How to a Install Suspended Tile Ceiling

A suspended tile ceiling is one that is literally suspended between your actual ceiling and somewhere below it and above the floor. Here are some directions and a list of tools and materials you will need to install a suspended tile ceiling:

Step 1 - Measure the Ceiling

Measure the ceiling space with your tape measure starting at one corner of the room and go to the other corner of the room where you're installing the suspended tile ceiling. Then measure from the corner you left off at to the next one after it. This of course is the length and width of your ceiling. If you divide these amounts by two you’ll know the amount of tiles you will have to buy to cover your entire ceiling space.

Step 2 - Measure the in-between Space

Measure again, this time using a laser level to be sure it is perfectly even and straight, measure about 4 inches from the top of the ceiling and down. This is where you will be installing the suspended tile ceiling. Mark the wall with the pencil on all four corners the 4 inches down.

Step 3 – Install Corner Brackets

Take the L-shaped corner brackets and screw them around the lines you drew in the corners using the screwdriver. Be sure to get them straight and even for your suspended tile ceiling. If needed, you can use the metal cutters to make the bracket fit properly.

Step 4 – Make and Install Metal Runners

Put the metal runners together. It’s best to do this on the floor before you try to put it up under the ceiling. The T brackets are easy to use and merely all screw together to form the area where the ceiling tiles will sit. Then, once they are all screwed together, go ahead and screw the suspended screw eyelets into the ceiling rafters, which go about every 4 feet. Then, screw the T-shaped brackets up to the L-shaped ones in the corners of the room. For every 4 feet of it, put in the 16-gauge wire connectors and hook them to the eyelets. Once you have done that, you can attach the main metal runners to make the square shapes the suspended tile ceiling will sit in.

Step 5 – Finish Installing the Brackets

Begin in one corner and go towards the opposite corner. Depending on the size of the room, you may have to cut one of the brackets smaller to accommodate it. If so, use the metal cutter and cut it to the size you need.

Step 6 – Install Tiles

Next, take each tile and insert it into the squares you made with the runners and brackets. Each tile should fit snugly into the space and gently fall down into it with no open areas. If needed, cut the tile to fit the size of the squares. Keep doing this until you have filled up all the squares and have no spaces or gaps to fill. You have now installed your suspended tile ceiling.