Suspended Ceiling
You're almost finished installing your new drop ceiling, but now you face a dilemma: the tiles at the end where the ceiling meets the wall need to be trimmed to fit the space left over. How do you cut suspended ceiling tiles? You'll be relieved to learn it's not too complicated; with a few common tools you'll have them cut; before you know it you'll be inserting the last piece and the project will be complete.
Instructions
1. Measure the length of tile you need, making sure to include the amount needed for the tile to overlap the grid. Your room may not be square so repeat the measuring process for each tile to be cut.
2. Lay the ceiling tile face up on a hard flat surface such as a workbench or concrete floor; you want a surface that will not be damaged if the cut goes through the tile.
3. Mark your measurement at three points along the side of the tile, using a pencil and taking care not to mar the surface. If the measurements determined that the tile needs to be wider at one end than the other check to be sure the direction is correct.
4. Align a straight edge along the pencil marks and hold it tight to the tile so it cannot shift.
5. Slice the tile along the straight edge, using a utility knife at its largest blade setting.
6. Snap the waste portion from the ceiling tile. If the cut didn't go all the way through, gently score the back side with the knife to finish the cut.
Tags: ceiling tile, straight edge