How to Install Drop Ceilings

Tap to Read ➤ Buzzle Staff

A few grids, some ceiling panels, a few wires and some elbow grease is all it takes to install drop ceilings to revamp a ceiling and give it a complete makeover. Moreover, such home improvements and decorations reveal the identity of the people who inhabit the house.

What is a Drop Ceiling?

This ceiling is composed of a metal grid and ceiling panels that are placed in that grid. They are often composed of translucent materials that cause an overall glow from the ceiling.

The sizes of these ceiling panels vary. The most common size that is available is 2 feet by 4 feet. Light fixtures can also be covered using drop ceilings.

Today, there are drop-ceiling tiles available too. These tiles come in many textures and colors, ensuring that you have a ceiling treatment that matches your décor.

Drop Ceilings Installation Steps

1. First of all decide the style of the ceiling that you would like to use. After that, decide on how many panels you will require. 2. Now center the panels within the room ensuring that the perimeter panels are of equal size as much as possible.

3. After this process, it is important that you figure out how to install the drop ceiling. Remember that the minimum ceiling height that is required is 7 feet 6 inches. Also, note that the ceiling needs to be installed at least 5 inches below any lights and three inches below any plumbing.

4. After this, install your ceiling perpendicular to the joints. For this, you can follow the manufactures instructions. The common process followed for installation usually requires eye hooks to be put in the joists and a wire that is used to hang it from the ceiling. Ensure that you are using the recommended type of hardware and wire.

5. Use tin snips or wire cutters to cut long pieces of wire and then make sure that all intersections in the grid are carefully secured. You can use a level to ensure that the drop ceiling is not being installed at an angle.

6. Place the panels into place after the installation of the grid. To fit the space, cut the perimeter panels into place (note that the actual panels are a little larger than the space in the grid).

Tips for Installation

1. All you need to do to ensure that the panels are equal in size and the number of panels you have calculated are right, is to draw a diagram of your ceiling on graph paper. While doing this, remember to use a box to equal one square foot. When that is complete, draw the panel system onto your diagram.

2. You would be required to keep a saw handy to cut other panels apart from soft, absorbent and drywall panels. 3. If you are unable to procure the proper equipment or cannot cut it yourself, you could take the panels to the nearest home improvement store. Most of them will cut it for free.

Benefits of Drop Ceilings

These ceilings are a good choice of ceiling treatment for many reasons; some of them have been listed here.

Efficient and Cost-Effective

They can be used in a basement or laundry room because they are more practical because these ceilings do not consist of much construction and the materials that are used are economical.

Sound Control

These ceilings score above concrete ceilings because of the property of being able to soak up residual noise. Drop ceilings have this feature because they are made up of fibers, which are terrific acoustical absorbers.

Leveling

This ceiling can be used to correct any leveling problems. This is possible as the metal grids can easily be adjusted to different heights as they are installed.

Cover-up for Faults

Despite the fact that drop ceilings are used to conceal unsightly pipes and electrical wiring, they do allow easy access to the equipment too. To reach the equipment all you need to do is lift the panel provided.

There are times when installing a drop ceiling becomes difficult because of awkward angles and the use of ladders. It is advisable to call a professional if you are not comfortable with the task.