AMF ceiling tiles are a leading choice for suspended ceilings in Queensland, known for their acoustic performance and diverse design options. In fact, AMF (part of Knauf Ceiling Solutions) has become the dominant brand of tiles we install at Suspended Ceilings QLD. Below, we’ll explore what makes the AMF Thermatex range stand out – from its global pedigree and local support, to the variety of tile finishes (acoustic fleece, fine fissured, wood-wool, etc.) and specialty options like water-resistant or custom-printed tiles. We’ll also provide an update on availability and ownership changes to ensure the information is fully up-to-date. By the end of this guide, you’ll see why AMF ceiling panels are a top choice for many Brisbane projects and how they can meet your specific needs.

Global Brand with Local Ownership and Support
AMF has a rich global history in ceilings. Founded in Germany in 1963, AMF grew into a renowned manufacturer of high-quality mineral fibre ceiling systems. In 2019, AMF’s parent company joined forces with Armstrong Ceilings to form Knauf Ceiling Solutions, combining two ceiling industry leadersbatinfo.com. (Armstrong’s European business was later rebranded to Zentia under new ownershipjudge-interiors.co.uk, highlighting the rapid changes in the industry.) Here in Australia, AMF first entered the market in 2008 under Knauf’s ownershipamfceilings.com.au.
Today, the AMF brand in Australia and New Zealand is locally owned by an Australian family businessamfceilings.com.au. This means when you choose AMF tiles in Brisbane, you get the best of both worlds: the innovation of a global brand and the personalized service of a local company. The Australian AMF team provides outstanding technical advice and after-sales support – we’ve found them extremely helpful with quick turnaround on samples and inquiries. This strong local support gives confidence that specification, warranty, and supply needs will be well taken care of.
*✅ Ownership Update (2025): The AMF Ceilings brand is now managed locally (no longer directly by Knauf corporate), which has caused some distribution transitions. Certain AMF products have been restructured or rebranded, and availability has been tighter in recent times. For example, the popular Thermatex Mercure tile was discontinued and is no longer available. If a particular AMF tile is hard to source, don’t worry – we can recommend equivalent alternatives from the Thermatex range or other brands. The good news is that with the local AMF distributor in place, the most in-demand tiles and new product lines are still accessible in QLD, backed by local stock and warranty support.
Acoustic Performance & Flexibility
One major reason to choose AMF ceiling tiles is their excellent acoustic performance across a range of options. Whether you need to absorb noise within a room or block sound between rooms, AMF’s Thermatex line likely has a solution. Many AMF tiles are engineered with high NRC values (Noise Reduction Coefficient) to soak up sound and reduce echo. For instance, the Thermatex Thermofon is a low-density mineral fibre tile with an acoustic fleece facing that achieves an impressive NRC of 0.85. This makes it ideal for open-plan offices or classrooms where controlling reverberation is key. On the other hand, certain tiles are offered in special “High-CAC” versions (Ceiling Attenuation Class) for better sound blocking between rooms. The Thermatex Star, for example, comes in a standard 15 mm panel and a thicker 19 mm “Complete” version – both look identical when installed, but the 19 mm variant provides higher sound attenuation (CAC ≈ 36 dB) for use in noise-sensitive areas. This mix-and-match acoustic approach is a standout feature: you can maintain a uniform ceiling appearance throughout your space while selectively boosting acoustic performance in specific rooms by using the thicker tile only where needed. It’s a cost-effective way to get optimal acoustics without compromising design continuity.
Another advantage is that AMF’s acoustic tiles balance absorption and insulation. For instance, the Thermatex Acoustic Medical tile achieves both high absorption (NRC 0.70) and excellent attenuation (40 dB CAC) in one productamfceilings.com.auamfceilings.com.au. This balanced performance is great for environments like hospitals or offices where you want to both reduce echo in the room and prevent room-to-room noise transfer. Many tiles in the range are also rated Group 1 for fire safety (the highest rating under AUS standards), so you don’t sacrifice fire performance for acoustics.
Finally, AMF offers solutions for specialized acoustic needs. If you have a space with very hard surfaces or high ceilings (like laboratories, atriums, etc.), high-absorption panels such as Thermofon can make a big difference. In our experience, upgrading an old standard tile to a Thermatex high-NRC tile yields noticeably quieter, more comfortable rooms. And because these tiles are mineral fiber, they also provide some thermal insulation and help dampen mechanical HVAC noise from above the ceiling.
Diverse Range of Tile Designs and Functions
One size does not fit all in ceiling design – and that’s where AMF truly shines. The AMF ceiling tile range is extremely diverse, encompassing different finishes, materials, and specialty functions:
- Fine Fissured Mineral Tiles (Economy Range): AMF offers budget-friendly acoustic tiles with a classic fine fissured texture. The Thermatex Star is a prime example – a white, micro-perforated mineral wool tile that delivers good acoustics at an economical price. It has a flat painted appearance with tiny pinhole fissures that most clients find more modern and attractive than the deeper fissures of old-style tiles. Despite its low cost, the 15 mm Star tile achieves roughly NRC 0.60 and is even available in a higher-density form for better sound blocking. We’ve found the Thermatex Star to be an outstanding value – it’s often our go-to recommendation for offices, retail showrooms, and other projects on a tight budget. (Its predecessor, the Thermatex Mercure, had a similarly fine pattern and was very popular, but as noted, the Mercure is now discontinued.)
- Fleece-Coated & High-Performance Tiles: For premium acoustic performance and a smoother look, AMF produces tiles faced with a special acoustic fleece. These tiles have a wipeable, cleanable surface and higher sound absorption. The Thermatex Thermofon is one such tile – a 15 mm thick mineral fibre panel with a silky fleece facing. It offers outstanding sound absorption (NRC ~0.85) while still looking sleek and contemporary. Unlike rough porous tiles, the fleece face can be gently cleaned if it gets dusty or marked – a big advantage in maintaining a bright, clean ceiling appearance over timeu. Thermofon has become a favorite for spaces like call centers, healthcare rooms, and laboratories with many hard surfaces, where maximum noise reduction is needed. We also love that Thermofon is available in a matte black finish from the factory. This means you can get a true black acoustic ceiling (great for cinemas, studios, or modern offices) without the hassle of field-painting tiles – and you still retain the full acoustic warranty and performance of the product. In addition to Thermofon, the Thermatex Acoustic and Thermatex Alpha lines offer other high-NRC options (some tiles in the range even reach NRC 0.90) for projects demanding top-tier sound absorptionamfceilings.com.au.
- Water-Resistant & Clean Room Tiles: If your project involves high humidity or strict hygiene requirements, AMF has specialized solutions. The Thermatex Aquatec is a water-resistant acoustic tile designed for wet areas or high-humidity environments. It can handle up to 100% relative humidity without saggingamfceilings.com.au – perfect for swimming pool ceilings, shower/locker rooms, or even tropical climates. Despite being moisture-proof, Aquatec tiles still provide excellent sound absorption (the Aquatec Medical variant achieves NRC 0.90) and have a washable laminated surfaceamfceilings.com.auamfceilings.com.au. For hospitals and laboratories, AMF offers Thermatex Medical tiles that come with an antimicrobial treatment (AMF’s HYGENA coating) to resist bacteria and fungi growthamfceilings.com.auamfceilings.com.au. These healthcare-grade tiles meet ISO Class 3 Clean Room standards and are scrubbable for thorough cleaningamfceilings.com.au. In short, whether it’s a clinic operating room or a food prep area, there’s an AMF ceiling tile that can deliver the necessary hygiene, humidity resistance, and fire safety ratings alongside acoustic control.
- Wood Wool & Designer Ceilings (Heradesign): AMF doesn’t just make mineral fiber tiles – they also offer the Heradesign line of wood-wool acoustic panels for a totally different aesthetic. Heradesign panels are made from sustainable wood fibers bonded with magnesite, creating a rigid, textural panel that absorbs sound while bringing a natural look to the spacearmstrongceilings.com.auarmstrongceilings.com.au. These panels come in various thicknesses (typically 15–35 mm) and can achieve NRC values up to 0.90 with acoustic backingarmstrongceilings.com.au. The real appeal, however, is design flexibility: Heradesign can be produced in a wide range of colors, sizes, and even custom shapes. The panels have either a “Fine” or “Superfine” texture (depending on wood fiber width) that gives a contemporary, almost rustic weave appearance. They can be installed in standard grids, direct-fixed to walls/ceilings, or hung as baffles and rafts. In our experience, Heradesign is a fantastic option when you want to make an architectural statement – think trendy cafes, libraries, or boardrooms – while still controlling acoustics. And because they are basically wood, these panels are extremely durable (lifespans of decades) and environmentally friendly (FSC-certified material)armstrongceilings.com.auarmstrongceilings.com.au. AMF has even developed creative pattern cuts and 3D shapes in the Heradesign series to allow for unique geometric designs on ceilings or wallsarmstrongceilings.com.auarmstrongceilings.com.au. The bottom line is if you desire the warmth of timber or a bold color accent on your ceiling, Heradesign gives you that visual impact without sacrificing acoustic performance.
Close-up of Heradesign wood-wool acoustic panels (Superfine texture in various colors). These sustainable wood fibre panels offer a natural look with high sound absorption (NRC up to ~0.90 with acoustic backing)armstrongceilings.com.au.
- Custom Printed & Specialty Looks (Varioline): For projects aiming to match a specific interior theme, AMF’s Varioline technology is a game-changer. The Thermatex Varioline range allows standard mineral tiles to be printed with custom images or finishes while retaining their functional properties. For example, you can get a mineral acoustic tile that looks like a timber slat or a metallic perforated panel. AMF achieves this by printing high-resolution patterns onto the tile’s acoustic fleece surfacearchiproducts.com. Need a woodgrain ceiling but concerned about fire ratings? Varioline wood-look tiles give you the warm timber appearance along with the highest fire protection (being mineral fiber, they’re non-combustible)archiproducts.com. Want the technical look of a micro-perforated metal ceiling but the budget or acoustics call for mineral tiles? Varioline metal-look tiles simulate the typical black perforation pattern of metal panels on a mineral tile facearchiproducts.com, so you get the visual effect along with excellent acoustics and no risk of rust. There’s even Varioline Motiv, which allows completely bespoke prints – think company logos, photographic murals, or artwork across your ceilingknauf.com. The possibilities are endless: you could print a cloud pattern in a childcare center or a night-sky graphic in a theater. And because these are part of the Thermatex line, they still meet the usual fire, acoustic, and humidity standards of the base tilearchiproducts.comarchiproducts.com. We’ve used Varioline custom printed tiles for feature areas where clients wanted to incorporate branding or unique visuals overhead – it’s a wow factor that’s also functional.
In summary, the design versatility of AMF’s range means you don’t have to compromise on style vs. performance. You can pick tiles that are white and subtle or bold and textured; you can mix economical panels in one area and high-spec panels in another – all under the same brand family. From smooth fleece-faced panels to fissured classics, from timber-look to actual wood wool, AMF likely has a ceiling product to match your vision.
Trusted in Brisbane Projects (Reliability & Service)
Suspended Ceilings QLD has installed AMF ceiling systems in projects all across Brisbane and Southeast Queensland – from modern office fitouts in the CBD, to school classrooms, medical clinics, and retail shops. Time and again, we’ve seen these tiles perform reliably in our hot, humid climate. Most Thermatex tiles are formulated with high sag resistance (many are rated up to 95%–99% relative humidity stability), which is crucial in QLD to prevent warping or staining over the years. The durability of AMF tiles is also excellent; their surfaces are factory-finished to resist dust and yellowing. And if a panel does get damaged, replacement is straightforward because AMF’s sizing (typically 1200×600 or 600×600) is standard and stock is maintained locally.
Another aspect we appreciate is the technical support behind AMF. Being a Knauf-origin product line, the tiles come with comprehensive data sheets and certifications. For instance, almost all Thermatex products achieve Group 1 fire ratings (the best possible) for use in commercial buildings, and many have test certifications for sound and clean-room performance. This makes it easier to get them approved in specifications and council requirements. Our team can confidently recommend AMF for projects that need to meet stringent acoustic or healthcare specs, knowing the documentation backs it up.
Finally, a word on service: as mentioned earlier, the local AMF distributor has been very responsive. Even with the recent ownership shifts, the Australian AMF reps have continued to offer great service – whether it’s providing quick samples, on-site advice, or fast turnaround on orders. In one case, we needed a rare tile type on short notice; the AMF team managed to air-freight the required stock in 48 hours to keep our project on track. This kind of supplier partnership is invaluable. It means when you choose AMF through us, you’re not only getting a quality product but also the assurance that we can obtain support or extra material when needed without long delays.
AMF Ceiling Tile Range Overview
To give a clearer picture of what’s available, here’s a quick overview of some popular AMF ceiling tiles we supply and install in Queensland:
- Thermatex Star: 15 mm mineral tile, fine micro-perforated surface. Use: General offices, shops, schools. Performance: NRC ~0.60, CAC ~36 dB (with 19 mm version). Why choose it: Best value basic acoustic tile – clean look, low cost, easy to replace. (Comparable to Armstrong “Fine Fissured” or USG “Radar” tiles in class.)
- Thermatex Thermofon: 15 mm mineral tile with white acoustic fleece face. Use: Call centers, hospitals, high-end offices, any space needing higher sound absorption. Performance: NRC up to 0.85, CAC ~28–30 dB, RH 95% resistant. Why choose it: High acoustic absorption with an upscale smooth finish; cleanable surface and available in black or white. Great for open-plan noise control.
- Thermatex Aquatec: 15 mm hydrophobic mineral tile (with laminated face). Use: Humid areas – swimming pool rooms, gym change rooms, food prep areas, healthcare with frequent cleaning. Performance: Maintains stability at 100% humidityamfceilings.com.au, NRC up to 0.90 (Aquatec Medical)amfceilings.com.au, ISO Class 3 clean-room ratedamfceilings.com.au. Why choose it: One of the most moisture-resistant acoustic tiles on the marketamfceilings.com.au; won’t sag or support mold growth, and can be wiped down. Ideal for wet or sterile environments where standard tiles fail.
- Thermatex Acoustic / Acoustic Medical: 15 mm mineral tile (Acoustic Medical variant has special coating). Use: Hospitals, clinics, labs, as well as offices requiring balanced acoustics. Performance: NRC ~0.70 and CAC ~40 dB (balanced)amfceilings.com.au; Medical version has antimicrobial treatment and sealed edgesamfceilings.com.au. Why choose it: All-round performer – provides both absorption and privacy. The Medical version meets healthcare specs for infection control and cleanability (popular for GP clinics, dental offices, pharmacies, etc).
- Heradesign Wood Wool Panels: 25 mm or 35 mm wood-fibre acoustic panels, available in many colors and formats. Use: Feature ceilings and walls in offices, restaurants, educational facilities, auditoriums. Performance: NRC ranges ~0.55 (direct mount) up to 0.90 (with air gap or insulation)armstrongceilings.com.auarmstrongceilings.com.au; extremely durable; Class A2 fire-rated (non-combustible binder). Why choose it: Achieve a modern timber look with acoustic function. These panels double as décor and sound treatment. Plus, they last for decades and are made from natural materials – a sustainable choice.
- Varioline Custom Print Tiles: Mineral tiles printed with custom images or textures (wood, metal, graphics). Use: Reception areas, retail fit-outs, themed spaces, or anywhere you want a unique ceiling design. Performance: Same as base tile (e.g. typically NRC 0.6–0.7, CAC 30–40, Group 1 fire) – the print doesn’t alter the technical specsarchiproducts.comarchiproducts.com. Why choose it: Visual freedom – get the aesthetics of materials that might otherwise be unsuitable. For example, create a wood-plank or coffered-metal ceiling effect with standard drop-in tiles. Also great for branding (e.g. company logos or images spanning multiple tiles).
Of course, AMF’s full catalogue is even broader, including other models (Thermatex Fine Stratos, Feinstratos, Alpha, Beta etc. in Europe). But the products listed above are the ones we commonly work with and trust in Queensland conditions. If you don’t see a specific AMF tile mentioned, just ask – we can likely source it or suggest the closest equivalent. You can also check the official AMF Ceilings website for Australia for technical datasheets and the latest product updates.
Ready to Upgrade Your Ceiling?
In summary, AMF ceiling tiles offer a winning combination of acoustic performance, variety, and value. They allow you to tailor your suspended ceiling to both the functional needs (noise reduction, fire safety, hygiene) and the aesthetic preferences (from ultra-smooth white panels to colorful wood textures). The brand’s presence on Australian shores has brought competitive pricing and great service, making it easier than ever to specify a high-quality ceiling system that doesn’t break the budget.
If you’re in Brisbane or anywhere in QLD and considering ceiling tile options, Suspended Ceilings QLD is here to help. We supply and install the full AMF Thermatex range and can provide samples or on-site advice. Whether it’s a small office refresh or a large commercial fitout, we have experience with these products and can ensure you get the right tile for the right space.
Feel free to reach out for a consultation or quote – we’ll discuss your acoustic requirements, design goals, and budget to pinpoint the ideal ceiling tile solution. With AMF’s diverse lineup at our disposal, we’re confident we can find a ceiling tile that checks all your boxes (and if not, we have other brands too!). Elevate your interior with a ceiling that looks great, sounds quiet, and stands the test of time.
Get in touch with us today to explore the AMF ceiling tile options for your project. Let’s create a ceiling that truly works for your space!
🎥 Video Reviews of AMF Ceiling Tiles
Explore our hands-on video reviews of various AMF ceiling tiles—including the popular Thermatex range, Heradesign acoustic panels, and custom or discontinued options.
Thermatex Series
- Thermatex Star Tile Review
(Embed video) - Thermatex Thermofon Review
(Embed video) - Thermatex Mercure Review
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Specialty & Custom Tiles
- Custom Printed Tile Review
(Embed video) - Armstrong Fine Fissured Tile Review
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Heradesign & Acoustic Options
- Heradesign Timber / Wood Wool Tile Review
(Embed video) - Acoustic Ceiling Tile Comparison
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We cover performance, visual finishes, availability updates, and ideal use cases for each style to help you choose the right panel for your space.
Frequently Asked Questions about AMF Ceiling Tiles
AMF ceiling tiles are increasingly hard to source due to changes in ownership and local distribution. Some styles may still be available through select suppliers, but stock is limited.
Thermatex tiles generally focus on acoustic and fire performance, while Stratofon tiles are optimized for enhanced sound absorption. Both fall under the AMF brand range.
Some discontinued AMF models may be available through leftover stock or specialist suppliers. Contact us for current availability.
Yes, there are several comparable acoustic ceiling tiles on the market with similar specs. We can help you find a match for your project.
Most AMF tiles are compatible with standard exposed grid systems like Ventatec, but it’s best to confirm with your installer or supplier.
