Ceiling tiles are present in drop ceilings. A drop ceiling has a metal or plastic grid that covers the ceiling in the entire room. The grid has a lip on both sides and the ceiling tiles rest on the lip. Ceiling tiles vary in the way they look and it may be desirable to change them to update the decor in a room. Some of the tiles may need to be cut to fit into areas that will not accommodate full tiles.
Instructions
1. Inspect the old ceiling tiles and count the number of tiles that will be needed. Count partial tiles as whole ones because you will need to cut from whole tiles. Measure the dimensions of a full tile. Ceiling tiles usually are sold in 2-foot-by-2-foot sections or 2-foot-by-4-foot sections. A majority of the tiles should be whole tiles and the same size. Round off the number of tiles to make a full box. Ceiling tiles come either 10 or 12 tiles to a box.
2. Remove all the old ceiling tiles. Save the ones that are partial tiles or have cut-outs for light fixtures or other items. These will make good templates for when the new tiles are cut.
3. Fill a bucket with clean warm water. Use an old rag and wipe all the ceiling grid to clean off the dirt and debris.
4. Paint the grid with a paint manufactured for painting metal if the grid is made of metal. Placing new ceiling tiles in an old grid can really illuminate how faded the grid has become. Use a 2-inch paint brush and brush on two coats of paint, if necessary. Let the paint dry for 24 hours.
5. Install all the first. These will be easy and should fall into place. Push the tiles up through the grid at an angle and then maneuver them into place once they are above the grid.
6. Set two saw horses parallel to each other and 5 or 6 feet apart. Place a piece of plywood on the saw horses. This will provide you with a flat raised surface on which to cut the tiles that need to be cut.
7. Cut each partial tile separately using the old tile as a template. Set the old tile onto a new tile and use a utility knife to cut out the shape of the old tile. Ensure that the tile fits before moving on to the next tile. Work your way through all the old until the entire ceiling is filled.
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