A drop ceiling, also called a suspended ceiling, has a reputation for looking institutional due to its frequent presence in certain types of public buildings, such as hospitals. Yet, the structure can also help spruce up the appearance of a room, thanks to the many different types of ceiling panels readily available in hardware stores and directly from manufacturers. Even better, the relative ease and quickness of installing a drop ceiling makes it a good do-it-yourself project for property owners who want to save money and/or take pride in directly contributing to the design of their home.
Benefits
The most obvious advantage of a drop ceiling is its ability to immediately impact the look and feel of an entire room by hiding an unattractive original ceiling. However, it is also frequently used to provide easy access to the cables, ducts, pipes and wires that it conceals. Another function is its superior sound-proofing ability as compared to a ceiling composed of regular drywall.
Features
A drop ceiling begins with a sturdy metal grid structure connected to the wall below the original ceiling. Once secured, the lower framework allows the placement of lightweight square panels or tiles beneath the original ceiling. The tiles usually have a standard measure of either 2x2 feet or 2x4 feet, and the large variety of designs that manufacturers offer makes it easy for property owners to choose their preferred style in order to achieve the desired aesthetic effect in the room.
Materials
Many hardware stores sell inexpensive prepackaged kits that contain the requisite materials to construct a drop ceiling, as well as each separate item. The basic things needed are ceiling panels, wall moldings, main runners or beams, cross tees, suspension wire, and an assortment of nails or screws, eye bolts clamps, and pop rivets to attach the runners, tees and wall moldings in a grid format.
Tools
Before installing a drop ceiling, the people who will perform the task should gather the following required tools, in addition to the materials that comprise the structure: a measuring tape to determine the dimensions of the room and the correct distance between the original and dropped ceilings; a level, preferably laser, and pencil to properly record the location of the dropped ceiling along the walls of the entire room; cutting implements--such as a hacksaw, wire cutter, tin snips, and utility knife--to size the tiles and the main runners and wires that support the if necessary; and safety goggles to protect the eyes.
Considerations
When determining the clearance between the original ceiling and the drop ceiling, two measurements are critical. First, there should be approximately 4 inches of space between the two to permit tilting of the tiles for placement. Of course, ceilings with obtrusions could require more space to accommodate the larger items and ensure complete concealment. Second, make sure that the original ceiling is high enough to allow sufficient head clearance once the suspended ceiling is in place.
Tags: original ceiling, drop ceiling, drop ceiling, suspended ceiling, between original, ceiling panels, entire room