Generally, basement ceilings have too many fixtures and other obstacles to install standard ceiling tiles directly to the ceiling's surface. One way to overcome these obstacles, and to retain access to the fixtures in the basement ceiling, is to install drop ceiling tiles. Drop tiles install below the ceiling's surface, providing a clearance space above to hide unsightly fixtures. Since you do not permanently attach drop tiles to drop tile fixtures, you can also remove the tiles when needed to access the ceiling.
Instructions
1. Install wall angles around the perimeter of the basement. Measure no less than 4 inches down from the ceiling at both ends of each wall in the basement, then snap chalk lines between the marks to create one continuous line around the room. Line up wall angles on this line and attach them to the wall, using concrete screws and a drill.
2. Make a grid on the ceiling with squares the same size as your drop tiles. If the drop tiles are 4 feet, for instance, which is a common size, measure across one wall and mark the ceiling every 4 feet. Then repeat the measurements on the opposite wall. Snap chalk lines between each set of opposite marks on the ceiling to make parallel lines. Repeat the process going in the opposite direction across the room to make the grid.
3. Drill eyebolts up into the basement ceiling at each intersection in the grid. Wrap wire through the eyebolts so that the wire hangs down 2 inches below the angles around the perimeter.
4. Place a runner so that the end rests in one of the wall angles and lines up with a line in the grid. Thread the wire hanging down from the eyebolts through the holes in the runner, and twist the wire to secure the runner in place. Attach additional runners to the ends of the first, using the built-in locking mechanisms on the ends of each runner, and attach the runners to the wires hanging down from the eyebolts, until you reach the opposite side of the room.
5. Attach more runners in the same way to create the ceiling grid with the runners. Once all of the runners are in place, push a tile up into one of the spaces at an angle, turn the tile so that it lines up with the opening between the runners, and lower the tile down into the runners. Repeat with every opening in the grid of runners
Tags: down from, wall angles, angles around, angles around perimeter, around perimeter, basement ceiling