Cut Ceiling Tiles Around Lights

A utility knife is used to cut ceiling tile.

A drop ceiling can create an intimate feeling in a room. The tiles come in a variety of textures and colors to fit any decor. Installing the tiles, for the most part, is fairly straightforward. Fitting tiles around light fixtures can be challenging. No matter what the shape or size of the fixture, the tile should look as though it frames the fixture. It's possible to cut tiles by following the correct procedure and having a bit of patience.

Instructions

1. Lay down a piece of plywood in a sufficient space to provide a work area.

2. Remove any part of the fixture that hangs below the tile and can be removed, such as a globe. This will make it easier to get a snug fit.

3. Measure the entire opening in the ceiling grid where the fixture is located, using a tape measure. Measure the overall width and length and add 1/4 inch to each side to account for the amount of tile to set on the grid. Use a pencil and paper to draw a rough sketch of the opening with the light fixture represented. Mark the measurements on the sketch.

4. Measure the size of the fixture and place those measurements on the sketch. Also measure the distance the fixture is from each side of the opening. Record those measurements on the sketch.

5. Lay a ceiling tile face-down on the plywood work area. Cut the tile to the length and width of the opening, using a utility knife and straight edge.

6. Draw the light fixture on the back of the tile according to the measurements on your sketch, using a pencil and straight edge. Ensure that the drawing on the tile is not only the correct length and width but also in how far away it is from each side of the opening.

7. Cut out the hole representing the fixture, using a utility knife and straight edge. Install the tile into the ceiling grid. You may need to use a utility knife to make minor adjustments by shaving off some areas of the tile. Fit the tile over the fixture and into the grid. Replace any part of the fixture that was removed.

Tags: utility knife, each side, measurements sketch, straight edge, ceiling grid