DIY In-ceiling Speaker Brackets
Wall mounted and in-ceiling speaker systems create sound vibrations that enhance the appeal of a home audio or video system. Speakers for ceiling installation come with special brackets that anchor them in place when installed. The brackets feature metal or plastic extensions that spread behind the ceiling, so you don’t have to drive screws through the ceiling material. Depending on the size of the room and the effect you want to create, you may need to install more than one speaker in the ceiling. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Stud finder
- In-ceiling speaker kit
- Drill
- Coat hanger
- Drywall saw
- Speaker wire (optional)
- Fiberglass insulation
- Screwdriver
Instructions
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1
Find and mark the locations of ceiling joists using a stud finder. Run a magnetic or electronic stud finder over the section of the ceiling where you want to install the speaker, and mark the location of a joist with pencil. You want to install the bracket between two joists.
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2
Set the paper or plastic cutting template provided with the speaker assembly over the desired point on the ceiling between two marked joist locations. Trace around the template with your free hand before removing it. If you want to make any changes in the mounting location, do it now before you cut through the ceiling.
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3
Bore a pilot hole through a point along the pencil outline. Extend a straightened coat hanger through the hole to ensure there are not wires directly above the desired mounting spot. If you hit a pipe or obstruction, you need to outline another circle in another part of the ceiling, between two joists, and repeat the process to ensure the place overhead is clear.
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4
Insert the tip of a drywall saw through the hole in the ceiling and carefully cut around the pencil outline. Remove the cutout section of the ceiling and set it aside.
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5
Run audio wires from your tuner or amp to the cutout location. You may have to create a clear path if the wires cross the wall framework. In such a case, bore holes through each obstruction and insert high quality speaker wires through them.
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6
Slide fiberglass insulation in the hole in the ceiling where you will install the speaker, to help seal the sound and improve its quality. Run speaker wires through a side of the insulation to reach the speaker.
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7
Insert the speaker mounting bracket in the hole, ensuring it is centered. Turn the metal or plastic extensions outward using a screwdriver, until the bracket is firmly in place. Extend the speaker wires through its holes in the mounting bracket. Install the speaker in the mounting bracket and use a screwdriver to fasten its screws.
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Tips & Warnings
Use a sturdy stepladder when working on your ceiling. Assign an assistant to give you the required tools and material, so you do not have to keep descending and ascending the ladder.
