When Remodeling The Basement, Don't Forget The Ceiling

	WoodHaven ceiling planks in Rustic Pine draw attention to the dramatic cathedral ceilings, while adding a cozy, warm element to this eating area.

(HIT) - With the onset of fall, homeowners begin to turn their attention indoors again and undertake those neglected do-it-yourself projects. One room that often requires love and attention is the basement — and lately, homeowners are giving in. According to Remodeling Magazine’s 2005 Cost vs. Value report, 60 percent of homeowners with unfinished basements say they are likely to finish the room in the next five years. And it’s no secret that finishing or remodeling the basement can add significant value to a home.

While the basement holds a treasure trove of style and design for some, it can be one of the most overlooked areas in a house for others. And the most ignored aspect of the basement is the ceiling. The National Association of Home Builders reports that 98 percent of homes feature plain white gypsum drywall ceilings. But more and more, ceilings are being referred to as the "fifth wall" — leading to increased awareness and a wider range of decorative ceiling products on the market. And, it’s easier to install a great looking decorative ceiling than one might think. There’s no need for contractors and no daunting instructions.

The TinLook ceiling tiles in the Squares pattern are painted gold to complement the autumnal hues of this sitting room. The TinLook line, which includes eight patterns, offers high-end design at a fraction of the price of authentic stamped metal ceilings.

Armstrong Building Products, based in Lancaster, Pa., is the category leader in residential ceiling design. Through their lines of decorative suspended ceiling panels, wood-like planks and patterned tiles, consumers have several options to completely overhaul a basement ceiling or add subtle detail.

Looking to replace or upgrade your suspended ceiling? One contemporary option is Armstrong’s ceiling tile systems in either the Raised Panel or new Single Raised Panel patterns. The line features 24" x 24" panels, which can transform your space into a beautiful statement of your style. The panels can be removed for easy access to concealed utilities, are fire-retardant and add a seamless, unified decorative element to suspended ceilings.

	The suspended ceiling panels in the Raised Panel pattern transforms this basement into a beautiful statement of style. Each 2' x 2' panel features four raised-panel quadrants. This is one of Armstrong’s most popular decorative ceiling products.

For the finishing touch, Armstrong also offers the WoodHaven™ line of wood-like ceiling planks and TinLook™, a line of ceiling tiles that replicates the look of real tin.

"Our goal is for customers to have the luxuries of high-end design but for prices that won’t break the bank," said Bill Vaughn, marketing manager for Armstrong’s residential ceilings division. "Our WoodHaven line gives the warm look of wood-grain ceiling planks for a fraction of the cost of real wood ceilings."

"The planks are made of medium-density fiberboard so they’re lightweight, durable and easy to install for do-it-yourself homeowners," Corr added. "The tongue and groove planks can even be installed over flawed or popcorn ceilings — perfect for the basement."

These square-edge panels measure 2' x 2' and accentuate the elegant detail of this powder room.

For homeowners building the ever-popular wet bar and who want to achieve a pub ambiance, TinLook decorative ceiling tiles incorporate century-old style. TinLook duplicates the pressed-metal ceilings of the late 1800s and early 1900s and comes in 12" x 12" tiles. Made of mineral fiberboard, the tiles feature a white vinyl finish that can be custom painted to look like real tin, silver or bronze. This year, Armstrong added two new patterns to the line – Circles and Raised Panel.

"With TinLook, anyone can dramatically transform their basement," said Ann Miller, Product Design Manager at Armstrong. "They’re so easy to install, and the tiles adhere directly to existing ceilings."

If you’ve been thinking about sprucing up that dark, creepy space you call the "dungeon," don’t let another season roll by — transform it into your favorite room.

For more information on the Armstrong decorative ceiling product lines, please visit www.armstrong.com or call 1-800-233-3823.

Courtesy: Home Improvement News and Information Center