Replies

1. 
   migraine | Mar 13, 2005 08:38pm | #1

   I thing a little more info would help. 

   I have done a drop ceiling in my last shop that worked out great and it helped to absorbe some of the noise and a little insulated value(not much).  Pretty simple to put up and should be available at most home stores.  Only special tools is a pop rivet gun($20.00).  Not worth buying the hole punch tool, just use a drill.  Ceiling was 11' high and 625sqft.  Heated it with a small electric  oil heater just fine.  But this was in SoCal, not colder regions.

   My current shop ceiling is drywalled, but it has 10 1/2' high walls.  Paint $.75 sqft to have it hung and 2 coats of mud/tape, but not a competely finished job.  That included materials.  Finished competley finished would have been $550 more

   Definately paint it white

2. 
   JeffHeath | Mar 13, 2005 09:02pm | #2

   In my new shop, I'm using high gloss white steel panels.  Their reflective quality for light is excellent.  Just my .02.

   Jeff

1. 
   oldfred | Mar 14, 2005 05:35pm | #4

   I'm wondering if the steel panels will intensify the machine noise in your shop.

   oldfred

3. 
   nikkiwood | Mar 14, 2005 06:58am | #3

   The best thing you can do for your shop is paint the ceiling white.

   What material you use depends on whether or not you think you might need access to plumbing, electrical, and heating equipment.

   Personally, I would vote for drywall. It ischeap, fast and easy to install, takes paint well. And should you ever need access to equipment above the ceiling, it is easy to cut off and replace.

   And if you don't want the hassle of taping the joints, you could make up some 1/4" X 1 1/2" battens to cover the seams. Varnish them if you want to get spiffy.