When finishing a basement area it is often desirable to install a suspended ceiling. This will conceal any overhead plumbing, electrical or HVAC duct work. The installation of a suspended ceiling can be made far easier by careful planning and preparation prior to beginning the work.
Instructions
1. Determine the height of the finished suspended ceiling. A standard ceiling is 8 feet, although this may not be practical in all basement applications. If space permits, always stay with an 8-foot ceiling. This will ensure standard materials, such as doorways, drywall and paneling, will fit without the need for trimming or modifications. Carefully mark the height along all exterior walls. Check these with a level to be certain you have remained consistent with your measurements.
2. Cut the "L" frame pieces to fit all exterior walls. You will install all exterior framework before on the suspended framework. Keeping the framework level and in line with your marks, drill holes every 24 inches. Use the masonry bit to drill into the concrete walls, then secure the framework in place by using the masonry screws. Note: You can drill these holes every 16 inches if you wish to add a little more sturdiness to the installation.
3. Install eye bolts, screws or nails into the floor joists in lines 24 inches apart. These will serve as the anchors for the hanger wires that will be used to support the hanging framework. Install the eye bolts above the location where each row of framework is to be installed. From each eye bolt attach a hanger wire. Twist the wire securely around the eye bolt and allow the loose end to hang down. Allow extra length so you will have plenty of wire to work with when attaching it to the framework.
4. Insert the T frame pieces. These are the long pieces of T frame that will run the full length of the room. Attach the framework to the exterior framework already in place, then begin attaching the wires to the T frame. As you secure each wire, make certain the T frame remains level. You will want to attach a wire every 24 inches for maximum strength.
5. Install the cross braces. These braces will be 24 inches long and will be placed either every 24 inches or every 48 inches depending on the size panels you are installing. Standard panels are either 24 X 24 inches or 24 X 48 inches. You will not need to attach wires to these pieces.
6. Lay the panels in the framework you have created. Put in all of the full panels first. When this is complete, measure the openings for the partial panels. Carefully cut one panel at a time and lay it in place. Measure each opening individually to ensure a proper fit. You will want to have a snug fit, but you do not want to force the panels into place. This could cause chipping or damage. Continue this process until all panels are in place.
Tags: every inches, suspended ceiling, , ceiling This, , exterior framework