If you’re the type of homeowner who’s into minimalist, industrial-style designs or utilitarian aesthetics, corrugated metal ceilings should be right up your alley. While not typically used for interior design, the corrugated metal ceiling is a popular choice for homeowners looking for unique ways to design their homes. Corrugated metal is rather popular among those with exotic interior design tastes, so let’s go over everything you need to know about corrugated metal ceilings in order to get you up to speed on this stylish and creative material. 


How is Corrugated Metal Ceiling Made?

You might be wondering what the difference is between corrugated metal and regular stainless steel. The main difference is in the waves or ripples that are so characteristic of this type of metal. Also known as “wriggly tin” in other countries, corrugated metal is made from sheets of mild steel that have been hot-dip galvanized and cold-rolled to produce the corrugated linear pattern it’s known for. 

Hot-dip galvanization is a process in which the sheets of metal are dipped into a bath of molten zinc which coats them, making them less susceptible to corrosion. This allows the consumer to achieve the single feature of corrosion resistance without having to pay a much higher price for stainless steel to achieve the same effect. Once the sheets have been hot-dip galvanized, they are then cold-rolled to produce a uniform thickness and the wavy pattern we know them for. 

The linear corrugated pattern in these sheets of metal gives them increased strength perpendicular to the lines. This was originally intended to give the sheets more strength for construction purposes, but corrugated metal has since been adopted by homeowners for stylistic purposes, thanks to its unique look. 


Pros and Cons of Corrugated Metal Ceiling

Obviously, the number one benefit to using corrugated sheet metal for your ceiling is the unique, industrial look they provide. However, corrugated metal is also incredibly versatile. Say you aren’t a fan of the basic silver look of your typical sheet of corrugated metal. You still have many more options. 

For example, corrugated sheet metal can be painted in any color you can imagine. Not only that, but there’s a multitude of different decorative coatings and finishes you can apply to your corrugated metal ceiling to differentiate it from the average sheet metal ceiling. 

You don’t have to opt for steel if you don’t want to either, because corrugated sheet metal can be made from chrome, brass, aluminum, or copper. Each of these options can also come polished, bare, or even powder-coated.

Not only is a corrugated metal ceiling a great fit for an industrialist style, it also fits in perfectly with a modern aesthetic, rustic look, traditional decor, and others as well. It can be installed in your bathroom, kitchen, bedroom, or any area of the house you wish. 

And, while the stylistic benefits of corrugated metal are widely praised, they also have practical benefits as well. Mold, mildew, water damage, rot, cracking, chipping, and crumbling are all non-issues for corrugated metal. It’s not uncommon for a roofing leak to seep through and stain other common types of ceiling tiles, leading to any number of the problems we’ve just mentioned. 

Corrugated metal, on the other hand, is one of the most durable materials for interior design and adds strength to your home. It will never warp with time and you’ll have to worry about your corrugated metal ceiling starting to peel, either. 

Another benefit of corrugated metal is the fact that it is much cheaper than stainless steel. Stainless steel can be used in interior design but is built to be much stronger and more durable. Countertops, for example, are a great place to implement stainless steel because of how often you come into contact with them. Corrugated metal, however, is perfect for interior ceilings because it has just the right amount of durability for a much lower price. 

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For those concerned about safety in relation to fire hazards, corrugated metal is nonflammable and much safer to have in your home in event of a house fire. It’s also very easy to install and can be installed by the average homeowner with some basic tools. In regards to the downsides of corrugated metal, there aren’t many to list. 

The main con of corrugated metal is that you might not find it stylistically appealing because it is such a unique look. Some aren’t a fan of incorporating metal as an interior design material, but other than, corrugated metal ceilings don’t have a lot of downside. They can last a long time and won’t rust as long as they have been properly coated. 


Cost of Corrugated Metal Ceiling

Installing a corrugated metal ceiling is a very cost-effective procedure. Done in DIY fashion, you should be able to cover every inch of ceiling in your home for less than $2,000. 

If you want to hire a professional to do the installation it will cost a bit more, but should still be affordable.

This installation process is so simple and easy that it can be completed in far less time than other ceiling materials, bringing down your cost by a significant amount. 


How to Install Corrugated Metal Ceiling

The first step to installing a corrugated metal ceiling is to find out what kind of ceiling beams you have. Different types of beams require different types of screws. Wood beams should be paired with wood screws, for instance. Metal beams should be paired with self-tapping screws, and concrete beams need tap con screws. All of your screws should be installed with neoprene washers, and hex-head fasteners are required for any of these materials.

Next, you’ll need to measure the total square footage of the entire area you intend to cover with corrugated metal.

This can be done with a basic tape measure. Begin screwing the panels into the ceiling on the end of the room furthest away from the door, and be sure to cut any panels to size that need to fit around lighting or ceiling fans. 

Drill your screws in 1 inch deep, spacing them out every 12 inches or so. The final step to installing your corrugated metal ceiling to seal the seams between overlapping panels with ½ inch metal screws. The wider the gaps you leave between the screws, the more rustic your ceiling will look. Smaller gaps make for a more clean-cut look. 


Corrugated Metal Ceiling Design Ideas

1. Clean Cut Corrugated Metal Ceiling Design

The clean-cut style of corrugated metal ceilings is great for those who really want the idea of corrugated metal front and center.

It’s typically implemented with basic, silver corrugated metal and paired with complementary, neutral-colored framing.

This style works perfectly in a modern aesthetic as well as a minimalist design theme.

2. Rustic Design

This is one of the more popular styles for corrugated metal ceilings. To achieve the rustic look, you can pair your metal ceiling with wooden framing, as seen above.

Rustic style is about combining multiple rustic elements into a single area, so wooden floors and darker, natural colors are the way to go here.

You could also just sheet your walls with corrugated metal as well for an extreme version of the rustic look.

3. Modern Corrugated Metal Ceiling Design

Of course, if you don’t have wooden walls or floors, you can always opt for the modern aesthetic. This option is excellent for those who already have a modern theme going on and want to compliment it in a creative way. 

It works especially well directly over the top of a chimney, or even surrounding your kitchen skylights. The key for a modern-style corrugated metal ceiling is to have it as an out-of-the-way style piece, rather than coating every inch of your ceiling. 


A Corrugated Ceiling Makes a Bold Statement

Corrugated metal ceilings aren’t for everybody, but if you’re one of the many homeowners that this style of ceiling appeals to, they can be the perfect way to make a statement in your home. 

Whether you want a throwback to simpler times or locations, an old-world feel, or a break from everyday styles and trends, there’s no doubt that you can find a style of corrugated metal ceiling that will perfectly suit your needs.

Implementing this material into your ceilings will not only add bold character to your home’s aesthetic, it will also bring you improved durability and increased safety as well. If you’re looking for a creative, durable, cost-effective, and low-maintenance material to use in your home, corrugated metal ceilings might just be the ideal choice for you. 

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avatar for Matt Greenfield

Matt Greenfield

Matt Greenfield is an experienced writer specializing in home improvement topics. He has a passion for educating and empowering homeowners to make informed decisions about their properties. Matt's writing focuses on a range of topics, including windows, flooring, HVAC, and construction materials. With a background in construction and home renovation, Matt is well-versed in the latest trends and techniques in the industry. His articles offer practical advice and expert insights that help readers tackle their home improvement projects with confidence. Whether you're a DIY enthusiast or a seasoned professional, Matt's writing is sure to provide valuable guidance and inspiration.

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