?

Reasons to use them? None.
Against them?
- Plastic on the ceiling
- Panels still need to be filled and either wallpapered or finished with a skim coat to achieve a smooth ceiling
- More expensive than directly applying the final surface treatment
- Plastic burns easily

Fifty years ago, these types of textured panels were commonly used. Something like this:

In an expensive new build, they have the appeal of… nothing. Each panel is clearly visible on its own.

Sven2617 schrieb:

Hello everyone,

we are currently considering how to finish the reinforced concrete ceiling in our new build. Besides the usual non-woven wallpaper and/or painting, we have also thought about gluing polystyrene ceiling tiles. However, I wonder why this relatively simple method—compared to filling/sanding/wallpapering/painting—is rarely seen in houses or apartments.

Are there valid reasons for this? What are the pros and cons of these ceiling tiles?

Best regards and thanks in advance

One downside is that they are very difficult to remove later on. We had to deal with this in my husband’s previous apartment. My son spent several days sanding to get the adhesive off.

I personally lived for many years with such panels on the ceiling (in some rooms) in my old parental house dating from around 1750.
And as previous speakers mentioned, there is no argument in favor. They look really ugly, are hard to remove, and are basically plastic on the ceiling. This junk is now also used as wall decoration... quite awful. There are so many more attractive options. By the way, I would definitely want to "improve the acoustics" of reinforced concrete ceilings.

Sven2617 schrieb:


Are there valid reasons for this? What are the pros and cons of such ceiling panels?

In case of doubt, it is a matter of personal taste. If it fits the interior style, for example, you can imitate a coffered ceiling. It also provides some insulation. As already mentioned, removal can become a challenge.

My tenant installed them. They are supposed to absorb sound. He likes them. They also had these in his previous rental apartment.

The advantage is that they have remained flawless for 20 years. They never have to be painted.