Drop Ceiling Tile
In the past drop or suspended been used primarily in commercial or retail applications. In residential use they were found in basements because of their ability to cover utilities and other items. As designs have improved and become more numerous, drop ceilings have found their way into more and more residential applications. Drop ceilings offer easy access to overhead areas, better acoustic qualities and can be installed with only moderate difficulty.
Instructions
Basic Installation of Drop Ceiling
1. Carefully measure from the floor up to the level at which you want the ceiling. Make a pencil mark at the desired height, then double check your measurement. Once you are certain the mark is accurate, use the level to make additional marks around the entire perimeter of the room at the same level as the original mark. This will be your guide for the first bracket installation.
2. Install the perimeter "L" bracket using the mark as your guide. Cut the bracket to the proper length using the tin snips. Keep the cut as clean, straight and neat as possible. Use 2-inch screws to anchor the bracket to the wall studs. The studs should be on 16-inch centers. Many brands will pre-drill the brackets at the proper location, making this task easier.
3. Mount all of the perimeter brackets first. Secure each screw in place using the drill. Occasionally double check the bracket to be certain it is level. If you find it out of level, stop and work back until you find where the problem developed, and correct it.
4. Measure out 4-foot intervals from one side of the room to the other. At each four-foot mark you will install an eye-bolt in the overhead ceiling. Securely tie a wire to the eye bolt. The wire should extend down 6 to 8 inches below the planned level of the ceiling grid.
5. Insert a "T" bracket into the wall "L" bracket at the 4-foot mark. These brackets are designed to easily and securely clip together. Hang a "T" bracket in line with the hanging wires, securing the bracket in place by twisting the wires through the pre-drilled holes. It will be necessary to check the bracket to be certain it is level at each wire connection. Install all main "T" brackets.
6. Install a 4-foot "T" bracket every 2 feet between the wall and the first bracket, and between all other "T" brackets. When completed you will have a grid of 2-by-4 foot openings. Insert ceiling tiles into each opening, angling them slightly to get them through the opening, then allowing them to rest on the brackets.
7. Cut the final row of ceiling tiles to the proper length. Unless your room is divisible by four, you will have one oddsized row, which must be custom cut. Carefully measure each opening and cut a ceiling tile to fit. Insert these tiles to complete the grid.
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