When I say "trouble" I mean potential trouble, we have no clue what could be waiting for us up there but they did drywall the livingroom.

I assume you are aware that they could contain asbestos, which is really no big deal if removed by a qualifed company. It is actually easier and cheaper than lead paint remediation. I would remove them and have sheetrock installed. You won't regret it later as you update and personalize this home to your taste.

Can they just be painted? You just bought the house and the tiles didn't deter you, so I doubt you will jeopardize another buyer by leaving them up. Or, you could take the approach to sheetrock one room at a time, as budget allows.

I agree getting rid of these tiles is necessary to modernize the home, our budget was so tight we had to look past decorating features but another buyer may not be so easily appeased!! Would we have to take them down or could we just drywall overtop?? There is no overhead lighting so no wiring to worry about as of yet.

How are the ceiling tiles held up? Are they glued to the ceiling, or do they have a metal frame that they slide into? Can you take a picture and post if for us?

You can drywall overtop, we have done that before. The only issue is that you loose another 1/2" of height out of the room. When remodeling where the issue arises is if you say want to put recessed lights in or move lights around and need to be cutting trenches through in order to run wire. If this is asbestos, then it is not safe for the workers or occupants of the home. That's why we would try to remove them if possible.

Good morning Deborah! If the ceiling tiles are held up with a metal frame, can that still be drywalled over? Thanks!.....Bobbi

Try painting the tiles with a white semi-gloss paint. Typically we paint ceilings a flat white, but the texture in the tiles actually works quite well with a semigloss and a true white brightens the room considerably. We just did that in a foreclosure we bought and it worked quite well...I have always hated those tiles but I knew that replacing a perfectly usable ceiling wouldn't get me any more money when I sell. The only trouble you might have is if the tiles aren't well adhered to the ceilings; I have heard of them pulling away from the ceiling completely and just being held up by the trim at the edges.

For a small investment in time and money, you can paint the tiles and then sheetrock the ceilings at a later time if necessary. Ceilings are a long way down most people's list of necessities. If you budget doesn't stretch far enough, spend the money on something that brings you more enjoyment

Good Morning! I've been on job sites the last couple of days - out of touch.

No. But given the age of this house that is not what I would expect to find. These are tiles that were used in the 40'x and 50's and have a texture more like a masonite board (if that gives you an idea) rather than the tiles used today for drop ceilings. It wouldn't take a contractor but a minute to identify them, very easy.

They can be painted or they could have sheetrock applied over them. I think, if on a budget and this is somewhere you plan to live for awhile, I would paint them and not go to the trouble to sheetrock over them. Then plan on making removing them a part of the remodel of each room as you do it. Just include the funds up front when a room is to be addressed and have them removed and new sheetrock installed. At some point then they are all safely gone. The cost to remove asbestos in that small a quantity really is not so bad.

Thanks Deborah! Not all asbestos is hazmat, only if it crumbles to a dust is it friable. Before I have the whole room abated I would have a small portion tested, just in case. Could save some money that way.

Absolutely should be tested. Just like the old vinyl flooring. Test first and then act accordingly.

Ceiling tiles really don't belong in residential buildings. It could be a DIY project given there is no harmful materials. Then just painting the exposed ceiling white would save on drywall costs and keep the living room as airy as possible.

Thanks everyone for your input. I am assuming since the house was built in the 40s that there is asbestos in the tiles, they are in excellent shape and still attached to the ceiling (not a drop ceiling but actual tile). We are remodelling room by room at the moment and this is the smallest room that needs the least amount of work, the ceiling is the worst of it! I have my heart set on getting rid of the tiles so I guess sheetrock over top is the answer. Thanks again!!

has anyone actually Painted over these tiles with semi gloss as Linda Suggested? I just bought a beach house and it has the 12x12 textured ceiling tiles. they look ugly. old and yellowed. lots of crevises. I always thought cielings/walls are painted flat so as not to show imperfections that semi gloss shows.

Charlee would you say in a 1954 house that there could be ship lap under these tiles?

I have these tiles in 1/2 of my home. (along with laminated hardboard on walls) - These tiles can be painted over. Suggestion is to not use 'flat' paint, but an eggshell or satin finish, semi-gloss works, but may reflect some. NOTE: the tiles will soak in a LOT of paint, buy extra. - I live in the forest, and cost of removing these are tremendous. I painted.