CeilingConnex Grid compared to CeilingLink and CeilingMAX
When you start the installation of a ceiling, you need to have the right information. You might have the perfect plan to renovate a room or remodel a basement, but without the right ceiling products, the results could be less than stellar.
CeilingConnex Grid, CeilingLink, and CeilingMAX are the three options of direct mount ceiling grid systems. Let’s take a closer look at how they compare.
Comparing Prices
No matter what the size of your building project, you need to have affordable products and materials so you can keep your final results under budget. Let’s look at the cost of the ceiling grid for a 16’ x 16’ room for 2’ x 2’ tiles. For the CeilingConnex Grid, the price will be $209.99 plus $35 in shipping. For CeilingMAX through Menards, the price will be $278.76 plus sales tax. If you choose to go with CeilingLink, the price will be $217.00 plus $35 shipping. As you can see, CeilingConnex is the most affordable option.
Rock-to-Release Design on the Lower T
If you have to re-access the ceiling after initial installation it can be an issue with CeilingMax but with CeilingConnex rock-to-release design you can regain access easily. The Rock to release retains the strength of an interlocking design but also allows the lower extrusion to unsnap from the main. The rock-to-release is helpful when you need to run wiring for surround sound or fix a leak in the plumbing. Simply unsnap the lower T, remove the tiles, and you have convenient access to the areas hidden by joists. CeilingLink does not rock to release but the connection is much weaker and the lower extrusion can be removed.
A Strong Interlock
Everyone knows that strength is crucial for building products. It needs to be able to hold strong and interlock tightly so that it won’t release. Without an interlock design that is found on CeilingConnex and CeilingMAX, the “snap” can release over time, especially when using heavier tiles. Loosing the connection can also occur when the ceiling tiles are below a floor that shakes and vibrates when people are walking.
Precise Installation
CeilingLink and CeilingConnex uses floating cross T's. CeilingMax has notches the Cross T's must be placed in. This requires the mains to be ran not only parallel to each other but the notches need to be all lined up. This requires you to center both the length and width of the room from the beginning and hope its all square once you start installing tiles. With both CeilingLink and CeilingConnex you make sure your mains are parallel and start sliding tiles into place with a T slid in between the tiles. As you fill your ceiling you can make small adjustments to make sure every thing looks nice and square.