Basement101: Drop Ceiling

Basement remodeling often involves paint, carpet, tile, wall coverings and interior decorating, but it often neglects the fact that the ceiling is unfinished. So what if drywall or other ceiling coverings are impossible due to vents, electrical, cable and heating/cooling ducts? You install a drop ceiling! Learn the secrets of successful drop ceiling installation right here from Construct101!

The Grid

Layout of the grid is probably the most difficult part of installing a drop ceiling. But with a little patience and some basic measurement and math, you can have the perfect drop ceiling grid, ready for acoustic ceiling tiles, lights, vents and other drop ceiling installs.

J-Channel

The first part of installing a drop ceiling grid is to find the lowest point from overhead vents, ducts, electrical wiring, etc. and transfer that mark to the walls. This will be the point at which the J-channel is installed across the wall. The grid will attach into the J-channel. Use a laser level and chalk line to find the correct location for J-channel.

Main-T

The main-T is the center strut in which all other ceiling grid members are attached to. This strut must be installed directly in the center of the ceiling. These pieces of ceiling grid come in sections 12 feet in length. They are separated by four foot sections which simply click-lock into the main-T.

The main-T sections are aligned with the longest section of the ceiling and are attached to the existing joists with wire hooks. Don't worry about the main-T being a little unleveled with the wire hooks; they will be adjusted as the remaining ceiling grid is installed. Center each main-T in the room with the four foot channel grooves centered as well. Cut the remaining main-T's to length to fit into the J-channels.

Four Foot Centers

With the main-T sections in place, four foot center sections of the drop ceiling can be installed between the main-T sections. Simply push each four foot center brace into the provided slot until it clicks and locks. Adjust the height of each wire hook as needed to level the grid. The four foot centers that are installed into the J-channel should all be cut the same length. If they do not fit, then the main-T sections should be adjusted as such. A string line can be used to keep four foot centers in line as they are installed.

Two Foot Sections and Acoustic Tiles

Now that the four foot sections are in place, it is just a simple matter of click-locking each two foot section in place between the four foot centers and the main-T sections. Cut all two foot pieces that fit into the J-channel the same length and adjust the grid as need to level the grid.

Once the grid has been completed, each acoustic tile can be installed into the grids. For more information on measurements and placing the grid, check out Construct101's grid example for a visual example of grid ceilings.