Ceiling tiles come in a range of sizes.
Spruce up your bathroom with a tiled ceiling that compliments your décor while concealing old stains and cracks. Installation is easy, even for nonhandy homeowners. Use specially treated tiles that withstand hot, moisture-laden bathroom conditions. The tiles are slotted into a metal grid that is suspended from the existing ceiling. This allows instant access to pipes and wiring. You can get this grid at tile stores. Select tile sizes of 12-inch squares or 2-by-2-foot or two-by-four-foot panels. You'll need a 3- to 4-inch clearance to slide in the tiles.
Instructions
Mark the Ceiling
1. Measure the ceiling area and plot it on graph paper. Determine the position of the grid on the ceiling so all sides have straight lines.
2. Calculate how many full tiles you'll need and add extras to use in uneven edges.
3. Use a 4-foot level to make guidelines 4 inches below the existing ceiling or wooden joists for tiles or 6 inches below for lighting fixtures. Measure several areas on three walls, then mark with chalk line at the lowest point.
4. Complete the grid by connecting lines on the fourth wall with a chalk line when the three perimeter lines are level and the correct height.
Install the Grid
5. Locate wall studs and firmly attach L-shaped metal wall brackets below guidelines with 6d nails. Trim as needed with tin snips and butt two pieces together where needed, as at corners.
6. Mark vertical crosspiece -- also called a channel or main runner -- positions at regular intervals according to tile size with a chalk line on joists or ceiling. Insert runners into wall brackets and follow the guidelines to opposite wall.
7. Attach main runners to ceiling every third joist, about every 3 feet, by threading 16-gauge wire from the hole in the runner through eyebolt screwed into ceiling or joists. Make wires the same length so they hang evenly and twist them three times at each end. Hook runners together for longer spans.
8. Mark a path for a horizontal cross runner with chalkline, then lay the end on the wall bracket. Place a cross runner on top of a main runner, insert its hook into the slot on the main runner and lock to form the grid.
Install Tiles
9. Lay ceiling tiles on top of the runners, slotting them into the spaces provided.
10. Cut irregular side tiles finish side up with a sharp utility knife. Lay between channels and wall.
11. Finish by installing a border of wood or plastic molding to conceal the wall brackets.
Tags: chalk line, main runner, wall brackets, with chalk, with chalk line, cross runner