How To Change Ceiling Tiles

It is not unusual for you to occasionally need to change ceiling tiles. Maybe a tile was accidentally knocked out or broken, or perhaps a clogged drain upstairs has caused a couple tiles to show a water stain. For whatever reason, take heart in the fact that installing ceiling tiles is not at all difficult, and does not require knowing how to use any specialized tools.

The Beauty of Suspended Ceiling Tiles

The really nice thing about drop, or suspended, ceiling tiles is that when one section of the ceiling is damaged or stained, you won't have to replace the whole thing, or struggle to blend a patched area into the existing ceiling. Other than tiles placed where accessories are mounted, and the tiles which border the room, replacements take only a few moments to accomplish.

Remove Old Tiles

Lift the old tile up and at an angle until it clears the ceiling grid. Twist the tile slightly to one side, and it will fit easily through the hole. If there are any items mounted to the tile, such as an exhaust fan or directional lighting, remove that item with whatever tools are required. Try not to break the tile, as it can be used as a template for the replacement.

Replacing Field Tiles

The field is the main portion of your ceiling. For practical purposes, the field can be considered as any tiles that do not have to be cut in order to fit into place. To replace these tiles, hold the new tile in both hands, with the face pointed downwards. Examine the directional mark on the back of the tile, and make sure that the tile is turned the correct way. Tip one end slightly edgewise and up, then lift the tile into the opening it will occupy.

Border Tiles

Replacing tiles around the border of the room will require that one side of the tile is cut off. Measure the opening carefully, and mark the tile to be cut. The excess part of the tile will be the side closest to the wall. Using a new blade in your utility, make one continuous cut through the tile, using the yard stick as a guide to keep your line straight. Insert the piece as you would do for the field tiles.

Other Cut Tiles

You may have to cut drop ceiling tiles to allow remounting accessory items. If possible, use the old tile as a guide. If the old tile is not available or cannot be used, measure to find the center of the tile, and mark out the dimensions of the hole to be cut. Your marks should be made on the face of the tile, and that will be the side that the cuts are made from. When inserting the blade, incline it slightly away from the hole so that you can lightly sand the edges of the hole to modify the exact dimensions.