Intro - Materials - Prep/Layout - Joists - Squaring Rows - Installing Tiles
The type of installation shown here is a new improved method using metal "furring strips" and clips. These strips, or tracks, are attached to the ceiling joists and support the tiles. The clips make it possible to remove ceiling tiles without damaging them in order to correct minor mistakes, insert light fixtures, or reach wiring and pipes between the joists. You merely slide the clip back along the track to release the tile. This system reduces nailing by two thirds. Since the metal tracks don't have to be spaced precisely 12" apart as do wood furring strips, this system gives you a greater margin of error. And it doesn't require that you saw the tracks: they simply overlap at the end wall.
It is the latest and simplest system to use. It comes in a kit with all needed materials and instructions on the box as to how to estimate the quantity of tiles needed.
Preparation
Margin of Error: Not applicable
Be sure to leave your tiles in open boxes in the room for at least 24 hours, so they can become acclimated to the temperature and humidity. Also, fix any leaks or moisture problems before beginning. Inspect the ceiling for dips, swells, and other irregularities and chart these out on paper.
Laying out the Ceiling
Margin of Error: 1/4"
The layout for ceiling tiles is somewhat simpler than that for the suspended ceiling. The main thing you are planning for are the border tiles. These are the rows of tiles that run along the walls of a room. You want to plan these tiles so that they are never less than 6" (1/2 tile). Rarely do room dimensions work out in exact 12" intervals.
For example, let's assume the width between two of the walls is 9'8". If we made no adjustments, there would be 9 full-size tiles and two border rows of 4". To correct for these small border rows, convert 9' 8" (116") into 8' 20" (116"). In this way you can have 8 full size courses and two border rows of 10" each. Work out a similar layout in the other direction (in our example, 12'4" converts to 11 full size tiles and two 9' border tiles. In this way, all four border rows of a rectangular or square room are more than 6", and the two opposing border rows are equal.
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