Installing the wall sheathing, commonly drywall, before installing a drop ceiling makes the installation of the drywall simpler and . Extend the wall sheathing above the level of the drop ceiling to produce a smooth transition between the wall and ceiling. Finishing the wall before the ceiling installation also improves the efficiency of the project.
Hanging Drywall
Fasten the drywall to the studs or furring strips of the wall. The drywall should extend above the planned level of the dropped ceiling by a few inches. The drywall provides the wall surface of the room while the provides the ceiling.
Taping, Texturing and Painting
Tape the drywall seams to a level above the planned dropped ceiling. Nail or screw heads above the planned ceiling heights do not have to be finished. Texture the walls and paint the surface to a point above the planned drop ceiling. Finishing the walls before adding the tracks of the dropped ceiling makes the painting and finishing more efficient because there is no danger of applying materials inadvertently to the ceiling.
Ceiling Height
The minimum height of a ceiling may be set by local building codes but there are also some practical considerations. You need about 4 inches of space above the tracks of the dropped or suspended ceiling to maneuver the tiles for installation. Including recessed lighting within the dropped ceiling may require more space between the tracks and any obstacles above the ceiling.
Installing Dropped Ceiling Tracks
Installation of dropped ceiling systems commonly starts with the installation of L-shaped tracks along the walls of the room. Once the perimeter of the dropped ceiling is installed cross-members of the track system are installed to create a grid of framework. The ceiling tile "drop" into this grid to form the ceiling.
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