Drop Ceiling Parts
Drop ceilings provide a finished look to a room while allowing easy access to electrical wiring, plumbing pipes, ductwork and other utilities. For a drop ceiling, the ceiling grid is suspended by wires, which support the grid and ceiling tiles. There are many tile and track designs to enhance the look of your drop ceiling.
Wall Moldings
Wall moldings are metal angles that attach to the walls with screws, nails or staples and are leveled around the room. The main beams and the cross tees rest on this molding. A laser level works best to lay out the wall molding, but a 4- or 6-foot level and a chalk line can also be used.
Main Beams
Main beams are also known as main runners or main tees. These interlocking beams hang from wires and are usually 12 feet long and set on 4-foot centers. They provide support for the cross tees. The slots of the main beams align to form squares or rectangles when the cross tees are inserted.
Cross Tees
Cross tees insert into slots on the main beams and interlock with each other, forming either a 2-by-2 or 2-by-4 foot frame for the ceiling tiles.
Hanger Wires
Hanger wires support the main beams and are typically made of 16-gauge wire.
Ceiling Tiles
Ceiling tiles come in either 2-by-2 or 2-by-4 foot panels and form the finished ceiling. The tiles can be cut to length and width using only a utility knife.
Tags: cross tees, , 2-by-2 2-by-4 foot, 2-by-4 foot,