Drop ceilings, also known as a suspended ceiling, offer a lot of advantages over drywall.Drop ceilings are cost-effective, easy to install on your own, and allow you to access ductwork and wires after it's been installed.In order to put in a drop ceiling, you need to install a grid system of runners.Set the tiles in place when the grid is secure to create your new ceiling.
Step 1: Take a look at the length of each wall in the room.
To find the length of the wall in the room where you are installing your ceiling, use a tape measure.If you want to reference them later, write the dimensions of your room in a notebook or on the wall from the top.Measure the length and width of your room if it is square or rectangular.
Step 2: There is a line between the tops of your walls.
You should leave at least 6 in of space from the top of your wall to your line so that you can put in tiles.If you want to draw a straight line around your room, use a 4 ft level.If you don't want to draw on yourself, snap a chalk line.Attach the chalk line to the wall with a string and snap it.Make your line 6 in (15 cm) down if you plan on installing a large fluorescent light panel.
Step 3: You can cut wall angles with a pair of tin snips.
The tiles and runners are supported by wall angles.If you want to match the lengths of your walls, trim the wall angles down with your tin snips.If you have a corner that juts out from your wall, it's a good idea to shorten the wall angles on those walls.The wall runner bottom-most wall angle should be cut at a 45 degree angle.If your walls are longer than the wall angles, butt 2 of them together.
Step 4: The wall should be put into the studs along the line you drew.
You can mark the locations of the studs with a pencil by using a stud finder.Draw a line on the wall and line up the top of it.Use 1 4 in screws and electric screwdriver to secure your wall angles.As you install them, make sure your wall angles are level.
Step 5: Cut the main runners to fit the length of the room.
Most of the weight of your ceiling will be supported by the main runners.Measure the length of your room so you know how long it is.The runners should be cut with a pair of tin snips.Attach the clips on the ends of the piece together if your room is longer than a main runner.
Step 6: Every 4 ft (1.2 m) you can use a chalk line or tie strings in your room.
Pull the end of a chalk line tight to the other side of the room.Leave a line on the joists by snapping the chalk line.Make another line on your ceiling by moving over 4 ft.When you reach the other edge, keep moving across your room.If you don't have a chalk line, you can tie strings tight across the ceiling.
Step 7: Every third joist along your line should be fastened with an eyelet.
You can hang your main runner with eyelet screws that have holes in them.Attach a lag bit to your electric screwdriver.You should place the 3 joists away from the wall along the chalk or string lines.At every third joist, add an eyelet.You can buy eye lit screws at your local hardware store.
Step 8: Attach a length of wire to the eyelets.
Cut a piece of 16-gauge wire for each of your eyelets.Feed the wire through the eyelet and bend it with pliers until it points down.
Step 9: The main runners should be by the wires.
The ends of your main runners should be on your wall angles.Feed the other end of the wire through a slot on the runner.Wrap the wires around themselves at least 3 times.As you add wires, make sure your joists are level.If one side is higher than the other, adjust the bend in the wires.
Step 10: The secondary runners need to be clipped in place.
There are slots on the main runners.Feed your runners into the slots on the mains by lifting them above the runners.Every 2 ft (0.61 m), put a secondary runner along your main runners.
Step 11: The first thing to do is to make holes in the tiles.
Make an opening for your ducts or light fixture by locating any areas on your ceiling.The back of one of your tiles should have a trace of the duct or light feature on it.The shape of the tile can be cut with a knife.You don't need to cut shapes from the tiles if you install a full-panel fluorescent light fixture.
Step 12: Remove any edge tiles.
The edges of your room will not fit full-sized tiles.Add 8 in (0.95) cm to the measurement you found if you measure the grid opening for the tile.Cut the tile piece using a utility knife.Since it will generate a lot of dust, don't use power equipment to cut your tiles.
Step 13: Any cut edge of your tiles can be cut out with a 8 in (0. 95 cm) Flange.
If you put the tile in your ceiling, the flanges on your runners will make it bigger.Measure in 8 in (0.95) cm from any edge that doesn't have a flange and draw a line with a pencil.Only cutting halfway through the tile, follow along the line with a utility knife.Make another cut on the side of the tile at the same depth as your first cut to remove the piece.If your tiles don't have flanges, you need to do this.
Step 14: Put the tiles on top of the grid.
Start in the center of the room.Lift the tiles through the grid system.Before setting the flanges on the runners, straighten the tiles.Continue putting the tiles in until the ceiling is completely covered.As you install the tiles, make sure they are level.Before moving on, adjust the runners if you find any that aren't level.