DECORATIVE TILES FOR CEILINGS AND/OR WALLS

Abstract

A decorative tile includes a base element and a veneer element. The veneer element is attached to the base element in any suitable manner. The veneer element is made of any suitable material such as wood, including natural wood products and engineered wood products. The decorative tiles can provide, among other things, a pleasing aesthetic appearance in building structures. The decorative tiles can be used as, for example, a wall panel or as a ceiling panel for a drop ceiling.

Description

FIELD

Embodiments relate in general to ceilings and/or walls of a structure and, more particularly, to decorative tiles for use in connection with ceilings and/or walls.

BACKGROUND

Suspended ceilings or “drop” ceilings have been used in construction systems for numerous years. Typically, a ceiling grid or framework is hung by wires fixed to the building's overhead framing or mechanical components. Ceiling tiles are supported by the grid and fill in the openings of the grid. In this way, any components above the grid are hidden, thereby providing a more aesthetically acceptable appearance. Suspended ceilings can have advantages over drywall ceilings. For instance, suspended ceilings can typically be provided at a lower cost. Further, there is less mess involved in their installation. In addition, if there is any water or other damage, the individual damaged tiles may be simply replaced without having to repair and/or repaint the entire or a large portion of the ceiling as may be necessary with a drywall ceiling.

SUMMARY

In one respect, arrangements are directed to a decorative tile for a ceiling and/or walls. The decorative tile can include an interior facing side. The decorative tile includes a base element and a veneer element. The veneer element can be attached to the base element. The veneer element can be a natural wood product or an engineered wood product.

The veneer element can include a plurality of veneer segments. The plurality of veneer segments can be joined together to form the veneer element. In one or more arrangements, the veneer element can be finished. In one or more arrangements, the veneer element can be raw. In one or more arrangements, the veneer element can include a backing.

There can be any suitable relationship between the veneer element and the base element. As an example, the veneer element can be recessed from one or more sides of the base element. As a result, one or more ledges can be formed by those portions of the base element that extend beyond the veneer element. As another example, the base element can be recessed from one or more sides of the veneer element. As a result, one or more ledges can be formed by those portions of the veneer element that extend beyond the base element.

In one or more arrangements, the base element can include a first wall and a second wall. The first and second walls can be spaced from each other. The first and second walls can be interconnected by a plurality of connecting members. In one or more arrangements, the first wall, the second wall and the plurality of connecting members can be formed as a unitary structure. In one or more arrangements, the base element can be substantially non-collapsible.

In one or more implementations, the decorative tile can further include a second veneer element. The second veneer element can be attached to the base element on an opposite side of the base element from the veneer element. The second veneer element can be a natural wood product or an engineered wood product. In such an arrangement, the interior facing side of the decorative tile can be selected by a user. The veneer element and the second veneer element can be different from each other in one or more respects.

In another respect, arrangements are directed to a decorative tile for a ceiling and/or walls. The decorative tile can include an interior facing side. The decorative tile can include a base element and a veneer element.

The base element can include a first wall and a second wall. The first and second walls can be spaced from each other. The first and second walls can be interconnected by a plurality of connecting members. The base element can be rigid. The base element can be substantially non-collapsible.

The veneer element can be attached to one of the first and second walls of the base element. The veneer element can be a natural wood product or an engineered wood product.

In still another respect, arrangements are directed to a decorative tile system. The system can include a support structure and a decorative tile.

In one or more implementations, the support structure can be a grid of support members, which can be a part of a drop ceiling system. The grid can define a plurality of openings. The decorative tile can be at least partially supported by the grid of support members to substantially fill a respective one of the plurality of openings. In one or more implementations, the support structure can be a wall. The decorative tile can be attached to the wall.

The system can also include a decorative tile. The decorative tile can be at least partially supported by the support structure. The decorative tile can include an interior facing side. The decorative tile can include a base element and a veneer element. The veneer element can be attached to the base element.

The veneer element can be a natural wood product or an engineered wood product. The decorative tile can be at least partially supported by the grid of support members. The decorative tile can substantially fill a respective one of the plurality of openings such that the interior facing side of the decorative tile is defined by the veneer element.

There can be any suitable relationship between the veneer element and the base element. As an example, the veneer element can be recessed from one or more sides of the base element. As a result, one or more ledges can be formed by those portions of the base element that extend beyond the veneer element. As another example, the base element can be recessed from one or more sides of the veneer element. As a result, one or more ledges can be formed by those portions of the veneer element that extend beyond the base element.

In one or more arrangements, the base element can include a first wall and a second wall. The first and second walls can be spaced from each other. The first and second walls can be interconnected by a plurality of connecting members. In one or more arrangements, the first wall, the second wall and the plurality of connecting members can be formed as a unitary structure. In one or more arrangements, the base element can be substantially non-collapsible.

The system can further include a second decorative tile. The second decorative tile can include an interior facing side. The second decorative tile can include a base element and a veneer element. The veneer element can be attached to the base element. The veneer element can be a natural wood product or an engineered wood product.

The second decorative tile can be at least partially supported by the support structure such that the interior facing side of the second decorative tile is defined by the veneer element. The decorative tile and the second decorative tile can be different from each other in one or more respects.

In one or more implementations, the decorative tile can further include a second veneer element. The second veneer element can be attached to the base element on an opposite side of the base element from the veneer element. The second veneer element can be a natural wood product or an engineered wood product. In such an arrangement, the interior facing side of the decorative tile can be selected by a user. The veneer element and the second veneer element can be different from each other in one or more respects.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an exploded view of an example of a decorative tile.

FIG. 2 is a side elevation view of an example of a decorative tile.

FIG. 3 is a view of an example of a decorative tile, wherein a plurality of connecting members spans generally widthwise across the decorative tile.

FIG. 4 is a side elevation view of an example of a decorative tile, wherein a veneer element is provided on opposite sides of the decorative tile.

FIGS. 5A-5D are views of examples of veneer elements for the decorative tile.

FIG. 6 is a view of an example of an installation of a plurality of decorative tiles in a drop ceiling system.

FIG. 7 is a view of a portion of a decorative tile, wherein the veneer element extends beyond a side of the base element such that a ledge is formed by the overhanging portion of the veneer element.

FIG. 8 is a view of a portion of a decorative tile, wherein the veneer element is recessed from a side of the base element such that a ledge is formed by the overhanging portion of the base element.

FIG. 9 is a view of an example of the use of decorative tiles in a wall system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Arrangements described herein relate to decorative tiles for use in connection with ceiling and/or walls and associated systems and methods. Detailed embodiments are disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are intended only as exemplary. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the aspects herein in virtually any appropriately detailed structure. Further, the terms and phrases used herein are not intended to be limiting but rather to provide an understandable description of possible implementations. Arrangements are shown in FIGS. 1-9, but the embodiments are not limited to the illustrated structure or application.

It will be appreciated that for simplicity and clarity of illustration, where appropriate, reference numerals have been repeated among the different figures to indicate corresponding or analogous elements. In addition, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments described herein. However, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that the embodiments described herein can be practiced without these specific details.

Referring to FIG. 1, an example of a decorative tile 10 is shown in an exploded view. While the term “decorative tile” may connote a purely decorative or aesthetic function, it will be understood that embodiments are not so limited. Indeed, the decorative tile can include one or more other functions, characteristics and/or properties, including fire resistance, acoustic dampening and/or insulation, just to name a few possibilities. The decorative tile 10 can have any suitable shape. As an example, the decorative tile 10 is shown as being substantially rectangular in FIG. 1. As used herein, the term “substantially” includes exactly the term it modifies and slight variations therefrom. Thus, the term “substantially rectangular” means exactly rectangular and slight variations therefrom. However, it will be understood that decorative tiles in accordance with arrangements herein are not limited to this particular shape. Indeed, the decorative tile 10 can have any suitable shape, including, for example, substantially circular, substantially oval, substantially polygonal, substantially trapezoidal, substantially triangular and/or substantially parallelogram. The decorative tile 10 can be any irregular shape.

The decorative tile 10 can include an interior facing side 12. “Interior facing side” means the side of the decorative tile that faces toward the interior of a space (e.g. a room) when installed in its intended manner. The decorative tile 10 can include an associated length direction L and an associated width direction W.

The decorative tile 10 can include a base element 14 and a veneer element 16. The veneer element 16 and the based element 14 can be attached in any suitable manner. Each of these elements will be described in turn below.

The base element 14 can be one or more structures, components, substrates, materials and/or combinations thereof. The base element 14 can be made of any suitable material. For instance, the base element 14 can be made of plastic. Examples of suitable plastics include vinyl, polyethylene, polycarbonate, or polyvinylchloride (PVC), just to name a few possibilities. In some implementations, the base element 14 can be made of cardboard. In such case, the cardboard can be coated, lined or otherwise treated to make it waterproof. The base element 14 can be made in any suitable manner, such as by extrusion, molding and/or injection molding, just to name a few possibilities. In at least some implementations, the base element 14 can provide rigidity and structure to the decorative tile 10.

The base element 14 can be lightweight. For instance, the base element 14 can weigh less than about 5 pounds, less than about 4 pounds, less than about 3 pounds, less than about 2 pounds, less than about 1 pound, or less than about one-half of a pound.

FIGS. 1 and 2 show one example of a configuration for the base element 14. However, it will be understood that the base element 14 is not limited to this configuration. The base element 14 can be a generally hollow structure. The base element 14 can include a first wall 18 and/or a second wall 20. The first and second walls 18, 20 can be spaced from each other. The first and second walls 18, 20 can be substantially parallel to each other. The first and second walls 18, 20 can have any suitable size, shape and/or configuration. In one implementation, the first and second walls 18, 20 can be generally planar. The first and second walls 18, 20 can be substantially identical to each other. Alternatively, the first and second walls 18, 20 can be different from each other in one or more respects, including, for example, size, shape, length, width, thickness and/or material, just to name a few possibilities.

The first and second walls 18, 20 can be interconnected by a plurality of connecting members 22. The connecting members 22 can provide stiffness and strength to the base element 14 and/or the decorative tile 10. The connecting members 22 can resist bowing and/or sagging of the base element 14 and/or the decorative tile 10. The connecting members 22 and the first and/or second walls 18, 20 can cooperatively form a plurality of T-beams and/or I-beams. While FIGS. 1 and 2 show an arrangement in which the base element 14 includes the first wall 18 and the second wall 20, it will be understood that, in at least some arrangements, the base element 14 may include only one wall. The connecting members 22 can extend at any suitable angle with respect to the first and/or second walls 18, 20. In one implementation, one or more of the connecting members 22 can extend at about 90 degrees relative to the first and/or second walls 18, 20, as is shown in FIGS. 1-4; however, it will be understood that other angles are possible.

Any suitable quantity of connecting members 22 can be provided. The connecting members 22 can be distributed between the first and second walls 18, 20 in any suitable manner. In one implementation, the connecting members 22 can be substantially equally spaced from each other. In other instances, one or more of the connecting members 22 can have a different spacing. A hollow space 26 can be defined between each pair of neighboring connecting member 22 and portions of the first and/or second walls 18, 20.

The connecting members 22 can be substantially planar structures. The connecting members 22 can have any suitable size and/or shape. For instance, the connecting members 22 can be substantially rectangular, substantially T-shaped or substantially I-shaped in cross-section. The connecting members 22 can be substantially straight, or one or more of the connecting members 22 can be non-straight. The connecting members 22 can span the entire length and/or width of the first and/or second walls 18, 20. Alternatively, the connecting members 22 can span a portion of the length and/or width of the first and/or second walls 18, 20. FIG. 1 shows an example in which the connecting members 22 extend in the length direction L of the decorative tile 10; FIG. 3 shows an example in which the connecting members 22 extend in the width direction W of the decorative tile 10. However, it will be understood that the connecting members 22 can extend in a combination of the length direction L and the width direction W. Further, one or more of the connecting members 22 can extend in one or more directions other than the length direction L or the width direction W.

In some instances, the connecting members 22 can be substantially identical to each other. Alternatively, the connecting members 22 can be different from each other in one or more respects, including, for example, size, shape, length, width, thickness, angle relative to the first and/or second walls, and/or material, just to name a few possibilities.

The connecting members 22 can be formed together with the first and/or second walls 18, 20 as a unitary structure. Alternatively, the connecting members 22 can be formed separately from the first and/or second walls 18, 20 and subsequently joined in any suitable manner, such as by adhesives, welding, brazing, fasteners, and/or mechanical engagement.

The base element 14 can be a substantially rigid structure, that is, the base element 14 can retain its form under expected operational conditions when installed and/or during handling. The base element 14 can be configured to be substantially non-collapsible under expected operational conditions when installed and/or during handling. Thus, in the configuration of the base element 14 shown in FIGS. 1-2, a spacing between the first and second walls 18, 20 can be substantially maintained under expected operational conditions when installed and/or during handling.

Again, the decorative tile 10 can include a veneer element 16. The veneer element 16 can be a relatively thin layer of material. As an example, the veneer element can have a thickness from about 0.1 millimeters to about 4 millimeters and, more particularly, from about 0.4 millimeters to about 4 millimeters. The veneer element 16 can define the interior facing side 12 of the decorative panel 10. The veneer element 16 can be substantially planar. In one or more arrangements, the veneer element 16 can be provided in the form of a sheet of material. The veneer element 16 can have generally the same size and/or shape as the base element 14, or the veneer element 16 can be different from the size and/or shape of the base element 14 in one or more respects.

The veneer element 16 can be made of any suitable material. More particularly, the veneer element 16 can be made of wood. In some implementations, the veneer element 16 can be solely made of wood. The wood for the veneer element 16 can be extracted from any species of wood and, more particularly, from any species of wood that is approved for harvesting. The wood from can be extracted in any suitable manner. For instance, the wood can be extracted by slicing, rotary peeling or sawing. In one implementation, the veneer element 16 can be made printed paper that includes an image of wood grain thereon. In some instances, the printed paper can be laminated.

In some implementations, the veneer element 16 can include a backing 24 (FIG. 1 shows a portion of the veneer element 16 broken away to reveal the backing 24). The backing 24 can be attached to one side of the veneer element 16. For instance, the veneer element 16 can include a paper-backing, a fabric-backing and/or a composite backing, just to name a few possibilities. The backing 24 can be used for various reasons. As an example, the veneer element 16 may be too thin or otherwise not strong enough on its own to allow the veneer element to be flexible when subjected to forces, such as bending, without breaking. Accordingly, in some implementations, the backing 24 can be used to provide structural support to the veneer element 16. In such case, the backing 24 can allow the veneer element 16 to be flexible (e.g. when subjected to bending and/or other forces) without breaking.

The veneer element 16 can be a natural wood product, or it can be an engineered wood product. “Natural wood product” means that the veneer element 16 is made with wood from a single natural wood source. The wood grain of the natural wood product is not altered (excluding finishing processes described below) to achieve a different grain appearance. As a result, the actual wood grain of the wood is visible. A natural wood product can be a single piece that does not include joining a plurality of pieces of wood together.

An “engineered wood product” includes any element that includes wood, but is altered in one or more respects to create a specific wood grain arrangement that is different from the actual arrangement of the wood grain as found in nature. Engineered wood products include various products which are made by binding, fixing or otherwise joining the strands, particles, fibers and/or portions of wood together, such as by adhesives or other methods of joining. An engineered wood product can include a plurality of different pieces of wood joined together. The different pieces of wood can include more than one type of grain and/or more than one species of wood. FIG. 6 shows an example of a veneer element 16e that is made of an engineered wood product.

The veneer element 16 may be a single layer (e.g. a single layer of wood). An example of such an arrangement is shown in FIGS. 5A, 5B and 5D. In some instances, the veneer element 16 can be made of a plurality of layers. In some instances, the veneer element 16 can cover the entire surface area of one of the first and second walls 18, 20 of the base element 14. Alternatively, the veneer element 16 can cover at least a portion of the surface area of one of the first and second walls 18, 20 of the base element 14.

Alternatively, the veneer element 16 can include a plurality veneer segments 16a, 16b (FIG. 5C) that are joined together. The joining of the veneer segments 16a, 16b can be achieved in any suitable manner, such as by adhesives, mechanical engagement and/or fasteners, just to name a few possibilities. Each veneer segment 16a, 16b can engage one or more adjacent veneer segments 16a, 16b in any suitable manner, including in an abutting, overlapping or offsetting manner. The plurality of veneer segments 16a, 16b can be substantially identical to each other, or one or more of the veneer segments 16a, 16b can be different from the other veneer segments 16a, 16b in one or more respects. The use of a plurality of veneer 16a, 16b segments can allow several species of wood to be used in a single decorative tile 10. While FIG. 5C shows an arrangement in which the veneer element 16 includes two veneer segments 16a, 16b, it will be understood that any number of veneer segments 16a, 16b may be used, including more than two veneer segments.

The veneer element 16 can either be raw or finished. “Raw” means that the veneer element (e.g. the wood) is not treated after it is extracted from a source (e.g. a natural wood source), excluding cutting the veneer element 16 to a desired shape and/or the application of any elements thereto for attachment of the veneer element to the base element. In such case, the actual wood of the veneer element 16 is exposed to the environment. “Finished” means that at least a portion of the veneer element is treated in some manner after extraction from a source to change the visual appearance of the material. As an example, when the veneer element 16 is made of wood, at least a portion of the wood can be varnished, painted, stained, or tinted. Alternatively or in addition, at least a portion of the veneer element 16 may be coated with one or more materials. The coating can be hot or cold when it is applied. Examples of suitable coatings include urethane or other polymeric material. The coating can provide a desired characteristic, such as an aesthetic appearance, ultraviolet (UV) protection, water and moisture resistance, and/or scratch resistance. The finishing of the veneer element 16 can be performed at any suitable time. For instance, the veneer element 16 can be finished either before or after the veneer element 16 is attached to the base element 14.

The veneer element 16 can be attached to one of the first or second walls 18, 20 of the base element 14. The veneer element 16 can be attached to the base element 14 in any suitable manner. For instance, the veneer element 16 can be attached to the base element 14 by one or more fasteners, one or more adhesives, and/or one or more forms of mechanical engagement, just to name a few possibilities. In the way of examples, the veneer element 16 can be applied to the base element 14 using any of the following methods: cold press by units, hot press by units, roll press by units, or roll press (hot or cold) incorporated on line. The roll press on line involves the adherence of the veneer element 16 continuously in the same line of machinery directly following the extrusion of the base element 14.

When the veneer element 16 is attached to the base element 14, there can be various relationships between the veneer element 16 and the respective wall 18, 20 to which it is attached. For instance, the veneer element 16 can cover the entire wall 18, 20 with substantially no overhang or recessing from the sides 18a-d, 20a-d of the respective wall 18, 20. An example of such an arrangement is shown in FIG. 3. In another implementation, the veneer element 16 can extend beyond one or more of the sides 18a-d and/or 20a-d of the respective wall 18, 20 such that a respective ledge L1 is formed by the overhanging portion of the veneer element 16, as is shown in FIG. 7. The respective one or more ledges L1 can fully or partially cover the any supporting structure for the decorative tile, such as the grid of a drop ceiling system. In such case, another portion of the decorative tile 10 (e.g. the base element 14) can be configured to engage the grid so that the tile 10 is supported thereon. In still another implementation, the veneer element 16 can be recessed from one or more of the sides 18a-d and/or 20a-d of the respective wall 18, 20 such that a ledge L2 is formed by the overhanging portion of the respective wall 18, 20, as is shown in FIG. 8. As a result, a three dimensional effect can be created.

In some arrangements, the decorative tile 10 can include a first veneer element 16′ and a second veneer element 16″. An example of such an arrangement is shown in FIG. 4. The first and second veneer elements 16′, 16″ can be attached to opposite sides of the base element 14. In one arrangement, the first veneer element 16′ can be attached to the first wall 18, and the second veneer element 16″ can be attached to the second wall 20. In such an arrangement, the decorative tile 10 can be reversible such that the interior facing side 12 of the decorative tile 10 can be selected by a user.

The first and second veneer elements 16′, 16″ can be substantially identical to each other. Alternatively, the first and second veneer elements 16′, 16″ can differ from each other in one or more respects. For instance, the first and second veneer elements 16′, 16″ can present different appearances. As an example, one of the first and second veneer elements 16′, 16″ can be a dark wood and the other can be a light wood. As another example, one of the first and second veneer elements 16′, 16″ can be raw, and the other one can be finished. As a still further example, one of the first and second veneer elements 16′, 16″ can be aligned with the sides of the base element, recessed from at least one side of the base element or extend beyond at least one of the sides of the base element, as described above. The other one of the first and second veneer elements 16′, 16″ can have a different relationship with the base element 14.

It should be noted that the veneer element can have an associated grain direction G (see, e.g., FIGS. 5A and 6). “Grain direction” means the direction in which a majority of the grains of the veneer element extend. FIG. 5A shows an example in which the grain direction G extends generally in the length direction L of the decorative tile. FIG. 6 shows an example in which the grain direction G extends generally in the width direction W of one of the decorative tiles 10. In one implementation, the grain direction G of the veneer element 16 can extend in substantially the same direction that the connecting members 22 of the base element 14 extend. That is, the grain direction G of the veneer element 16 can be substantially parallel to the direction in which the connecting members 22 extend. Alternatively, the grain direction G of the veneer element 16 can extend in a transverse direction to the direction in which the connecting members 22 extend. For instance, the grain direction G of the veneer element 16 can extend at about 10 degrees, about 15 degrees, about 20 degrees, about 25 degrees, about 30 degrees, about 35 degrees, about 40 degrees, about 45 degrees, about 50 degrees, about 55 degrees, about 60 degrees, about 65 degrees, about 70 degrees, about 75 degrees, about 80 degrees, about 85 degrees or about 90 degrees relative to the direction in which the connecting members 22 extend.

FIGS. 5A-5D show examples of various veneer elements 16 for the decorative tiles 10 described herein. However, it will be understood that embodiments are not limited to the specific veneer elements 16 shown.

It will further be appreciated that the material from which the first wall 18, second wall 20 and/or the plurality of connecting members 22 is made can be varied to achieve different characteristics for the decorative tile 10. For example, the materials could be varied to obtain different acoustic characteristics. Alternatively or in addition, the materials could be varied to obtain different light transmitting characteristics. Also, the materials could be fire retardant to inhibit the spread of a fire in a building in which the decorative tiles 10 are being used.

Now that the various aspects of the decorative tile and associated components have been described, various methods of using the decorative tile will now be presented. Various possible methods of use will be described. The methods described may be applicable to the embodiments described above in relation to FIGS. 1-9, but it is understood that the method can be carried out with other suitable systems and arrangements. Moreover, the method may include other steps that are not described, and in fact, the methods are not limited to including every step described herein. Moreover, the described steps are not limited to the particular chronological order described. Indeed, some of the steps may be performed in a different order than what is described and/or at least some of the steps shown can occur simultaneously.

One or more of the decorative tiles 10 described herein can have many possible uses in building structures, including, for example, as a wall panel, fixed ceiling panel, ceiling panels for a drop ceiling, or the like. FIG. 6 shows an example of an installation of a plurality of decorative tiles in a drop ceiling system. In a typical drop ceiling system, a grid of support members 30 is conventionally supported from a ceiling or building overhead framing by wires or other means. The support members 30 can be generally T-shaped. The grid of support members 30 can define a plurality of openings 32 and support ledges around those openings 32 on which a decorative tile 10 can be supported. The decorative tiles 10 can fill the openings 32.

The openings 32 can have any suitable shape, including substantially rectangular as shown in FIG. 6. Further, the openings can be substantially identical in size and/or shape, as is shown in FIG. 6. However, in some instances, one or more of the openings 32 can be a different size and/or shape from the other openings.

In some instances, a decorative tile 10 can be placed in front of an existing tile in a drop ceiling system for a more attractive appearance. In some instances, a decorative tile 10 can be installed in a drop-ceiling grid as the original and only ceiling tiles or as a replacement of an existing tile that is removed. Alternatively or in addition, a decorative tile 10 can be used in a wall system. FIG. 9 shows an example of the use of decorative tiles 10 in a wall system. As is shown, the decorative tile 10 can be attached to a wall 40. The decorative tiles 10 can be attached to the wall 40 in any suitable manner, including, for example, by one or more adhesives, double sided tape, fasteners and/or mechanical engagement. While the wall 40 is shown in FIG. 9 as being substantially vertical, it will be understood that arrangements are not limited in this regard. Indeed, the decorative tiles 10 can be used in connection with walls at any orientation, including walls that are substantially horizontal.

It will be appreciated that the systems and methods described above can provide numerous benefits. For instance, the decorative tiles can provide a pleasing aesthetic appearance. More particularly, when the veneer element is made of wood, the wood interior facing side of the decorative tile can provide an attractive and appealing surface to any occupants of the space in which the decorative tile is used. Further, the decorative tiles are lightweight, so they do not significantly load the existing grid, and they can allow for easy installation. As a result, a home or building owner can install the ceiling tiles relatively easily and without the need to hire a third-party installation company. Still further, the construction of the decorative tiles described herein allows the decorative tiles to be made of quality materials in a cost effective manner. Moreover, the construction of the base element described herein allows for flexibility for easy installation while providing structural rigidity to prevent the decorative tile from bowing.

The terms “a” and “an,” as used herein, are defined as one or more than one. The term “plurality,” as used herein, is defined as two or more than two. The term “another,” as used herein, is defined as at least a second or more. The terms “including” and/or “having,” as used herein, are defined as comprising (i.e., open language).

Aspects described herein can be embodied in other forms and combinations without departing from the spirit or essential attributes thereof. Thus, it will of course be understood that embodiments are not limited to the specific details described herein, which are given by way of example only, and that various modifications and alterations are possible.

Claims

1. A decorative tile for a ceiling and/or walls, the decorative tile including an interior facing side, the decorative tile comprising:

a base element; and

a veneer element attached to the base element, the veneer element being a natural wood product or an engineered wood product.

2. The decorative tile of claim 1, wherein the veneer element includes a plurality of veneer segments.

3. The decorative tile of claim 1, wherein the veneer element is raw.

4. The decorative tile of claim 1, wherein the veneer element is recessed from a side of the base element such that a ledge is formed by a portion of the base element that extends beyond the veneer element.

5. The decorative tile of claim 1, wherein the base element is recessed from a side of the veneer element such that a ledge is formed by a portion of the veneer element that extends beyond the base element.

6. The decorative tile of claim 1, wherein the base element includes a first wall and a second wall, the first and second walls being spaced from each other and interconnected by a plurality of connecting members.

7. The decorative tile of claim 1, wherein the decorative tile further includes a second veneer element attached to the base element on an opposite side thereof from the veneer element, the second veneer element being a natural wood product or an engineered wood product, whereby the interior facing side of the decorative tile is selectable by a user.

8. The decorative tile of claim 7, wherein the veneer element and the second veneer element are different from each other.

9. The decorative tile of claim 1, wherein the veneer element includes a backing.

10. The decorative tile of claim 1, wherein the base element is substantially non-collapsible.

11. A decorative tile for a ceiling and/or walls, the decorative tile including an interior facing side, the decorative tile comprising:

a base element, the base element including a first wall and a second wall, the first and second walls being spaced from each other and interconnected by a plurality of connecting members, the base element being rigid and substantially non-collapsible; and

a veneer element attached to one of the first and second walls of the base element, the veneer element being a natural wood product or an engineered wood product.

12. A decorative tile system comprising:

a support structure;

a decorative tile including an interior facing side, the decorative tile including a base element and a veneer element attached to the base element, the veneer element being a natural wood product or an engineered wood product, the decorative tile being at least partially supported by the support structure such that the interior facing side of the decorative tile is defined by the veneer element.

13. The decorative tile system of claim 12, wherein the support structure is a grid of support members that define a plurality of openings, the decorative tile being at least partially supported by the grid of support members to substantially fill a respective one of the plurality of openings, whereby the grid of support members is a part of a drop ceiling system.

14. The decorative tile system of claim 12, wherein the support structure is a wall, wherein the decorative tile is attached to the wall.

15. The decorative tile system of claim 12, wherein the veneer element is recessed from a side of the base element such that a ledge is formed by a portion of the base element that extends beyond the veneer element.

16. The decorative tile system of claim 12, wherein the base element is recessed from a side of the veneer element such that a ledge is formed by a portion of the veneer element that extends beyond the base element.

17. The decorative tile system of claim 12, wherein the base element includes a first wall and a second wall, the first and second walls being spaced from each other and interconnected by a plurality of connecting members.

18. The decorative tile system of claim 12, further including a second decorative tile including an interior facing side, the second decorative tile including a base element and a veneer element attached to the base element, the veneer element being a natural wood product or an engineered wood product, the second decorative tile being at least partially supported by the support structure such that the interior facing side of the second decorative tile is defined by the veneer element.

19. The decorative tile system of claim 12, wherein the decorative tile further includes a second veneer element attached to the base element on an opposite side thereof from the veneer element, the second veneer element being a natural wood product or an engineered wood product, whereby the interior facing side of the decorative tile is selectable by a user.

20. The decorative tile system of claim 19, wherein the veneer element and the second veneer element are different from each other.