Drop ceiling tile advice

[commode air]

Currently installing a home theatre in my basement. I have already insulated the whole basement floor. I'm currently putting a drop ceiling in my basement and was wondering if its cost effective to use the more expensive ceiling tiles. Considering using the USG tiles which are about 4 times more money than the tiles at home depot. Will I be able to know the difference when my wife is up stairs and I'm running my speakers in the basement.
Also I would like to paint my ceiling tiles black. Will this ruin the sound proofing of the ceiling tile?
Any help would be appreciated....

 

[Rickster71]

I'd check the Acoustical Rating of whatever tile you plan to use: http://www.sustainableceilings.com/productsolutions.asp
(you have to scroll down to the second chart)
Get the best you can afford.

If you're concerned about sound leakage, put some sound proofing in between the joists before the ceiling. It would suck to have to add it after the ceiling is up.

 

[highfigh]

Currently installing a home theatre in my basement. I have already insulated the whole basement floor. I'm currently putting a drop ceiling in my basement and was wondering if its cost effective to use the more expensive ceiling tiles. Considering using the USG tiles which are about 4 times more money than the tiles at home depot. Will I be able to know the difference when my wife is up stairs and I'm running my speakers in the basement.
Also I would like to paint my ceiling tiles black. Will this ruin the sound proofing of the ceiling tile?
Any help would be appreciated....

Paint fills in many of the holes, so yes, the absorption will be reduced. That's more a problem with the tiles that are basically flat with small holes. If you use the heavily textured tiles and want them dark, contact the manufacturer for info about the best paint. These (http://www.thegreathardwarestore.com/PhotoDetails.asp?ShowDesc=N&PhotoURL=http://images.truevalue.com/getimage_new.asp?id=578849&ImageType=2&NoImageType=2&ColorImageSize=3) work much better than these (http://www.thegreathardwarestore.com/PhotoDetails.asp?ShowDesc=N&PhotoURL=http://images.truevalue.com/getimage_new.asp?id=768242&ImageType=2&NoImageType=2&ColorImageSize=3) in high SPL environments. Weight matters a lot when ceiling tiles are concerned.

Also, since some of the tiles will need to be cut anyway, ask if the seller has any damaged ones. They almost always do and they'll probably cut a pretty good deal.

 

[tonedeaf]

Hello,I am curious as to what type of between joist soundproofing is available.I would use it in my basement.I have a drop ceiling at the pesent.Wife would LOVE some kind of relief,especially when I crank up the volume enough to knock pictures off the wall.

 

[commode air]

Thanks for the reply I will look into this. Is there anyone out there who ahs used these tiles from home depot? Are you happy with them? thanks all...

 

[highfigh]

Thanks for the reply I will look into this. Is there anyone out there who ahs used these tiles from home depot? Are you happy with them? thanks all...

The tiles that are available from most big box stores are more for just selling a drop ceiling but you need the kind that offer better sound blocking. The really light-weight tiles will do nothing to block sound.