Which statement best describes a Suspended Ceiling?

• A. Hung from structural members; metal grid of cells suspended by wires
• B. Directly fastened to structural members
• C. Uses Lath & Plaster
• D. Creates a continuous solid surface

Answer: (A)

Suspended ceilings are installed by suspending a metal grid from the building’s structural members with wires, and placing ceiling tiles or panels into that grid to form the visible ceiling. This creates a drop-down ceiling with an accessible space (the plenum) above the tiles, which makes it easy to run or service HVAC, electrical, and plumbing. It’s different from ceilings that are directly fastened to structural members, which produce a continuous solid surface like drywall or plaster. Lath and plaster is a traditional method that also results in a solid surface, not a grid with removable tiles. And a continuous solid surface ceiling is not described by a grid of cells suspended by wires.