A drop ceiling, also referred to as a suspended ceiling or dropped ceiling, is a secondary ceiling installed below the main ceiling. A dropped ceiling allows previously exposed plumbing, duct and electrical work to remain accessible for repairs and also offers a greater soundproofing ability than a traditional drywall ceiling. Multiple companies offer prefabricated drop ceiling packages in a variety of materials and styles, leaving only the installation to the homeowner.
Instructions
1. Determine the height of the suspended ceiling by measuring from existing ceiling joists. Measure four inches down from the joists and mark the wall. Use the marks as a guide and draw a chalk line around three sides of the room using the 4-foot level.
2. Install the perimeter molding with the top of the molding on the chalk line. Use 6d nails to secure the perimeter, avoiding scuffing the surface of the molding with a hammer. Cut lengths of molding to fit using tin snips or extend pieces by butting the ends together. Butt end pieces tightly together at inside corners. For outside corners, make a mitered joint by cutting the pieces at 45 degree angles and securing in place with 6d nails.
3. Install the main runners perpendicular to the joists and four feet apart, marking the distance with chalk. Use string to create a level for the runners by stretching it tightly across the room at 8-foot intervals. The string should align with the bottom of the perimeter molding.
4. Screw small eyebolts into every third joist marked with chalk. String a piece of 16-gauge wire through the eyebolt, twisting it at least three times around itself. Lay the runner in the perimeter molding and lower it until it touches the string. When the runner meets wire, thread the wire through the nearest hole in the runner and twist the wire around itself at least three times to secure the runner. Continue installing the main runners in this fashion.
5. Secure the cross Ts to the every two feet by hooking the ends into slots on the main runners. If you are using 2-by-2 panels, install the 2-foot connectors which run parallel to the main runners and fit in slots in the cross Ts.
6. Install the ceiling panels in the center of the grid to help square the assembly. Then connect the pieces of the grid to the . Factory pieces will hook into slots on the runner and cross tee beams, while ends you have cut will rest on top of the perimeter molding. After the pieces are connected, install the remaining panels.
Tags: main runners, perimeter molding, around itself, ceiling dropped, ceiling dropped ceiling