Insider Weekly has recognized Shanko as the recipient of the Best Metal Ceilings and Backsplashes of 2025 award, highlighting the company’s exceptional dedication to authentic craftsmanship and sustainable manufacturing practices. The recognition celebrates more than a century of innovation in decorative architectural metalwork and positions Shanko as a continued leader in the industry.
Since its founding in 1896, Shanko has specialized in creating ornamental ceiling and wall panels that combine safety with aesthetic appeal. The company emerged during America’s post-fire rebuilding period, when fire-resistant metal ceilings became essential alternatives to traditional plaster and wood installations. This practical innovation quickly found its way into homes, theaters, saloons, and grand public buildings across the nation.
What sets Shanko apart from competitors is its unwavering commitment to traditional production methods. The company continues to use original hand-carved steel embossing plates from the early 1900s to press each panel, creating depth and texture that modern reproductions cannot replicate. These historic dies preserve the artistic integrity of classic metal ceilings while maintaining the detailed craftsmanship that defined the era.
The company has successfully bridged heritage and modern environmental standards by manufacturing all panels from 100% recycled tin, with finishing processes completed entirely in the United States. This approach has made decorative metal ceiling and wall solutions appealing to architects, designers, and homeowners who prioritize both timeless design and environmental responsibility.
Shanko’s product range includes over 70 unique patterns of tin ceiling tiles, QuietMetal acoustic tiles that combine beauty with sound performance, and rust-resistant backsplashes designed for kitchens and feature walls. The company also produces decorative wall panels, wainscoting, and handcrafted cornices that add refined architectural detail to any space.
The manufacturing operation features a 600-ton hydraulic press and an in-house powder coating facility that enables precise color matching and durable finishes. This integrated production approach allows Shanko to maintain extensive inventory of ceiling tiles and accessories, ensuring quick turnaround times for projects of all sizes.
Customization options extend from powder coatings matched to standard paint palettes to hand-painted antique finishes, giving clients complete control over the final appearance of their installations. This flexibility has made authentic pressed metal architectural products a preferred choice for restoration projects and contemporary designs alike.
In an increasingly competitive market dominated by imported reproductions, Shanko’s combination of historic tooling, American manufacturing, and sustainable materials distinguishes the company as an industry leader. The 2025 award from Insider Weekly reinforces the value that architects, designers, and homeowners place on genuine craftsmanship in metal ceiling and wall systems that deliver lasting beauty and quality.