Drop ceiling.
Drop ceilings are the perfect answer for finishing basements, renovations or lowering high ceilings in older homes. This type of ceiling is superior to dry wall for noise reduction and allowing access to duct work and wiring that requires maintenance or updating. In a basement, drop ceilings are easily repaired if damaged by a water leak by removing and replacing the discolored tiles. Installation of a drop ceiling is within the capabilities of most homeowners and requires simple hand tools.
Measuring the Ceiling
Measure the height of the walls to the existing ceiling or to the floor joist if working in a basement. The grid work that the ceiling tile rests on requires 4 inches of space from the old ceiling and an additional 2 inches if installing lighting panels. A finished height of at least 7 feet 6 inches allows for good head clearance.
Measure the dimensions of the ceiling and make a sketch. Take the sketch to the home center. The associate will compute the amount of ceiling tiles and gridwork required to complete the ceiling project. Purchase a few extra tiles to have on hand for replacements.
Installing the Grid System
The system utilizes a bracket molding attached to the walls along the perimeter of the room. The balance of the system consists of runners that rest on this bracket and are supported by wires attached to the ceiling joists.
Begin by measuring down 4 inches from the existing ceiling or ceiling joist and marking the wall. Use a level to connect the marks on the walls.
Attach the support brackets to the wall using screws. If the basement walls are concrete or concrete block, masonry nails will be required. Trim the molding with tin snips where required. Butt the ends of the support brackets together on longer walls. The molding is more attractive with butt joints at inside corners and mitered joints on the outside corners.
Install the main runners 2 feet or 4 feet apart across the ceiling, depending on whether you're using 2x4 or 2x2 tiles. For any partial areas where the entire 2 feet or 4 feet of space is not available, divide equally and adjust along the rows nearest the wall on each side. This gives a better balance to the appearance of the ceiling.
Screw eye bolts into the ceiling joists at regular intervals and attach the main runners to the bolts with 16 gauge wire. A string level stretched across the from wall to wall keeps the grid system level.
Install the cross member grids at 2 foot intervals across the support runners, snapping .
Installing the Ceiling Tiles
Install all full-size ceiling tiles into the gridwork by tilting through the openings and gently fitting into place. Trim any perimeter tiles to size and place into the gridwork.
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