How to Create a Knockdown Ceiling Texture

In this brief we are going to explain how to create a knockdown ceiling texture.

There are two basic sizes for ceiling tiles; twelve inches by twelve inches, and twelve inches by twenty-four inches. After choosing the type of ceiling tile-acoustic, ceramic or fiberboard, the decision has to be made on how to install them. This is the first step to getting a knockdown ceiling texture. Adhesives, or the process of stapling or nailing the tiles to wood furring strips are the methods mainly used for installation of ceiling tiles. The recommended method is to use adhesives. In the event that the ceiling is uneven, or the ceiling joists are exposed, then furring strips need to be nailed to the ceiling before the tiles are installed.

Distances must be measured carefully from wall to wall, starting with the longer side of the room. If the distance is an exact whole number, then none of the tiles need to be cut, but if there is some extra length, add twelve to the number of inches remaining, then divide this number by two. The result is the width of the border tile. For example, room length is twelve foot, four inches; add twelve to four, making sixteen, then divide sixteen by two. The resulting eight is the width of the border tile. Measure the other side of the room in the same way.

Installation of the ceiling tiles should be started at one side of the room. The knockdown ceiling texture is shaping up! Border tiles should be cut according to the measurements taken, filing down corners so that the fit is perfect. Inspect the ceiling for any flaws like flaky or seeping paint, to make sure they do not hinder adhesion of the tiles. Testing of the surface can be done by installing three or four tiles randomly and waiting forty-eight hours.

If the tiles are still stuck and secure, then the ceiling surface can support the weight of the tiles. A line, the same size as the border tiles, should be drawn along each side of the room. These lines should guide one on making the first row of border tiles perfectly parallel. Adhesive or cement should be applied at the center and on all four corners of the ceiling tile, at about one inch from the edges.

The border tile should be placed in the corner, aligned with the chalk mark. All border tiles can now be carefully installed around the ceiling edges. The regular ceiling tiles can now fill up the rest. Once the tiles are dry, the knockdown ceiling texture job is done. A border molding can be installed to complete a neat look.