Following are tips and instructions on how to install a suspended ceiling. Spend a few minutes reading the directions thoroughly. This can help save you time and effort. Inside this document you will find information about:
  • Planning for a Suspended Ceiling
  • Installing Wall Angles
  • Locating and Hanging Suspension Wires for Main Tees
  • Installing Main Tees
  • Installing Cross Tees and Border Cross Tees
  • Installing Ceiling Panels

 

 



FIG. 1 - Sketch your room dimensions to scale here.



FIG. 2 - Select the grid pattern you want to use.


FIG. 3 - If you're using 2x4 panels, choose from either a standard or reversed pattern.

 

PLANNING FOR A SUSPENDED CEILING

  • First, get the exact measurements of the room where the suspended ceiling will be installed. Use special care in measuring any odd-shaped alcoves, bays, etc.

  • Draw the exact dimensions to scale on graph paper (Fig. 1), or bring the room dimensions to your local retailer and ask a salesman to assist you in estimating the materials you'll need.
  • You can choose from either a 2x2 or a 2x4 pattern (Fig. 2). The pattern you pick will determine the material requirements for your ceiling.
  • For the 2x4 pattern, decide whether you want to install the patterns in a standard or reverse pattern (Fig. 3). Each pattern offers a different appearance.
  • Now that you've made these decisions, sketch the layout for the planned ceiling on graph paper. You can use the layout in Fig. 1, or purchase graph paper in a variety or stationery store. Regardless of which pattern you select, draw the main tees 4' apart. Position the tees so that the border patterns at the room edges are equal on both sides and as large as possible. Try sketching several layouts before beginning the actual installation to determine which one looks best.
  • It is important to space the cross tees so the border panels at the ends of the room are equal and as large as possible. If you are using a 2'x4' pattern, space the 4' cross tees 2' apart. For a 2'x2' pattern, add 2' cross tees between the midpoints of the 4' cross tees (Fig. 2).
  • If the ceiling will be recessed and built-in lighting will be installed, decide where to locate the panels of light and clearly identify them on the drawing.
  • The drawing will help you pretty accurately estimate the total cost of the materials you'll need. Fig. 4 illustrates a basic plan for estimating costs. Add or delete materials for the job you're planning.

    FIG. 4
    Use this as a guide in estimating the costs for your ceiling installation.
    NumberCost per pieceTotal cost
    _____ 12' main beam pcs@ _______$ _______
    ____ main beam splicers@ _______$ _______
    ______ 4' cross tees@ _______$ _______
    ______ 2' cross tees@ _______$ _______
    ______ 12" wall mold@ _______$ _______
    ______ 2x2 ceiling tiles

    or

    ______ 2x4 ceiling tiles

    		@ _______

     

    @ _______     		$ _______

     

    $ _______
    Total cost of ceiling
     

 

 

FIG. 5 - Allow a minimum of 6" space between the ceilings if you're using recessed lights.

FIG. 6 - Use a level to apply the wall angle at a proper height around the room.


FIG. 7 - Fasten the wall angles securely to the wall at all points.


FIG. 8 - Overlap the inside corners and miter the outside corners.

INSTALLING WALL ANGLES

  • Determine the exact height at which the suspended ceiling will be installed. Allow a minimum of 3" to 4" clearance between the old ceiling and the new ceiling for installation of the ceiling panels. If clearance is a problem, you may want to use fiberglass ceiling panels, which are more flexible. Additional clearance will be required if you are using recessed lighting (Fig.5).
  • After locating the exact position for the suspended ceiling, use a level to draw a line completely around the room indicating where the wall angle will be applied (Fig. 6). Don't assume the original ceiling is level–use a level for accuracy. Set the wall angle low enough to conceal as many pipes, ducts, etc., as possible.
  • Fasten the wall angles securely to the wall at all points. Nail them firmly to studs, or use screw anchors or other masonry fasteners on brick or masonry walls (Fig. 7).
  • Position the wall angle so that the bottom flange rests on the level line you have drawn on the wall. Take the time to do this right!
  • Overlap the wall angle on inside corners (A, Fig. 8), and miter the wall angle on outside corners (B, Fig. 8). Make a temporary wooden miter box if you don't have one. Cut any needed angles with metal cutting snips or a hacksaw.

 

 

 

FIG. 9 - Stretch a tight line from the top edge of the wall angle on all sides of the room at each position where the main tees are to be placed.


FIG. 10 - Be sure the suspension wires are securely fastened.


FIG. 11 - Add a suspension wire every 4' along the level line and bend at a 90° angle.

 

LOCATING & HANGING SUSPENSION WIRES FOR MAIN TEES

  • If you are going to use recessed lights, install the wiring before putting the suspension wires in place (Fig. 5).
  • For recessed lighting, you can use 2x 2 or 2x 4 drop-in lighting fixtures, which are specially designed for this purpose. You can also center fluorescent light fixtures over the panels and use a luminous lay-in panel instead of a regular ceiling panel. These lay-in panels now come in several attractive designs.
  • Refer to your sketch of the room for the location of all main tees (Fig. 1). Main tees should always run at right angles to the joists in the room.
  • Locate the position of each main tee by stretching a tight line from the top edge of the wall angle on all sides of the room at each position where the main tees are to be placed (Fig. 9).
  • Now, cut the suspension wires to the proper length. The wires should be 12" longer than the distance between the old ceiling and the new guideline string you have stretched to indicate the position of each main tee.
  • Locate the first suspension wire for each main tee directly above the point where the first cross tee meets the main tee. Check your original sketch of the room to determine this location.
  • Be sure the suspension wires are securely fastened. Apply them to the ceiling with screw eyes, screw hooks, nails, or drilling (Fig. 10).
  • Attach a suspension wire every 4' along the level guideline (Fig. 11). Stretch each wire to remove any kinks and make a 90° bend where the suspension wire crosses the level line.

 

 

 

FIG. 12 - Main tees generally have cross tee slots every 12".


FIG. 13 - If the room is less than 12' across, cut the main tee to the width of the room less 1/8" for the thickness of the wall angle.


FIG. 14 - Main tees can be spliced for rooms wider than 12'.

INSTALLING MAIN TEES

  • Most main tees are 12' long and have cross tee slots punched every 12" beginning 6" from each end (Fig. 12).
  • Refer to your layout sheet to determine the distance from the wall to the first cross tee. Now measure this distance along the top flange of the main tee and locate the slot just beyond this point.
  • From this slot, measure back the same distance, subtract 1/8" and saw the main tee at that point. The 1/8" subtraction is for the thickness of the wall angle.
  • If the wall angles are not square, position the cross tee slots accordingly.
  • When main tees are installed in rooms less than 12' across, cut the main tee to the exact measurement of the room, allowing 1/8" for the thickness of the wall angle (Fig. 13).
  • For rooms wider than 12', the main tee can be spliced (Fig. 14). Be sure to align the splice so that the suspension wires are correctly positioned. Splice carefully, or all the main tees will be thrown off.
  • Install the main tees so that they are all level with the wall angle already mounted. Use a long level for this.

 

 

FIG. 15 - Insert the cross tees into the slots in the main cross tees.

 

INSTALLING CROSS TEES & BORDER CROSS TEES

  • Install the cross tees by inserting the ends of the cross tees into the slots in the main tees (Fig. 15). Use the manufacturer's instructions for fitting the cross tees into position.
  • Determine the location of the cross tees by the pattern you selected–either 2'x2' or 2'x4' (Fig. 2).
  • Be sure the lock tab on the cross tee is on the outside of the slot (Fig. 15). This attachment is slightly different in some types of tees.
  • You can remove most cross tees by depressing the lock tab with a screwdriver.
  • Border cross tees are installed between the wall angle and the last main tee.
  • Measure from the last tee to the wall angle, allowing 1/8" for the thickness of the wall angle. Cut the cross tees and install them by inserting the connector in the main tee and resting the cut edge on the wall angle.

 

 
FIG. 16 - Your final tee arrangement will look similar to this.

FIG. 17 - Tilt the ceiling panels slightly and drop them into position.

INSTALLING CEILING PANELS

  • Your final main and cross tee arrangement will look similar to Fig. 16. The top part of the illustration shows an arrangement of a 2'x4' layout, while the lower half shows main and cross tees arranged for a 2'x2' layout.
  • Drop the ceiling panels into position by tilting them slightly, lifting them above the framework and letting them fall into place (Fig. 17).

 

TOOL AND MATERIAL CHECKLIST
Ceiling Tiles Main Tees
Hacksaw Level
Wire Eye Screws
Screwdriver Steel Tape Measure
Knife Straightedge
Wall Angles Cross Tees
Hammer Chalk Line
Miter Box Nails
Screws Pliers
Tin Snips Ladder
Masonry Fasteners 

Check your state and local codes before starting any project. Follow all safety precautions. Information in this document has been furnished by the National Retail Hardware Association (NRHA) and associated contributors. Every effort has been made to ensure accuracy and safety. Neither NRHA, any contributor nor the retailer can be held responsible for damages or injuries resulting from the use of the information in this document.

Ask for Other "Show-How" Instruction Sheets
Additional easy-to-use instruction sheets for home do-it-yourself projects are available from your local supplier of materials. Come in and ask for "Show-How" instructions when you get ready for that next handyman project!