Some drop ceilings bring metal to the decor.
Drop ceilings are not just for use in commercial buildings anymore. Many new styles offer patterns and designs that take away the commercial look and make them fit in with sophisticated home designs. These ceilings are relatively easy to install when compared with drywall. Drop ceilings require six materials for installation.
Wall Moldings
This is L-shaped metal that attaches to the wall all around the perimeter of the room. They come in 10-foot lengths. Set these in place first and then use their height as the guide for setting the heights of the wire supports that will ultimately hold the main beams.
Main Beams
These T-shaped, metal, ceiling tile supports come in 12-foot lengths and have slots where the cross tees can connect every 12 inches. These slots begin 6 inches in from the ends and each end of the main beams have tabs with slots to connect them to the next main beam. You can cut these with tin snips, a reciprocating saw that has a metal cutting blade or a hack saw. Install these beams perpendicular to the ceiling joists. They must be set at least 3 inches from the joists above.
Hook-In Cross Tees
The cross tees snap into the main beams to form the grid. Install them based upon the dimensions of the ceiling panels. Usually these tees are installed at 2-foot or 4-foot increments and they come in those lengths. Cut these with tin snips also, or a reciprocating or hack saw.
Screw In Wire Fasteners
These fasteners are similar to an eye-bolt only they have an elongated and flattened eye. They fit into a special nut driver tool that is attached to a power drill to make installing them less tedious. They screw into the ceiling joists, or other supporting lumber to hold up the main beams.
Suspension Wire
This is common wire suitable for interior use of 16 gauge for residential, or 12 gauge for commercial ceilings. It's best to establish the wire length you will need based upon how far below the joists the ceiling will be suspended, and then simply cut them from a roll of wire.
Ceiling Panels
Ceiling panels come in many different styles and sizes. Some are basic and designed for acoustics while others are elaborately etched with designs. Some even have beveled edges so the main beams and the cross Tees are recessed. Typical sizes are 2 feet by 4 feet, 2 feet by 2 feet, 12 inches by 12 inches and 6 inches by 4 feet. The ceiling panels are made from mineral fiber or metal, which come in a variety of stamped designs.
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