A suspended or dropped ceiling is one that hangs below your structural ceiling. They now dominate modern construction and architecture, offering better sound barriers and improved accessibility to wires and plumbing. However, drop ceiling tiles are expensive, so their installation should be spot-on. Below are some valuable tips you should know to install suspended ceiling tiles with ease.
- Get the right tools
Using the appropriate tools is always necessary to guarantee a job well done. For your suspended ceiling tiles installation, materials like scissors, a ruler, chair or step ladder, damp sponge towel, magnetic hooks, and utility knives will come in handy. Remember to be cautious when using these tools, to ensure maximum safety.
- Design your grid
A crucial first step in installing your suspended ceiling tiles is to design the place and the grid and prepare a great tile spacing layout to see how it appears. This process is like laying a tile floor because it’s essential to start in the centre and gradually work your way out. This way, you can ensure that the edges aren’t too small and don’t appear funny when complete. Thankfully, there are numerous online tutorials you can rely on to guide you through this process. However, it’s important to note that several of these videos talk about perfectly square rooms, which may not be helpful if your room’s shape is different, but they’re a great starting point, nevertheless.
- Install the L channels
The installation officially begins when you begin fixing your L channels. First, measure your ceiling‘s determined height around your room. You should ensure that you’re level and cut all corners at a 45-degree angle to give it a proper finished look. You can mitre the corners and set them up to each other if you’re good at cutting. Alternatively, you can overlap them and cut afterwards to achieve this same look if you aren’t comfortable with your cutting.
- Install the T channel
The T channel is the piece that’s perpendicular to your floor and is supported at both ends using the L channel. The T channels are where you’ll begin wire and eyelets installation in the middle, spacing them about two to four feet apart. It’s essential to guarantee that you have this level, so keep this in mind.
- Install cross Ts
Cross T installation is perhaps the easiest part of the entire process. To begin, align all the tiles according to their various sizes. When you’re done with the Ts, proceed to the edges. Then, measure and cut every T to size. Always remember to make a bevel cut on the wall end to keep it intact and avoid any interference with the wall. Once you install all the Ts, you must drop in all the full tiles and proceed to the edge pieces, where you’ll continue with the installation. Accuracy is essential at this stage, so it’s crucial to slow down to prevent finishing, only to have your last tile row not fit.