How to Install a Drop Ceiling.
- 1. Measure the length of each wall in your room. Use a tape measure to find the length of each wall in the room where you’re installing your ceiling.
- 2. Make a line between 4–6 in (10–15 cm) down from the tops of your walls. Leave at least 4–6 in (10–15 cm) of space from the top of your wall to your ...
- 3. Use a pair of tin snips to cut wall angles to the lengths of your walls. Wall angles are long L-shaped pieces used around the walls of your room to ...
- 4. Screw the wall angles into the studs along the line you drew. Use a stud finder to locate the studs in your walls and mark their locations with a ...
How to make a dropped ceiling look better?
- A beautiful solution for a smooth-surface dropped ceiling.
- Adding wallpaper to your ceiling allows you to get creative with the colors and patterns.
- Wallpaper is relatively cheap, and widely available in most hardware stores.
How to build a dropped ceiling box?
to build a thinner dropped ceiling, one trick is to assemble two studs (C-stud or lining channel ) "back-to-back". Example of a dropped ceiling build with a C-stud and a lining-channel The two studs are assembled by inserting Kinook blocks in each of the studs. The Kinook bloks are connected together with a 6 mm wooden dowel.
How to install a suspended or drop ceiling?
Suspended ceiling panels are sold in 2 X 2-foot and 2 X 4-foot sizes. Use the smaller size for smaller rooms. To install a suspended ceiling: Step 1: Measure the ceiling and plot it out on graph paper, marking the exact locations of all windows and doors. Mark the direction of ceiling joists.
How to make drop ceiling tiles look better?
The Best Ways to Dress Up a Drop Ceiling
- Copycat Coffered. Want to recreate the elegant indentations of a coffered ceiling without the effort? ...
- Sublime Styrofoam. Lightweight square Styrofoam ceiling can tiles, available in a range of sizes and engraved with a host of patterns from florets to geometric shapes, can suit a ...
- Faux Metal Marvel. ...
- Beadboard Beauty. ...
- Burlap Beauty. ...
Can you DIY a drop ceiling?
You want to know if you can install a drop ceiling in your basement on your own. The short answer is yes! Yes you can and it's not that hard. You can save a lot of money by doing it yourself IF you don't make some of these key mistakes.
How much does it cost to put in a drop ceiling?
The average cost to have a drop ceiling installed is right at $5.50 per square foot when you choose a local remodeling company to handle the installation. For the DIY'ers out there, you can plan to pay around $2.70 per square foot to install a drop ceiling yourself.
What materials do you need for a drop ceiling?
Required Tools for this Drop Ceiling ProjectCarpet knife.Chalk line.Clamps.Drill bit set.Drill/driver - cordless.Drywall circle gauge.Hammer.Tin snips.
How are drop ceilings made?
A typical dropped ceiling consists of a gridwork of metal channels in the shape of an upside-down "T", suspended on wires from the overhead structure. These channels snap together in a regularly spaced pattern of cells. Each cell is then filled with lightweight ceiling tiles or "panels" which simply drop into the grid.
Is it cheaper to drywall or drop ceiling?
Drop ceilings are more expensive to install than drywall making drywall the cheaper option. However, if you can install a drop ceiling by yourself, you can save on labor costs. You should also factor in paint costs for a drywall ceiling and whether you are hiring a professional to install and paint for you.
What can I use instead of a drop ceiling?
9 Drop Ceiling AlternativesDrywall. Drywall is an excellent option that almost always improves the appearance of any room thanks to it's simplicity and ease of decorating. ... Wooden Planks. ... Beadboard. ... Ceiling Tiles. ... Plywood. ... Corrugated Metal. ... Stained Glass Ceilings. ... Faux Wooden Beams.More items...•
What is the cheapest ceiling to install?
Drywall is the most inexpensive ceiling to install at $2 to $3 per square foot. Tray ceilings are equally affordable at $2 to $4 per square foot and so are tongue and groove designs.
How much weight can a drop ceiling hold?
We do not recommend hanging items heavier than 15 lbs because it may damage or warp your drop ceiling grid due to excess & uneven weight being placed on on the ceiling grid bars.
How far should drop ceiling below joists?
3 to 8 inchesA disadvantage of a suspended ceiling is loss of headroom. This type of ceiling literally “drops” the ceiling. So that panels can be pushed up through the grid and then set into place, a minimum clearance beneath the lowest objects (such as floor joists) is required-typically from 3 to 8 inches.
What is the difference between a drop ceiling and a suspended ceiling?
Though the terminology may seem confusing, a suspended ceiling is the exact same thing as a drop ceiling, also called a dropped ceiling. These terms refer to a type of ceiling paneling separate from the higher structural ceiling, and it serves a specific and important purpose in home construction.
How do you lower the height of a ceiling?
If you want to lower a ceiling, you must remove the ceiling already in place.Remove the material that covers the wood framing, such as the drywall or tiles. ... Measure the length of each joist that runs across the ceiling.More items...
What is the best ceiling for a basement?
Suspended ceilings are one of the most popular basement ceilings. Consisting of a simple grid and lightweight tiles or panels, a suspended ceiling covers exposed beams, ductwork, and electrical wiring, while allowing easy access for repairs or leaks.
What is the difference between a drop ceiling and a suspended ceiling?
Though the terminology may seem confusing, a suspended ceiling is the exact same thing as a drop ceiling, also called a dropped ceiling. These terms refer to a type of ceiling paneling separate from the higher structural ceiling, and it serves a specific and important purpose in home construction.
Is drop ceiling hard to install?
Drop ceilings are cost-effective, easy to install on your own, and allow you to access ductwork and wires easily after it's been installed. In order to put in a drop ceiling, you need to first install a grid system of runners to support your ceiling tiles.
How much does drop ceiling cost per square foot?
The square foot cost to install a drop ceiling (also known as a suspended ceiling) ranges between $5 and $35 for your labor and materials. On average, just labor costs between $2 and $5 per square foot.
How much does it cost to install a drop ceiling in a basement?
It's also referred to as T-bar ceiling, false ceiling, grid ceiling, drop-in ceiling, drop-out ceiling, or ceiling tiles. The national average cost for installing a drop ceiling is between $955 and $1,510, with most people paying around $1,494 for a 130 sq. ft.
What is a drop ceiling?
Drop ceilings, also known as a suspended ceiling, offer many advantages over drywall. Drop ceilings are cost-effective, easy to install on your own, and allow you to access ductwork and wires easily after it’s been installed.
How to make a chalk line for a ceiling?
Use a chalk line or tie strings across your room every 4 ft (1.2 m). Secure the end of a chalk line on one end of your room and pull it tight to the other side. Snap the chalk line to leave a line on the joists. Move over 4 ft (1.2 m) and make another line on your ceiling.
How to attach a runner to a ceiling?
Measure the length of your room that runs perpendicular to the wooden joists of your ceiling. Cut the runners with a pair of tin snips to the correct length. If your room is longer than the length of a main runner, use the clips on the ends of the piece to attach them together.
How to cut wall angles?
Use a pair of tin snips to cut wall angles to the lengths of your walls. Wall angles are long L-shaped pieces used around the walls of your room to support the tiles and runners. Since wall angles are usually sold in 8–12 ft (2.4–3.7 m) lengths, trim them down with your tin snips to match the lengths of your walls.
How to keep a wall angle straight?
Instead, keep the wall angle straight by placing a wooden shim between it and the wall. When your ceiling is completely finished, fill the gap in with caulk.
How to secure a runner to a wall?
Hang up the main runners by the wires. Hold one of your main runners up so the ends rest on your wall angles and so it’s perpendicular to your joists. Feed the other end of the wire through one of the circular slots on the runner, and bend it up with your pliers. Twist the wires around themselves at least 3 times to keep them secure.
How to make a tile wall?
Make a line between 4–6 in (10–15 cm) down from the tops of your walls. Leave at least 4–6 in (10–15 cm) of space from the top of your wall to your line so you have room for fixtures and to put in your tiles. Use a 4 ft (1.2 m) level and draw a straight line with your pencil completely around your room.
Why is it so hard to install a drop ceiling?
Up until recently, one reason that installing drop ceilings was difficult is because you had to attach wires to the joists of your ceiling. Each hanger wire had to be cut, tied, and twisted evenly, or the whole ceiling would be crooked.
How much space do you need for a quick hang ceiling?
QUICKHANG Installation Kits take things a step further and provide all the hooks, brackets and nails, plus all the ceiling grid and wall molding you’ll need to cover approximately 64 sq. ft. of space. (Ceiling panels are sold separately.) These convenient kits make installing a drop ceiling an easy DIY project. Here are a few things you need to know about QuickHang Installation Kits:
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Can you use a grid hook kit on a ceiling?
You can use the Grid Hook Kits with any standard grid system. It’s important to note that these kits do not include ceiling grid, molding, or ceiling panels. QUICKHANG Grid Hook Kits are extremely easy to adjust, too. Say for example, your ceiling joists are a bit uneven (most are).
Can you move a ceiling joist up and down?
Say for example, your ceiling joists are a bit uneven (most are). You can easily move the hooks up and down to level out the ceiling, without the hassle of untying and retying hanger wire. All you need to do is squeeze the bracket tabs and make the necessary changes..
Who hangs suspended ceilings?
Wade Sides has been hanging suspended ceilings for more than 30 years. He started out working with his dad while still in high school. Wade has hung ceilings just about everywhere, from residential laundry rooms to casinos and mega-malls. With these tips, $75 worth of tools and a little elbow grease, you’ll save about 40 percent of the total cost of professional installation.
How to cut shadow lines on a wood panel?
Cut the border panels to length and then rest them in the track and score the shadow line with the knife. Then take the panel down to cut the shadow line.
How to anchor angle to wall?
Drill the angle and slide in a fence staple to anchor the angle to the wall when there aren’t any nearby studs.
Can rookies damage ceiling panels?
Wade insists that only rookies damage ceiling panels. But when a panel does get damaged at his job site, he uses a little white caulk (or “apprentice putty” as he calls it) to patch it up. Make sure you use a flat latex caulk—shiny silicone will stand out worse than the hole. If the damaged area is bigger than a pencil eraser, you may want to set that panel aside to be used as a partial in another location.
How to measure ceiling height for drop?
Measure from the ceiling height to the bottom of the obstruction and add the 2” of clearance. This will be the total height of the drop.
What is the best way to strengthen the lower ceiling grid?
Use cross braces to strengthen the lower ceiling grid if needed.
How high should a ceiling grid be?
Standard drop ceiling grid has a height of 1 ½” so if you want to install ceiling grid underneath the duct you’ll want to be a minimum of 2” below the lowest obstruction whether it’s a duct, beam or pipe. 2” would allow minimum clearance for tile installation however the more clearance you allow the easier it is to install the ceiling tile.
Can you build vertical ceiling drops in basements?
Strictly Ceilings has installed thousands of vertical ceiling drops in basements. You can learn how to build these drops by taking advantage of our 20 years of experience. Here are some step by step instructions on how to install a basic vertical drop out of drop ceiling materials.
Can you install all the tiles on a vertical ceiling?
Once the vertical ceiling tiles are in, then you can install all the remainder of the tiles.
Can you put a drop ceiling in a basement?
Installing a level drop ceiling in a basement can be done by just about anyone. However , many basements (especially older ones) have lower head clearances than basements built today. Duct work, support beams or piping may hang down from the floor joists above which can limit head clearance. They can also cause installation difficulties when installing a suspended ceiling.
What are the pros and cons of a drop ceiling?
There are pros and cons to traditional drop ceilings. 1 /11. Drop ceilings— secondary surfaces that hang one to four feet below the main ceiling—are useful for hiding wires, plumbing, and HVAC equipment throughout the house like in your unfinished basement. Plus, the lower room height may improve indoor circulation and reduce heating/cooling costs.
How much does it cost to put laths on a ceiling?
You can’t beat the warmth of real wood, especially in a rustic or farmhouse setting, so why not spruce up your ceiling with laths? Sold at home centers for $3 to $5 per square foot, these thin, short strips do take some effort to install: You’ll cut wooden boards to size (or buy pre-cut laths), lay each into a ceiling opening, mount it to the suspension with screws, then repeat so that the laths snugly fit side by side in each ceiling opening.
What are perforated ceiling tiles?
An ideal addition to a contemporary or rustic entertainment or multipurpose room, perforated ceiling tiles, sold in solid colors and wood-like finishes, add visual interest while boosting acoustics. (High-frequency sound waves that enter through the holes get absorbed and dampened by the tile backing.) These lightweight metal or melamine tiles ($2 to $4 per square foot from brands like TopTile at The Home Depot) replace existing tiles in a drop ceiling; simply pop each tile into the ceiling grid and secure with metal clips or screws.
How much does a Styrofoam ceiling tile cost?
At $1 to $3.50 per square foot from brands like Anet (which you can find on Amazon ), the tiles are certainly affordable, and installation is effortless: Just apply Styrofoam-friendly glue (e.g., Glue10, available on Amazon) to the back of the tiles and stick them onto the ceiling surface.
How much does burlap cost per square foot?
At $2 to $5 per square foot at fabric stores, burlap—a coarse fabric woven from jute or hemp—is a budget-friendly way to add unfussy style to a drop ceiling in a bohemian or shabby chic interior. As a bonus, burlap softens harsh lighting and dampens echoing to achieve a more intimate ambience with better acoustics. For a billowing effect, run a burlap roll from one end of the room to the other, securing it to each ceiling grid along the way for a canopy-like effect.
How much does Armstrong ceiling cost?
Even easier, though, is this pre-finished wood-look plank system from Armstrong Ceilings that runs only about $2.50 to $4.19 per square foot. Like the company's other drop ceiling solutions, these tongue-and-groove planks install over existing 15/16" grid systems.
Can you remove a drop ceiling?
Remove your drop ceiling to apply panel by panel, and you won't have to spend the full time doing work above your head as you would with a traditional ceiling. Note: Wallpaper glue is extremely sticky, so renters and commitment-phobes should use removable wallpaper that peels off easily.
How thick should a basement ceiling be?
The space mirrors the rest of the house and doesn’t feel like a dungeon at all. Light is also well dispersed around the area. Drywall (according to our codes here in Virginia) must be ¾ thick and framing must be less than 24 inches on center for ceilings.
What is required to adhere popcorn to a popcorn surface?
Requires heavy duty adhesive and possibly extra support to adhere to uneven underlying popcorn surface.
Can you panel over a drop ceiling?
Paneling over an exposed or drop ceiling is another great option. For example, t his beadboard ceiling was used to cover up an unsightly popcorn ceiling. Likewise, the same idea could be used for a drop ceiling.
Can you refinish a basement?
When refinishing a basement into livable space, the last thing any homeowner wants to do is create a dungeon like feeling. Often these spaces have less natural light source so the challenge to make the space feel cozy is difficult.
Can you put planks over textured ceilings?
Planks can be installed over most textured ceilings as well.
What is a drop ceiling?
A suspended or drop ceiling consists of tiles or panels that are installed a few inches below the primary structural ceiling. This type of ceiling isn’t a permanent structural base, but rather, it serves as a feature to cover the main framework above.
Why do people put drop down ceilings?
Drop down ceilings are mainly installed to hide the wires or pipework while providing easy access to the ductwork in case of maintenance or repairs . These panels are now designed in aesthetically pleasing access tiles that are more and more seen in residential homes and not just in commercial buildings.
How Much Weight Can My Drop Ceiling Handle?
It is not safe to hang items heavier than 7 kilograms as they may warp or damage your drop ceiling grid. To hang heavier items from these ceiling panels, remove the tile before screwing metal plant hangers or hooks into the joist. You can then hang a chain from the hook in order to hold the heavy object.
Why do you need soundproofing between drop ceilings?
Soundproofing between the drop panels allows you to enhance your room’s privacy. This is especially important if you’re thinking of installing a drop ceiling in your theater room or bedroom. The drop down panels can be insulated using fiberglass in order to further enhance the sound absorption.
Can you use fiberglass sheets in basement?
To minimize the sound deflection of your basement, you can find drop down ceiling tiles that come with special fiberglass sheets, though they are likely to cost more. But if soundproofing is critical to your room’s environment, a suspended or drop ceiling with an integrated soundproofing feature is the best choice.
Can you use a drop ceiling as a TV?
While you can install your drop ceiling tiles in any room, this type of ceiling works best in converted basements or theater rooms. If you’re planning to use your basement as a TV room, you’ll need to think about the acoustics. A drop down ceiling is usually made of sound-absorbing materials, which makes this type of ceiling the best choice for such rooms. With such a ceiling, you can conceal all your wires on the floor above the panels for a clean finish.
Is a drop ceiling good for headroom?
Most newly built homes have adequate ceiling height. Therefore, a drop ceiling is not usually an issue for headroom in such homes. However, in older homes, the height of the ceiling is probably restrictive for such ceiling installations, so you’ll have to maximize the headroom by opting for a drywall ceiling instead of a suspended one. Having said that, if you’re looking to add a unique decorative ceiling feature, then drywall isn’t the best option. Drop or suspended ceilings, on the other hand, are diverse enough in a wide range of colors and decorative designs.
