How to Install a Dropped Ceiling
A dropped ceiling or suspended ceiling, is a secondary ceiling that is installed below the main structural ceiling. It is used in a variety of situations, such as hiding ductwork in a basement, or wires and piping in an office. It can also be used to add insulation or improve air quality in an older home or building. Drop ceilings can be constructed from a variety of materials and come in many different styles, from the basic fiberboard panels found in offices to more decorative options like coffered ceilings or classic tin looks. They are typically fire resistant and are designed to be easy to clean. Adding a dropped ceiling can be done as a do-it-yourself project and is usually completed over a weekend.
Before starting to install a dropped ceiling, check the condition of the existing roof and walls for any damage or problems. Then, if you’re installing a drop ceiling in a new space, measure the room to get an idea of the amount of panels and grid needed. Then, purchase the proper number of panels from your local home improvement or home supply store and unpack them at least 24 hours before installation to allow them to acclimate to your home’s temperature and humidity.
The ceiling grid, or drywall ceiling, is usually a 2′ x 2′ or 2′ x 4′ square framed with metal channels. These snap together and are then filled with a lightweight “tile” that drops into the ceiling grid. This tile is made from a wide variety of materials, including wood, plastic, metal and mineral fibers. It is available in a number of colors and can even be cut to allow for light fixtures, HVAC air vents and other devices.
In addition to a more pleasing look, the dropped ceiling allows for much easier access to electrical, plumbing and heating systems. With traditional gypsum board or lath ceilings, you would have to cut through the wall and plaster to get to these areas to repair or change anything.
To help make a dropped ceiling as stable as possible, install a system of main beams and cross tees on the walls using wall molding. Then use a stud finder to locate the joists that your ceiling will be attached to and install hooks on these joists at each point where a main beam and a cross tee will intersect. Repeat this process with the remaining joists in the room to build a frame for your ceiling.
Once the joists are in place, it’s time to install the ceiling panels. Begin by securing one end of the panel to its tee with a wood screw. Then, carefully slide the panel down onto its hook, securing it as you go. Repeat this process with all of the panels and then secure them to each other with clips that attach to the ceiling grid.
While a dropped ceiling isn’t for everyone, it can be an attractive and practical solution for a lot of people. If you have the right type of home, it can add style, interest and texture to a room that may otherwise look dull or boring. It’s also a lot easier to clean than the ceiling above it and can make your whole room feel larger and more open.