Suspended ceiling or drop ceiling is a secondary ceiling that hangs right below the structural ceiling. It is also known as a T-bar ceiling, false ceiling, grid ceiling, or you might also hear the terms drop-in ceiling, drop-out ceiling and ceiling tiles. Suspended Ceilings have become a staple of modern-day construction and architecture, whether its residential homes or commercial office spaces.
As the name suggests, they can be installed by suspending it from the ceiling. To explain it further, we have simplified the process by dividing it into 5 easy steps to install suspended ceilings. While there are many ways to install the suspended ceilings, these steps will save your time, efforts, money, and avoid mistakes to do it more smoothly and effectively.
But first, you might need these things?
• Fishing line
• Scissors
• Ruler
• Magnetic hooks
• Holiday lights
• Sports pennant with dowel handle
• Chair or even a step ladder depending on the availability.
• Damp sponge towel
Next, decide the theme or the type of ceiling you want to install:
Light and Stylish Commercial Ceilings
Light and stylish ceilings suit well for both commercials as well as residential purposes. Their cost of installation is also reasonable and would not require you to extend your budget.
Magnificent Look With Standard Costing
Always hire skilled contractors. Having expertise confirms top class results, though it will cost you higher, you can still negotiate on the pricing before finalizing. Your priority should be to achieve a magnificent look with standard costing that doesn’t hurt your budget.
Adorning Ceilings
There are a variety of fancy adorning ceilings with wood available in the market that you can install. It adds an unmatched beauty and aesthetic look which provides uniqueness to the architecture.
Now, the 5 steps to install suspended ceilings:
Design the Grid
First, you have to design the grid and the place, then prepare a proper layout of your tile spacing and see how it appears. There are several websites and online videos available on how you can do it.
Install L-Channel
Determine the drop you are going with, and accurately measure the perimeter of the room down from the floor and then mark the location of your wall studs by using self-tapping drywall screws, to stick the L-Channel to the wall. Overlap the two pieces or place them together for the interior corners. Butt the exterior corners similarly.
Now Install the T-Channel
Now is the time to work on the main T, which runs perpendicular to the floor joists. You have to place your main T channel space away from the wall. These pieces will be supported on both ends by L channel and in the middle by eyelets and wires. You also have to ensure the level of the channel.
Install the Cross Ts
First, align the tiles according to their size. Once done with T’s, move to the edges. Now measure and cut each T to size. You should always cut a bevel on the wall end as this would avoid interference with the wall and keep it intact. Once all the T’s are installed, you have to drop in all of the full tiles and move on to the edge pieces and proceed with the installation.
Fishing Line
Measure and cut two lengths of the fishing line depending on the sizes of tiles or ceiling floors. You can use a pennant with a wooden handle. Another option is hanging an object from a single loop of fishing line. You can place a chair/stepladder in the desired location and then gently push the ceiling tiles. Now move the tile to the other side.
Repeat the same process on the opposite side of the track. There you are, done! Now properly slide the end of the pennant dowel handle.
Although you can DIY it, you should seek professional help as ceiling installation is not everybody’s cup of tea. It’s a complicated process, and it’s best to hire a ceiling expert for better, timely, and affordable completion of the work.