Drop Ceiling Installation Guide

Measure and cut the main tees according to a cross tee guideline.

Drop ceiling installation guide.

Cut the main tees for the drop ceiling hangers. Learn about how to install a drop ceiling including what materials and tools are needed to complete your project. Reduce total project cost by having multiple vendors bid on the same detailed work specification of your drop ceiling project. Metal channel thats shapped like an l.

Don t assume the wall is straight. Unpack all panels at least 24 hours prior to installation. Then use wire to hang the main runners from your ceiling joists. Steps for installing a drop ceiling in a nutshell installing a drop ceiling has several parts.

The cross tee slots must line up. Also be sure to check that the relative humidity is below 70. Determine the exact height at which the suspended ceiling will be installed. Main beams are typically installed on 4 centers.

Suspended ceiling for 2 x 4 ceiling panels. Drop ceiling installation costs vary considerably by location. You will install this first around the entire perimeter of the wall a few inches below your ceiling hence the drop in drop ceiling. If your room configuration is unusual you may require additional components.

Quickhang instructions are notated by a gray background. Let your ceiling panels adjust to the environment in the room of installation. Keep in mind that additional clearance will be required if recessed lighting is being used. Save on installation costs by combining similar jobs and by being willing to have your project completed during low demand periods for the vendor installer.

Drop ceiling installation tools and materials. Installation is a straightforward job that any skilled diyer can do by attaching hanger wires to the ceiling joists with nails or screws and then suspending the main beams and cross tees. To allow for ceiling tile installation and accessibility the minimum drop is 3 with traditional hanger wire or 2 5 with quickhang grid hooks. Then 24 x 24 or 24 x 48 panels are inserted into the open metal grid and the drop ceiling is complete.

Now let s get to the meat and potatoes of how to install a drop ceiling. Start by measuring the dimensions of your room so you can cut the runners of the grid to fit. For an accurate estimate in your area enter your zip code in the calculator above. From layout and planning to execution this guide will walk you through the key steps of installing a ceiling.

To install a drop ceiling you will first need to install a grid system to support its weight. Allow a minimum of 3 to 4 inches for clearance between the old ceiling and the new ceiling. Once you ve figured out the size of the border row measure back from the cross tee slots and cut your main tees to size.