What to do with ceiling tiles?

I am redoing my basement, and need to know what to do about ceiling tiles.

I am thinking about reusing as many of the old tiles as I can (they are standard 12" tiles put up with staples) Just going to pull staples and save all tiles that are in decent condition, the problem I have is this, the existing ceiling got damaged because I need access points for furnace dampers, water shut-off's ect. and the tiles were put up with screws in these locations. I am wonderign how else these removable tiles could be put up, or what other options I could use in place of these removable tiles. The hole doesn't need to be bigger than the size of the tiles. I had thought about a drop ceiling, but the ceiling is low as it is.

Any help you can give would be greatly appriciated.

 

A drop ceiling only has to be about 2 inches(maybe not even that) shorter than the joists if you never have to take the tiles OUT(down). If you put them up as you hang the suspension, you can just pop 'em up and slide 'em around and out of the way as needed. When you get to the edge during installation, it will most likely be a cut piece so you can get it installed by starting in the next space(full tile space)

 

If I am putting in a drop ceiling, with flourescent lighting, is it true the ceiling tiles need to be 6" below the floor joists?

 

Thats an interesting idea, it might work, I will look into it. The only problem I could see is if one of the tiles gets damaged, how would you replace it?

Also I read in an other thread, that drop tiles don't do well is bathrooms, is this true? As I was planing on using them in the bathroom area of my basement, which will have a shower in it.

Thanks.

 

Hmm, I'm going to use drop-tiles in my basement bathroom (almost done), but I'm not putting in a shower, and AM putting in a fan to vent it out.

I would not put up such a ceiling in a bathroom with a shower, the steam will rot out the tile material. Perhaps there is waterproof tile material, but I've not heard of it. Also, the metal framework will likely rust from steam.

Make sure you've got a vent fan in there no matter what type of ceiling you do.

Logan00 - my basement (prior to redoing it) had drop ceiling tile that was only about 2" below the joists, and still had fluorescent lights in it. However, they didn't put up both light units in each 2x4 light panel, they just put up one fluorescent light fixture and fit it between the joists (which has 2 bulbs in it, but a 2x4 panel normally has 4 bulbs).

 

I am planning on purchasing 2x2 tiles, but would like to have the ceiling tiles as close to the floor joists as possible. If the fixture fits between the joists, why does the tiles have to be 6" below?

 

It doesn't, to my knowledge. As I mentioned, my old ceiling tiles were only 2" below the joists, with the fluorescent light fixtures nestled up between the joists. It worked well, though it wasn't as bright as you would get by hanging it lower and using a pair of fixtures for each ceiling panel.

If you are willing to use just a single light fixture (pair of bulbs), it should work fine having the drop tile 2" below the joists.

 

Cybercity - it's true that replacement of tiles 2" below joists would be difficult, but not impossible. Remember that your not talking about a solid ceiling surface, there are spaces between joists in which you could tilt tiles for removal if necessary.

 

I haven't used it myself, but what about CeilingMax or similar product. Perhaps those who have used it can comment on the experience or offer their thoughts.

http://www.ceilingmax.com

 

why dont u just fir down with 2x4 and drywall and put a couple of access panles in. its not really alot of fun tying those wires when u only have 2'' just another idea

 

Well drywall is not really an option for me, as I also would like access to other areas of the ceiling from time to time, to run electrical wires, speaker wire, network wire, ect. So for me the drop ceiling with the 2" might be the best option. I looked at the ceiling max, and it is an interesting idea as well, But I Live in Nova Scotia, Canada, and they only have dealers in Quebec. So If its something I'm working on I like to be able to goto my local home center if I need extra parts while I'm working on the project.

My bathroom will have an exaust fan in it, so that will keep the moisture problem to a minimum. I could go with reg ceiling tiles there, but I have the same problem in that area, a bunch of water shut offs over that bathroom, as my upstairs bathroom and fridge connections are in the same area.

Thanks for all the good ideas.