Drop Ceiling Installation Basics

Drop ceilings have many benefits over drywalls ceilings and if you’re thinking about putting one in, you should know the basics of drop ceiling installation.

Drop ceiling installation is a relatively easy project, and adds a lot of great benefits to your home.

What Is a Drop Ceiling

Drop ceilings are made of metal brackets that are attached to the walls or hung from the ceiling. Runners are installed perpendicular to those brackets and then lightweight panels are place on top of those runners.

The Basics of Drop Ceiling Installation

The first thing you need to do is to measure the room carefully. Then you’ll take your measurements to a ceiling distributor. Here you can get all the supplies you need to build the ceiling.

You’ll need to find out the height of the ceiling to keep from violating any building codes. With your level, you’ll use a chalk line to spot the perimeter of the room. After this find the studs in the room and place the perimeter brackets on them. Next you’ll install the main runners. These are placed at four-foot spaces. These runners need to be centered in the room.

Install Cross Tees

The cross tees will fit right into the main runners, with pre-cut holes. Make sure you are checking that the runners are square and that cross tees are two feet apart, as you are working.  

Lighting, Ductwork and Panels

When you have all the runners and brackets placed, you’ll put in your light fixtures and your air ducts. Once that is finished you’ll install the panels. These have a flange that will hold the panel to the runners. You can cut these panels down if they are too big. Use a utility knife instead of any power tools because the panels are fragile and it may destroy the whole panel.