How to Hang Drop Ceilings

A drop ceiling, also known as a grid ceiling, is suspended from the building structure above. The space in between, called a plenum, provides several benefits to homeowners. First, it can be a path for air traveling through the ventilation system, and second, it can hide pipes, wiring, and duct work from sight. The acoustical tile used in a drop ceiling helps reduce noise levels in the home and is much easier to repair than a drywall ceiling. Installing one of these ceilings is fairly simple, and can be completed by the average homeowner in a weekend.

Things You'll Need

• Tape measure
• Wall molding
• Tin snips
• Staples
• Laser level (can be rented)
• Drill
• Eyebolts
• Ceiling wire
• Mains and tees
• Acoustical tiles
• Utility knife

Instructions

1. Measure the room you will be working in. By multiplying length and width, you can calculate total square footage. Visit your local home improvement store or a drywall supplier to purchase your materials. Get about 10 percent more tile than you think you need, as some will be lost to cutting.

2. Decide where to hang your ceiling. Typically, you'll need to install the ceiling 4-6 inches below your joists. This will allow you to install the tiles fairly easily. If you have duct work or equipment in the way, it's fine to install the ceiling even lower.

3. Hang a single piece of wall molding at the level you plan to install your ceiling. Attach your laser level to this section, and use the projected laser line to install the remainder of the wall molding. You can cut sections of molding using tin snips. The molding is fastened to the wall using staples every 18 inches.

4. Install your mains. These are the grid sections that run uninterrupted across the room, and should be placed perpendicular to the ceiling joists.

5. Use ceiling wire to support the mains. The wire should be fastened to the joists every 4 feet using an eyebolt. It is then tied to the eyelet on the main. Mains should be placed either 2 or 4 feet apart, depending on the width of the tile you chose.

6. Install your tees. These are the short pieces of grid that are either 2 or 4 feet long. They should be arranged based on the tile pattern you want to create, and simply snap into place on the mains.

7. Fit the ceiling tiles in place to complete the project. Tiles can be cut using a utility knife. To get that tricky last row into place, set the tile as close as you can, then give it a sharp tap upwards so that it settles into the grid.