Partner Profiles
Bet on black: A stylish and durable ceiling for Treasure Bay Casino
Black Gridstone ceiling panels combine sleek elegance and durability at the casino’s remodeled buffet dining room
In 2024, the Treasure Bay Casino and Hotel in Biloxi, Mississippi, decided to update the ceiling of its buffet dining area, a space that hosts thousands of casino patrons each day. A durable yet visually appealing solution was needed — and black Gridstone® Gypsum Ceiling Panels provided the perfect answer.
A dramatic and sophisticated transformation
In the heart of the bustling buffet, the old white ceiling tiles had become a source of frustration for Ray Kuns, director of engineering at Treasure Bay Casino and Hotel. Over time, the once-clean white panels had faded to yellow, stained by years of grease and smoke. This resulted in frequent and labor-intensive cleaning, eventually leading Kuns to decide it was time for an upgrade.
Manufactured by Gold Bond Building Products, LLC, an affiliate of National Gypsum Company, Gridstone Gypsum Ceiling Panels wiped away Kuns’ maintenance concerns and elevated the buffet’s look and feel.
“The black ceiling tiles completely transformed the space. Everyone loves the new, more elegant look. We positioned the panels in a diamond pattern, which makes the buffet line look a million miles long — exactly what guests want in a buffet experience.”
Ray Kuns
Ray Kuns
Director of EngineeringTreasure Bay Casino and HotelBuilt to perform, built to last
In a restaurant that serves approximately 3,000 people a day, durability and ease of maintenance are nonnegotiable. The new black Gridstone ceiling panels delivers on both fronts. Unlike the old ceiling, which required constant scrubbing, the black vinyl laminate finish of the Gridstone panels makes cleaning as simple as wiping them down with a damp cloth.
“We’re open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. every day, which doesn’t leave a lot of time for cleaning overnight,” Kuns said. “Now, we can wash the new ceiling tiles quickly and efficiently, which means less time spent on maintenance.”
Installation was another major benefit. The Gridstone panels’ 2' × 2' size fit perfectly into the grid system of the buffet’s suspended ceiling, simplifying the install and saving time. The ease of cutting the panels for lighting and fire suppression access ensured the design remained sleek with clean cuts and minimal labor.
“The penetrations for lighting and fire systems had to be precise, and the panels made it easy to achieve a tight, clean finish without needing additional trim,” Kuns said. “The black Gridstone panels are not just stylish; they’re practical and built to handle the constant traffic below.”
In the end, updating the buffet ceiling with black Gridstone Gypsum Ceiling Panels was a winning decision for Kuns and Treasure Bay Casino and Hotel, providing a visually appealing and easy-to-maintain solution for one of their busiest spaces. The transformation serves as a testament to the power of choosing the right materials for the job — a decision that enhances both the customer experience and the longevity of the space.
3 advantages of using black Gridstone Gypsum Ceiling Panels
1. Easy to clean: Maintaining the beauty of black Gridstone panels is effortless, thanks to their smooth-textured vinyl laminate surface. The washable surface of black Gridstone panels makes them easy to clean and keeps the panels looking pristine.
2. Easy to install: Gridstone’s black panels are designed for easy installation in a 15/16" standard exposed grid system. Their precise construction allows for clean scoring and snapping, making the installation process quick and straightforward.
3. Easy on the eyes: Whether it’s a hotel casino, a high-end retail store or a modern corporate office space, black Gridstone panels create a visually stunning ceiling that draws attention and elevates the overall atmosphere. Additionally, the panel’s black vinyl laminate eliminates the need for painting, further simplifying maintenance and extending the product’s life span.
Need more information or assistance with selecting the right Gridstone Gypsum Ceiling Panel for your project? Connect with your local National Gypsum representatives for customer service and expert advice on the right ceiling solution to help achieve your goals.
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