Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. Please see our Geometric Collection Designs for examples of the many shapes and patterns we can create with our coffered ceiling systems. Some examples of the more popular coffer shapes we can create are Octagon, Hexagon and Triangle

We currently do not offer any pre-finishing options for our coffered ceiling systems. We only offer pre-priming at this time. With our pre-priming option your ceiling system will only require minimal preparation prior to applying the finish of your choice.

Yes. Please see our Geometric Collection Designs for examples of the many shapes we can make our coffers in.

No, our system has been designed as a permanent installation that replicates all of the authentic detailing of a conventional coffered ceiling. As such the coffer modules must be secured by way of lag screws driven directly into the ceiling joists or into wood framing or structure that can support them.  

To truly understand the Tilton Coffered ceiling system is to understand the proprietary design of the integrated ceiling panel and the many advantages it offers over all conventional installation methods. As a result we do not offer our coffered ceiling systems without the ceiling panels. The panels are an integrated part of each coffer module and essential to the pre-assembly design and process.

Absolutely. In fact, every coffered ceiling system we manufacture is custom designed to fit each ceiling and to meet the satisfaction of the client.

If you live on Long Island, NY or in the surrounding tri state area we can most likely install your new coffered ceiling system for you. If you don’t live within this service area then we can typically recommend a certified installer in your area or you can have it installed by your contractor/carpenter or take on the installation yourself.

All Tilton Coffered Ceiling system raised and recessed ceiling panels are constructed using a true 5 piece 'frame-and-panel' construction which consists of the 4 individual sides of the frame plus a floating central panel.  This is the same type of construction used on high-end cabinet doors, authentic paneled wainscoting and traditional paneled interior doors

We all know that no room or ceiling is ever perfectly square. To accommodate this inevitable circumstance the perimeter beam boards of each Tilton Coffered Ceiling system can be scribed and/or tapered to the surrounding walls to account for differences between the perfectly square system and the imperfect ceiling and/or walls. When using the included perimeter molding any differences between the scribe on the perimeter beam board and the surrounding wall will be covered. If you prefer not to use the perimeter molding then you will need to take extra time to make your scribes and/or tapers tight to the surrounding walls. 

Typical installations on an average size and height ceiling can be completed in 1 -2 days. We have found that using a calculation of 45 minutes per coffer is fairly accurate in estimating the time it will take two installers to complete a Tilton Coffered Ceiling System for the first time. Once you have had experience with installing our system you will find that installation times will begin to decrease as you become more familiar with the process.

There are also several factors that should be considered when trying to determine the time it will take to install our system such as:

• The overall skill level of the installers
• The installers prior experience installing our ceiling system
• The location and/or height of the ceiling being installed
• The number of installers performing the work
• The complexity of the design being installed

There are no standard sizes for any of our coffered ceiling systems. All of our ceiling systems are custom manufactured per order with custom sized coffers to fit each project perfectly.

Like other engineered wood products, Medium Density Fiberboard, or MDF for short,  has a distinctively flat, dense surface that holds paint well. It doesn't move like wood, so its joints stay tight and paint doesn't crack, but the glory of MDF is its uniformity; it can be machined into every conceivable shape to create architectural details such as balusters or moldings. Unlike real wood, MDF has no knots, grain or warping that can make intricate woodworking difficult. While solid wood is better suited to structural applications such as floor joists, MDF tends to be more cost effective than solid wood so it's well suited to interior moldings, millwork and cabinetry.

For additional information on MDF see the Primed MDF page of this site

Due to the many complexities and variables involved our coffered ceiling system pricing cannot be standardized or calculated on a per square foot basis. Please provide us with your ceiling dimensions and we will quote you project for you.

Typical production lead times for our coffered ceiling systems are 2 – 3 weeks from the date of order.

Absolutely. We can design your ceiling system to work on any vaulted/cathedral/splayed ceiling or on flat ceilings that are surrounded by a vaulted/cathedral/splayed ceiling on all or some sides. See example drawings here of how our system works with these types of conditions.

Yes, our system can and has been successfully installed on 8 foot tall ceilings. While we recommend our shallowest 4" beam depth for these applications we have also completed projects on 8 foot tall ceilings with our 6" beam depth with compete satisfaction of the clients.