Drop Ceiling Installation Guide

Cut the main tees for the drop ceiling hangers.

Drop ceiling installation guide.

Learn about how to install a drop ceiling including what materials and tools are needed to complete your project. The cross tee slots must line up. Allow a minimum of 3 to 4 inches for clearance between the old ceiling and the new ceiling. Drop ceiling installation costs vary considerably by location.

1 draw the room to scale. Drop ceiling installation tools and materials. For an accurate estimate in your area enter your zip code in the calculator above. To install a drop ceiling you will first need to install a grid system to support its weight.

Then 24 x 24 or 24 x 48 panels are inserted into the open metal grid and the drop ceiling is complete. Also be sure to check that the relative humidity is below 70. To allow for ceiling tile installation and accessibility the minimum drop is 3 with traditional hanger wire or 2 5 with quickhang grid hooks. Start by measuring the dimensions of your room so you can cut the runners of the grid to fit.

Unpack all panels at least 24 hours prior to installation. Keep in mind that additional clearance will be required if recessed lighting is being used. If your room configuration is unusual you may require additional components. Don t assume the wall is straight.

Full length main tees bold lines are spaced 4 on center o c as measured from the center of one tee to the center of the next with 4 cross tees installed perpendicular 2 o c. 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. Metal channel thats shapped like an l. You will install this first around the entire perimeter of the wall a few inches below your ceiling hence the drop in drop ceiling.

Steps for installing a drop ceiling in a nutshell installing a drop ceiling has several parts. Quickhang instructions are notated by a gray background. Measure and cut the main tees according to a cross tee guideline. From layout and planning to execution this guide will walk you through the key steps of installing a ceiling.

Main beams are typically installed on 4 centers. Determine the exact height at which the suspended ceiling will be installed. 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. Reduce total project cost by having multiple vendors bid on the same detailed work specification of your drop ceiling project.

Let your ceiling panels adjust to the environment in the room of installation. Suspended ceiling for 2 x 4 ceiling panels. Panels may be stored in areas with a temperature between 60 and 80 f.