Rockfon vs OWA Ceiling Tiles: Stone Wool vs Mineral Fibre Compared
Rockfon and OWA are two of the best-known names in suspended ceiling tiles, and we're often asked which to choose. The short version: they're made from different materials. Rockfon tiles are stone wool, and the OWA tiles we stock are classic mineral fibre. That difference shows up in sound absorption, weight, humidity resistance and price. This guide compares Rockfon Artic+ and OWA Sandila/N side by side using each manufacturer's published data, and covers the grid each brand makes so you can order a complete ceiling.
Quick answer
- Choose Rockfon Artic+ for the best sound absorption and high humidity. Rockfon publishes Class A absorption (αw 0.95), A1 non-combustible reaction to fire and stability up to 100% relative humidity.
- Choose OWA Sandila/N for a classic mineral tile with better sound insulation between rooms. OWA publishes Class C absorption (αw 0.60), a sound insulation figure of Dnfw 31 dB and a 10-year tile warranty.
- Both fit a standard 24mm exposed grid in a 600 × 600mm module, and both come in square edge and tegular versions.
Rockfon Artic+ vs OWA Sandila/N: the data
Figures are from the Rockfon Artic+ datasheet (06/2026) and the OWA Sandila/N 15mm datasheet (OD374, Jan 2026):
| Rockfon Artic+ | OWA Sandila/N | |
|---|---|---|
| Material | Stone wool | Classic mineral fibre (painted, sand textured, needled) |
| Thickness | 15mm | 15mm |
| Sound absorption | αw 0.95, Class A | αw 0.60, Class C |
| Sound insulation (room to room) | Not the focus of this tile | Dnfw 31 dB |
| Reaction to fire | A1 (non-combustible) | A2-s1,d0 |
| Humidity resistance | Up to 100% RH | Up to 95% RH |
| Light reflectance | 83% | 87% |
| Weight | 2.0 kg/m² | Approx. 4.3 kg/m² |
| Recycled content | 56% | 44% |
| Cleaning | Vacuum or damp cloth | Vacuum only |
What the numbers mean
Sound absorption vs sound insulation
These are two different jobs. Absorption (αw, Class A to E) is how much sound the tile soaks up instead of bouncing back into the room, so it controls echo and reverberation. A Class A tile like Artic+ makes an open-plan office, classroom or canteen noticeably calmer. Sound insulation (Dnfw) is how well the ceiling stops sound travelling over a partition into the next room through the ceiling void. Denser mineral tiles like Sandila/N tend to do this better. If you need both, add ceiling insulation pads above the tiles.
Weight
At 2.0 kg/m², Artic+ is less than half the weight of Sandila/N. A lighter tile is quicker to handle and puts less load on the grid. Both are well within the load the grids below are designed for.
Humidity
Rockfon states Artic+ stays flat up to 100% RH, and OWA rates Sandila/N up to 95% RH. For kitchens, changing rooms and spaces that aren't always heated, the stone wool tile has the edge.
Prices
Prices are per box, ex VAT, at the time of writing. Both brands are sold in full boxes only.
| Tile | Box | Price | Per m² |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rockfon Artic+ A24 square edge, 600 × 600mm | 32 tiles (11.52m²) | £131.95 | £11.45 |
| Rockfon Artic+ A24 square edge, 1200 × 600mm | 16 tiles (11.52m²) | £104.99 | £9.11 |
| Rockfon Artic+ E24 tegular, 600 × 600mm | 16 tiles (5.76m²) | £65.00 | £11.28 |
| OWA Sandila/N E3 square edge, 600 × 600mm | 12 tiles (4.32m²) | £51.80 | £11.99 |
| OWA Sandila/N E6 tegular 24, 600 × 600mm | 10 tiles (3.6m²) | £48.50 | £13.47 |
For mezzanine floors that need a fire-rated ceiling, OWA also makes OWA Mezz Pro, which OWA rates up to REI 60 in its specified mezzanine system.
Square edge or tegular?
Square edge tiles (Rockfon A24, OWA E3) lie flat in the grid, so they're the cheapest and quickest to fit. Tegular tiles (Rockfon E24, OWA E6) have a rebated edge that drops the face below the grid for a neater, semi-concealed look. Tegular tiles cut at the perimeter need a new rebate cutting on site so they sit level with the full tiles. Both brands' tegular tiles here are for 24mm grid only.
Grid to go with each brand
Both tiles fit any standard 24mm exposed grid. If you'd like to keep to one brand, we stock:
- Rockfon Chicago Metallic T24 Click: main runner 3600mm (£73.95 for 15), 1200mm cross tee, 600mm cross tee and wall angle.
- OWA CLIQ 24: main runner 3600mm (£97.90 for 20), 1200mm cross tee, 600mm cross tee and perimeter trim.
Our suspended ceiling calculator works out the boxes of tiles, grid, hanger wire and fixings for your room size.
Frequently asked questions
Is Rockfon better than OWA?
Neither is better at everything. Rockfon Artic+ absorbs more sound, is lighter and copes with higher humidity. OWA Sandila/N has a classic mineral look, slightly higher light reflectance and better published room-to-room sound insulation.
Can I put Rockfon tiles in an OWA grid?
Yes. A 600 × 600mm tile for a 24mm grid fits any standard 24mm exposed grid, whichever brand made it. Just match the edge to the grid: tegular 24 tiles need a 24mm grid.
Which is best for a kitchen or bathroom?
Rockfon Artic+, as Rockfon rates it up to 100% RH and it can be wiped with a damp cloth. For hygiene-critical areas, see our full ceiling tile range.
Do you sell 1200 × 600mm OWA tiles?
Sandila/N in 1200 × 600mm isn't a UK stock size, so we list 600 × 600mm online. Call us for a quote. Rockfon Artic+ A24 is available in 1200 × 600mm.
Order ceiling tiles and grid
Browse all our suspended ceiling tiles and grid, or see the Rockfon and OWA ranges. Prices are shown ex VAT. We are delivery only (no collection) and deliver to mainland England. Suspended ceiling orders (tiles, grid and hanger wire) have a £350 ex VAT minimum and free delivery (see delivery information). Call us on 03330 908479 (Mon–Thu 8am–5pm, Fri 8am–12pm), email sales@insulationwarehousedirect.co.uk, or order online.
Sources: Rockfon Artic+ product page and datasheet; OWA UK (Sandila/N datasheet OD374, Mezz Pro datasheet); OWA CLIQ 24 grid. Figures are indicative and correct at the time of writing.