The whole concept of covering walls and ceilings with metal originated in mid-19th century North America, when people began looking for a low-cost way to imitate the expensive plasterwork common in Europe at the time.
The idea was a good one, and for decades ornate metal cladding could be found in better homes, offices, schools and government buildings everywhere. With onset of the First World War, however, the popularity of tin ceilings dropped as almost all available metal was redirected to munitions factories. While you can still see a tin ceiling in the odd pub or restaurant, the style has remained somewhat dormant for most of the last century.
But that's starting to change. Thanks to the recent surge in popularity of restoration projects, tin ceilings are making a comeback the likes of which haven't been seen since their heyday in the 1890s. One man who's at the forefront of this tin-ceiling boom is Brian Greer, owner of Brian Greer's Tin-Ceilings, Walls & Unique Metal Work in Mannheim, Ont.
Greer started tinsmithing in 1962 and opened his own metalworking business 10 years later. For the past seven years he has concentrated solely on decorative tin applications. Which isn't to suggest tin is the only metal that can be used for cladding walls and ceilings; Greer also offers such metals as copper, brass and stainless steel, among others. What's more, says Greer, “The panels can be painted to look like plasterwork, or you can spray them with clear lacquer to preserve their natural polished silver finish.”
Getting to Work
The panels used in this project consist of tin electroplated on steel; plating occurs prior to stamping. Greer puts safety hems on all the components of the tin ceiling, making installation much more finger-friendly.
Measure the space you're looking to cover, so you'll know how much to buy and how much you'll have to spend. The panels we're using for this installation cost $4 per sq. ft., the moulding is $10 per 4' strip, the cornice $20 per 4' strip, and the filler $40 per 4' strip. Doing the installation yourself will save you plenty, as a professional job will cost about $5 per sq. ft.
Map out a design for your ceiling accounting for all the components; panels, moulding, filler strip and cornice, and transfer it to the already-installed plywood with chalk lines. Greer recommends starting the first panel at the farthest point from the room's entrance, then overlapping subsequent panels away from the light source or room entrance. Filler, moulding and cornice are similarly lapped. Inside corners are coped, outside corners are mitred.
WHAT YOU'LL NEED
Adding a tin ceiling can transform a room with just a few basic tools; stepladder, drill, tin snips, pencil, tape measure and caulking gun. Also, chalkline. For more info on tin ceilings, go to Brian Greer's Web site: www.tin-ceilings.com
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