Acoustical ceiling panels come in a variety of designs, textures and colors that allow you to design a variety of suspended ceiling options. You can install plain acoustical panels across the ceiling and install ceiling panels with texture around the perimeter of the room to create one-of-a-kind borders. By using a suspended ceiling, you can hide the electrical wiring to the lighting, yet retain the ability to have easy access for repairs if necessary. If you have basic carpentry skills, this project should be simple.
Instructions
1. Measure the room, using a tape measure. Draw the perimeter of the room on a piece of graph paper. Using your scale model, plan where to install the grid of the suspended ceiling. For the most desirable appearance, the border tiles must be as wide as possible. Make allowances for any walls that are not square by using the widest measurement of the room.
2. Level and mark where you plan to attach the outer frame for the suspended ceiling, using a laser level. Attach the outer frame to the wall by driving nails into it every 2 feet, using a hammer.
3. Stretch a string across the room where you plan to place the first piece of the main runner of the suspension grid. Use your scale drawing as your guide. Stretch a second string at a right angle to the first to mark where you plan to place the first row of cross tees. The angle where the strings cross must be square.
4. Put the first main runner up along the string line. Space the additional runners properly. The runners should be parallel at all points.
5. Snap the cross tees into position according to your grid. Slide the cross tees into the slots on the main runners. Cut any odd-sized pieces with tin snips and lay the other end on the outer frame for support.
6. Connect the grid to the wooden house frame or floor joists above it. Use 16-gauge wire hangers suspended from hooks to support it.
7. Measure and cut the first tile for the outer border, using a utility knife. Keep a place clean to lay the tiles you are cutting. Place them face down to make the cut. Use a straight edge to help keep the cut straight. Set the tile in place. Continue with the rest of the border.
8. Measure and cut the first tile for the outer border. Keep a place clean to lay the tiles. Place them face down to make the cut. Use a straight edge to help keep the cut straight. Set the tile in place. Continue with the rest of the border.
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