Drop tile ceilings have many benefits over other types of ceilings. They reduce sound traveling from the floor above, while also increasing the insulating capability of the ceiling. The drop tile systems also cover unsightly duct work, wires and plumbing. There are numerous colors and materials of tile and grid systems available for most applications; you can customize your ceiling tiles to complement your home.
Instructions
1. Establish the correct height for the ceiling with a laser level or chalk box.
2. Fasten the outer trim pieces to the wall with screws. The screws should be long enough to go through the wall and into the wall studs.
3. Hang the suspension wires from the ceiling. Depending on the ceiling and the installer's preference, the hanger wires can be attached using different types of screws or bolts made for drop ceiling applications, or by wrapping the grid hangers around the joist or other stationary objects. The spacing intervals between the hanger wires is commonly 48 inches throughout the entire ceiling, and should hang a foot lower than the ceiling height.
4. Hang the main runners of the metal grid using the hanger wires to tie the grid in place. The main runners will run from one side of the wall to the other; they will snap into the trimming that runs along the wall. The runners will have pre-drilled holes that the grid hangers will slip through and tie. The direction of the main runners should run at right angles to the joist when installed. To make sure that the metal runners are level, use a laser to site the grid, or stretch out a string from wall trim to opposite wall trim.
5. Install the cross tees between the main runners and secure them into position using the tabs at the ends of the cross tees, which engage in the slots of the runners. The typical ceiling tile will be either 2-by-2-foot or 2-by-4-foot.
6. Place the ceiling tiles in the grid flanges. Cut the tiles by scoring them with a sharp knife and then snapping them. For radius cuts, use a jigsaw or compass saw to cut the tiles.
Tags: main runners, hanger wires, ceiling tiles, cross tees, grid hangers, runners will, wall trim