Installing a drop ceiling can be easier than hanging drywall. Offering easy access to overhead mechanical components, a drop ceiling consists of a grid supporting 2-inch by 4-inch or 2-inch by 2-inch panels. Suspended ceilings provide better access for repairs to ducts, pipes and cables and serve as more effective sound barriers than drywall ceilings.

The Basics

Installing a drop ceiling is well within the capabilities of most homeowners. Requiring only simple household tools, suspended ceiling installation consists of mounting a metal grid capable of holding lightweight tile. Suspended ceilings are good choices basements and in first-floor rooms with bathrooms located overhead--leaks in overhead plumbing in a room with a drop ceiling can mean the difference between a major repair and a relatively minor inconvenience. Suspended ceilings essentially consist of gridwork and tiles. Devote some thought to the grid before getting started; most systems feature L-shaped perimeter brackets, or molding. This molding supports the ceiling at the walls and from it hang the main runners, which run the length of the room and are spaced at intervals every 4 feet (or 2, if the tiles measure 2-inch by 2-inch). The ends of the main runners are supported by the moldings; the inner gridwork is suspended with wires attached to overhead joists. Cross tees are spaced across the main runners like a lattice, at intervals of every 2 feet.

What You'll Need

You can expect to spend approximately two days installing a drop ceiling in an average-sized room, and to spend $300 $400 in materials costs, depending upon the style of tile you choose. The only requirement for the room is adequate head clearance. You'll need at least 4 inches between the original ceiling and the drop ceiling in order to put the panels in place on the grid; if your plans include installing full-panel drop-in fluorescent lights, you'll need to factor in 2 more inches. Most housing codes stipulate a minimum 7 1/2-foot ceiling height for new construction, but some will allow for lower ceilings if they are part of a remodeling project. Check with local authorities to confirm local regulations. Drop ceilings are typically sold in packages that include the tile and gridwork. You'll need a hammer, 6d nails, a stud finder, chalk, a tape measure, a level, wire cutters and a spindle of 16-gauge wire (which may be included in the ceiling package).

Installation

Once the ceiling package is in hand, it's a matter of following the instructions included with the kit. Various suspension-ceiling tutorials exist online if you incur difficulties or want to broaden your overview before trying your hand at installation. If you find the 16-gauge wire difficult to work with, you may want to consider investing in a pair of aviation snips. Spring-action shears designed to offer maximum leverage, aviation shears will easily cut the wires used to hang the inner gridwork from the joists.

Source:

Popular Mechanics: How To Install A Suspended Ceiling

Alsnetbiz: Introduction to Suspended Ceilings

More Information:

CSGnetwork: Drop Ceiling Grid And Materials Calculator

YouTube: Merry Place Suspended Ceiling Installation

YouTube: Suspended Ceiling