Suspended Ceiling Grids Explained: Types, Load Classes and Best Uses in Ireland
- DLS Interiors
- Sep 8, 2025
- 4 min read
When planning a commercial or technical project, the ceiling system is more than just a design feature. It plays a crucial role in safety, functionality, compliance and long-term performance. For businesses in Dublin and across Ireland, suspended ceiling grids are one of the most widely used solutions, offering both practicality and flexibility.
At DLS Interiors, we specialise in installing high-performance ceiling systems for offices, data centres, laboratories and industrial spaces. This guide explains the different types of suspended ceiling grids available, their load classes, and where they are best used.
1. Zentia Lay-In Grid Ceilings
What are they?
Zentia Lay-In Ceilings use a visible or concealed grid to support modular ceiling tiles. They are designed for fast installation and easy maintenance, with tiles available in a range of finishes.
Benefits:
Low-maintenance system with quick access to services
Tiles can be replaced individually, reducing maintenance cost
Wide choice of acoustic and fire-rated options
Compatible with modular lighting
Best Uses:
Ideal for offices, schools, healthcare and commercial units where aesthetics and service access are equally important.
2. CasoLine MF Ceiling System
What is it?
The CasoLine MF system uses a concealed metal framing structure with plasterboard fixed below. This creates a seamless ceiling finish that can be tailored for fire and acoustic performance.
Benefits:
Smooth, modern appearance
Flexible design for curves, bulkheads and recessed lighting
High fire resistance and acoustic control when specified correctly
Suitable for high-performance commercial environments
Best Uses:
Perfect for reception areas, conference rooms, and high-spec office interiors in Dublin where aesthetics and performance are critical.
3. Unistrut Structural Systems
What are they?
Unistrut structural grids provide a versatile ceiling support solution that can hold heavy services such as ductwork, cable trays and lighting systems. Instead of being just a finish, it acts as a full support framework.
Benefits:
Converts interstitial space into usable service zones
Strong, load-bearing performance
Modular and reconfigurable
Reduces the need for soffit drilling
Best Uses:
Essential for data centres, laboratories and industrial facilities where ceiling systems must support significant M&E services.
4. Tate Grid
What is it?
Tate Grid is a structural ceiling solution designed specifically for heavy-duty technical environments. It allows pre-engineered support solutions for faster, more efficient installation.
Benefits:
Load-tested to support heavy containment and cable trays
Speeds up service installation and reduces on-site complexity
Designed for large-scale technical projects
Flexible and adaptable for future upgrades
Best Uses:
A preferred choice in data centres across Ireland, Tate Grid supports the demands of critical infrastructure where downtime is not an option.
5. Gordon Grid Ceiling System
What is it?
The Gordon Grid Ceiling is a durable open-grid metal ceiling system designed for strength and accessibility. Its open structure allows engineers to reach services quickly without compromising load performance.
Benefits:
Excellent strength-to-weight ratio
Long-term durability for industrial environments
Easy integration with lighting, ventilation and cable trays
Maintains performance even under heavy service loads
Best Uses:
Used in industrial plants, data centres and commercial spaces that require frequent access to overhead services.
6. SAS Ceiling Systems
What are they?
SAS ceilings are precision-engineered metal systems available with perforated or solid panels. They are robust, highly fire-resistant, and can include acoustic backing for noise control.
Benefits:
Long-lasting and durable
High fire and acoustic performance
Available in a wide range of finishes and colours
Easy to clean, making them suitable for hygienic environments
Best Uses:
An excellent option for healthcare, laboratories and high-end office spaces requiring both performance and aesthetics.
Key Insights
Load Classes Matter: Not all ceiling grids can support the same weight. Systems like Unistrut and Tate Grid are designed to bear heavy services, whereas Zentia lay-in grids are primarily for tiles and light fixtures.
Early Specification Saves Time: Involving ceiling contractors early avoids clashes with M&E and ensures compliance with fire and acoustic requirements.
Maintenance Access is Crucial: Grid ceilings such as Zentia and Gordon offer easier access for long-term serviceability.
Ceiling Type | Finish / Appearance | Load Class | Key Benefits | Best Uses |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Zentia Lay-In Grid | Modular tiles, visible/hidden grid | Light/Medium | Low maintenance, easy access, acoustic options | Offices, schools, healthcare, retail |
CasoLine MF | Seamless plasterboard finish | Medium/High | Smooth modern look, fire/acoustic performance | Lobbies, boardrooms, high-spec offices |
Unistrut Structural | Open structural grid | High | Heavy load-bearing, modular, reconfigurable | Data centres, labs, industrial plants |
Tate Grid | Structural grid for services | High | Supports heavy containment, pre-engineered | Data centres, technical spaces |
Gordon Grid | Open metal grid system | High | Strong, durable, easy access to services | Industrial & commercial buildings |
SAS Ceilings | Metal panels, perforated options | Medium/High | Durable, fire resistant, acoustic finishes | Cleanrooms, healthcare, offices |
Conclusion
Suspended ceiling grids provide much more than a clean finish. They are critical performance systems that influence safety, compliance and operational efficiency in commercial and technical environments. From Zentia lay-in systems to heavy-duty Tate Grid solutions, choosing the right ceiling type depends on your project’s load requirements, acoustic needs and service accessibility.
At DLS Interiors, our team delivers ceiling installations across Dublin, Ireland and Europe with proven expertise and a focus on compliance.
📞 Contact us today to discuss your ceiling requirements.
FAQs
1. What is the difference between a lay-in ceiling and MF ceiling?
Lay-in ceilings use modular tiles in a grid, while MF ceilings use plasterboard fixed to a concealed frame for a seamless finish.
2. Which ceiling grids are best for data centres?
Unistrut and Tate Grid systems are ideal due to their strength and ability to support heavy service loads.
3. Can suspended ceilings improve acoustics?
Yes. Systems like Zentia and SAS offer acoustic tiles and panels that reduce noise transfer and echo.
4. Are ceiling grids fire-rated?
Yes, when specified with the correct tiles or plasterboard build-up, many ceiling grids achieve tested fire ratings.
5. Do you install ceilings outside Dublin?
Absolutely. DLS Interiors delivers ceiling solutions across Ireland and throughout Europe for commercial and industrial projects.
