How does the installation speed of a plank ceiling compare with mesh ceiling systems?

From our experience manufacturing aluminum ceilings for projects in Doha, Muscat and Dubai, plank ceilings typically install faster than complex mesh ceiling systems in most commercial builds because planks are modular, prefabricated, and designed for repeatable on-site assembly. Plank systems arrive with standardized clip patterns, mating edges and predetermined lengths—this reduces sorting and cutting on site and accelerates alignment, especially across long corridors in hotels or retail centers. Mesh ceilings (expanded metal or woven metal) often require meticulous field anchoring, tensioning, and custom edge trims; while mesh can be quicker for very large open areas when suspension grids are straightforward, it usually demands more bespoke finishing work to secure clean perimeters and ensure flat planes, particularly where integration with services (lights, sprinklers) is dense. Prefabricated plank panels also allow quicker coordination with lighting and HVAC trades because their cut-outs and knockouts can be CNC-prepared at the factory, which is a major advantage for time-sensitive projects in Abu Dhabi or Riyadh. Accessibility is another factor: planks designed with removable modules give clear service access and are faster to disassemble and reinstall during commissioning. In dusty or humid environments common to the Middle East, working fewer hours on site reduces the chance of damage and paint touch-ups. Ultimately mesh ceilings offer a distinctive look but often require more specialized installers and onsite adjustments; plank ceilings give predictable, faster installs when schedule and repetition matter.