How do I install dropped ceiling in basement?
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This job doesn't require a lot of skill, but it requires time, patience, planning, and a firm understanding of how everything fits together. The metal framework comes in 10' wall angles, to frame the perimeter: 12' main runners, to span the room; and 4' cross tees, to seperate the individual tiles. The metal, except the wall angle has slots and tabs that must line up exactly. You will need: a level, a pencil, a chalk line, a utility knife and fresh blades, a tape measure, pliers, a metal-cutting saw, and an assistant. Step one: plan...Measure room. Tiles are 2' x 4', and are suspendend from 12' main runners, which are hung at 4' intervals. Determine how you want the tiles to run, usually the long axis of the tile runs with the long dimension of the room. Let's say the long axis of the room is 23'. Round up to the nearest multiple of 4, which is 24. Your ceiling layout will be 6 tiles long(24/4=6). Because, in this example, the number of tiles running the long way is an even number, One main runner will divide the room, and mains will run parralel, at 4' intervals, leaving end bays that are each short by the same amount. If the number of 4' bays was an odd number, you would start the mains 2' off center, on eac side. The end bays are always where the odd dimension ends up, it looks much better.
Now, divide the other room dimension by 2' remember to round up. An even number of bays, means that the 4' tees, will start on center, an odd number means they will start off 1 foot on each side. Again, odd dimensions are handled at the edges, where they will not break up the run of the ceiling. Draw the grid on paper. Label the mains"mr." Computing materials: Wall angle is the room's outer rim, in 10 sections. Count the tiles. Mains are 12' long. Round up to the nearest 6', when estimating mains, If for example, You have five rows of tile and four lengths of main to hang, if the room is 12' or less, along the lines that the mains will run, then count one main per run. Count 1-1/2 mains, running to 18', etc. Count the 4' tees off the plan. Add a little extra for mistakes. You will also need hanging wire and hooks.
Installation starts by determining a level line. The wall angle just screws in, and gets cut to length. Be carefull to cut mains so that the slots that the tees fit into are at the right locations. Use hook and eyes and ceiling wire to support the system's weight.
I didn't even get into wiring lights. good luck.
why would you want to do that?
You can go to lowes or homedepo or wherever and they have starter kits and peices you will need. Then you just hang wires from the ceiling down to the grid to hold them up. With a drill shouldnt take too long.
You can get an installation brochure online at Armstrong ceilings (www.ceilings.com), go to "Ceilings for the Home" and then to the "Do It Yourself" section. You can also look at a bunch of different products in both the Home and Commercial Sections. The site has a material calculator to help come up with quantities as well. Also, check out the USG and Celotex websites for more information and product options.
Get your layout, mains will run every 4 feet perpendicular to your beams. You need a wire every 4 foot down each line a main will run.
You can attach the the wires that hold up your mains to your joist by looping them over a beam or you can get screw eyes and screw them into your beam and run your wire through the eye of the screw. Ties these wires and leave them hanging down about 8 below your desired ceiling height.
Get a level mark 1" above the height you want your ceiling in 2 corners, pop a chalk line and screw your wall molding with the top touching the chalk line you popped.
If you are new at this the easiest way to start your layout is to cut the tab off 1 end of the mains, put the cut end on your wall molding attach a hanger wire to hold the main in place. Do the same with another main and hang. Measure 4 foot from the wall mold and snap in a 4' tee to connect the 2 mains together. Tees will go every 4 foot connecting the mains to each other. Then snap in a 4' tee between the 4'ts in the same direction of the mains. This creates a 2x4 grid pattern. If you want 2x2 grid you will insert 2' tees in between the 4' tees. You will need to tie the hanger wires into the mains and remember to keep them level. (run a string from side to side to keep level if you don't have access to a laser). Also remember to check your grid to make sure you are keeping it squared, measure a 2x4 rectangle from corner to corner diagonally to make sure each measurement is the same. (dropping in a tile from time to time will help you keep square as you go.
main.main.main.main.main.main
t ....t.....t.
e.(4' tee)..e.(4'tee)...e.(4'tee)...
e ...e....e...
main.main.main.main.main.main
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