Matching Burgess CEP tiles on a refurbishment means correctly identifying the existing metal tile — its size, edge, fixing format, grid width and perforation pattern — and sourcing the same tile or its closest current equivalent. Because metal ceilings are durable and long-lived, refurbishment projects frequently retain an existing Burgess grid and simply replace damaged or tired tiles, which is where accurate matching matters. This guide covers how to match Burgess CEP tiles correctly on a live refurbishment.
A metal ceiling has more matching variables than a soft mineral fibre tile. The fixing format alone — square lay-in, tegular, microlook or clip-in — changes how the tile sits in the grid, and a clip-in tile will not work in a lay-in grid. Add the grid width (15mm or 24mm), the size, and whether the tile is plain or carries a perforation pattern like D278, and it becomes clear why precise identification is the foundation of a successful match.
Two Burgess tiles can look similar from below but fix completely differently. On a refurbishment retaining the existing grid, the replacement must use the same fixing format and suit the same grid — a tegular tile for a 24mm tegular grid, a microlook tile for a 15mm grid, a clip-in tile for a clip-in system. Confirm the format before ordering; this is the single most common matching error on metal ceilings.
If the existing ceiling uses a perforated tile such as the D278 pattern, the perforation does acoustic work, so match a perforated replacement rather than a plain tile, or the acoustic performance of that area changes. RCT stocks the D278 pattern in tegular, microlook and clip-in formats, so a perforated Burgess ceiling can usually be matched directly.
Powder-coated metal holds its finish well, so colour drift is usually less of an issue than with mineral fibre — but a tile that has been in place for years may differ slightly from a brand-new one. For a prominent area, replacing a complete run rather than scattering individual new tiles gives the cleanest result. Where an exact finish match is critical, the RCT team can advise on options including specially made tiles.
If the exact original Burgess tile has changed, identify the closest current equivalent in the same size, fixing format and grid — or arrange a specially made tile for an exact match. On a refurbishment retaining the grid, matching the format and module is what guarantees the tiles seat correctly; the team can confirm the best route once they have your photos and measurements.
How do I match an existing Burgess CEP ceiling?
Identify the size, fixing format (lay-in, tegular, microlook or clip-in), grid width and finish (plain or perforated), then source the same tile or its closest current equivalent. Matching the fixing format and grid is essential for the tile to seat correctly.
Why won’t a replacement tile fit my Burgess grid?
Most likely the fixing format or grid width is wrong — a clip-in tile will not work in a lay-in grid, and a tegular tile needs the matching grid. Confirm the format and grid width before ordering.
Do I need to match the perforation pattern?
Yes, if the existing tile is perforated (e.g. D278), the perforation provides acoustic absorption. Match a perforated replacement rather than a plain tile so the acoustic performance of the area stays consistent.
Can an old Burgess tile be matched exactly?
Usually. RCT can identify the closest current equivalent or arrange a specially made tile for an exact match, having supplied Burgess metal ceilings since the 1960s. Send photos and measurements to confirm.
See the Burgess CEP formats and perforation options on our Burgess CEP category page.
Matching tiles on a refurbishment? Send photos and measurements or call 01939 251 450 — we will confirm the exact format and check stock. Request a quote including any specially made tiles.
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