Rotary lasers are excellent tools for laying out ceiling grids because they are self leveling and can project a beam around the entire perimeter of a room. When combined with the use of string lines and line levels, it is easy to ensure level suspended ceilings even over large expanses. Changes in technology, product demand and manufacturing methods, make rotary lasers available in broad price range depending on accuracy, brightness and durability and lower priced units are more than adequate for do it yourself projects.
Instructions
Layout and Measure for the Ceiling Grid
1. Measure the ceiling dimensions and scale them to paper with an architect's scale, straight edge and ¼ inch graph paper. Each ¼ inch will equal one foot. The architect's scale will have a measurement for inches. You can also use a floor plan software.
2. Layout and position the direction and spacing of your ceiling grid system to scale on the plan you made, according to the manufacturer's instructions.
3. Measure down one wall from the existing ceiling and make a mark large enough you can see it easily from the center of the room, at the height you want the ceiling grid. This mark will be the reference point for the entire ceiling grid.
Use a Rotary Laser to Project a Level Line and Transfer Grid Measurements
4. Suspend the rotary laser from the ceiling or raise it from the floor, to the approximate height of the mark you made on the wall.
5. Turn on the horizontal line projection feature of the rotary laser and raise or lower it until the projected beam lines up with the mark you made on the wall. Secure the laser in place and allow it to steady itself, if you suspended it from the ceiling.
6. Switch on the 360 degree projection feature and you should see a beam at an equal height projected all the way around the room.
7. Transfer the grid pattern from your scaled drawing by measuring along the projected beam and using a carpenter's square to make cross hairs horizontally along the beam and vertically to mark the position of the grid channels that will cross the room. Make the vertical marks the dimension of the channel and add enough on top so the marks remain visible when the perimeter channels are put in place.
8. Turn off and remove the laser.
Assemble the Grid
9. Fasten all the perimeter channels in place according to the method recommended by the grid system manufacturer along the horizontal marks, you made when transferring your drawing.
10. Drive a small finishing nail and secure a string line tight between both sides of the wall, where the channels are fitted and attach a line level to level it. Remove the line level.
11. Cut the channels that will cross the room and fit them into the perimeter channels.
12. Attach the mid-span support wires and secure the channel when it is level with the string line. Remove the string line and finishing nails and repeat for each long span channel.
13. Fit the perpendicular cross member channels into the long span ones to complete your grid.
Tags: perimeter channels, string line, architect scale, ceiling grid, , channels that