- 1). Measure and mark 4 inches below the ceiling joists all the way around the room. Mark 6 inches if you intend to install light fixtures into the suspended ceiling. Connect the lines, using a carpenter’s level or laser level to ensure the lines are even all the way around the room.
- 2). Use a stud finder to locate and mark the wall studs above the perimeter line you drew in the previous step. Hold a piece of perimeter molding above the line. Nail it in place with 6d nails placed into the studs. Take care not to damage the molding with the hammer. Continue placing the molding, cutting it to fit, as necessary, with a pair of tin snips.
- 3). Measure the room perpendicular to the ceiling joists as you plan how to place the main runners. Divide the amount by 4 to determine how many runners you need to hang. If there is a remainder, divide that amount by 2 to know how far from the wall to space the first runner. By doing this, the finished ceiling will have a balanced look.
- 4). Repeat step 3 by measuring parallel to the ceiling joists. Divide the room size by 4 and divide any remainder by 2 to determine how far from the wall to set the first cross tee.
- 5). Measure and mark the location onto the ceiling joists of the main runners and cross tees with a chalk line.
- 6). Place small eyebolts into every third joist on the chalk line. Twist one end of a short piece of 16-gauge wire to each of the eyebolts.
- 7). Create a grid made of string stretched tightly across the ceiling from the perimeter molding. Place at least 4 strings parallel to the ceiling joists and 4 perpendicular to the joists. This string is your guide to keep the main runners even with the perimeter molding.
- 8). Set one end of a main runner into the perimeter molding so it is perpendicular to the ceiling joist. Hold the other end of the runner even with the string as you thread one end of a wire dangling from an eyebolt through a corresponding hole in the main runner. Twist the wire to secure the main runner to it. Continue hanging the first main runner to the opposite wall, resting the end in the perimeter molding.
- 9). Join main runners, as necessary, by connecting the tabs on the ends of the runners and squeezing them together with a pair of pliers. If you need to cut pieces, use tin snips. Set cut ends so they face the perimeter molding.
- 10
Continue hanging all of the main runners perpendicular to the joists, following the chalk lines. Take care not to allow the runners to sag below the string grid. If needed, add more eyebolts and wire for support. - 11
Hook cross tees at right angles on the main runners using the grid lines. Each cross tee has a hook on each end that snaps into a slot on the main runner. - 12
Set the four center-most pieces of ceiling tile in place. If the ceiling grid is not square, shake it slightly to settle these pieces in place. Once these tiles help square the grid, it’s a simple matter to place the remaining tiles in the grid. Cut any irregularly shaped tiles to fit with a utility knife.
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