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How much does it cost to put in a drop ceiling?
Installing a drop ceiling costs $5 to $28 per square foot for labor and materials. Add $2 per square foot if you want insulating panels that go behind the ceiling tiles and up to $1 per linear foot for decorative rail covers. Labor typically costs up to $5 per square foot when hiring a ceiling tile installer near you.
How far down should a drop ceiling be?
The minimum should be 7 feet, 6 inches, and it should also be 3 inches below any plumbing and 5 inches below any lighting. Once you have figured out the ceiling level, snap a chalk line to mark it.
Can I install a drop ceiling myself?
Drop ceilings are cost-effective, easy to install on your own, and allow you to access ductwork and wires easily after it’s been installed. In order to put in a drop ceiling, you need to first install a grid system of runners to support your ceiling tiles.
Is it cheaper to drywall or drop ceiling?
Drop ceilings are more expensive to install than drywall making drywall the cheaper option. However, if you can install a drop ceiling by yourself, you can save on labor costs. You should also factor in paint costs for a drywall ceiling and whether you are hiring a professional to install and paint for you.
What materials do you need for a drop ceiling?
Have the necessary tools for this DIY dropped ceilings project lined up before you start—you’ll save time and frustration. Carpet knife. Chalk line. Clamps. Drill bit set. Drill/driver – cordless. Drywall circle gauge. Hammer. Tin snips.
What can I use instead of a drop ceiling?
Ceiling Tiles. Drywall. Beadboard. Wooden Planks. Plywood. Stained glass. Corrugated metal.
How thick is a suspended ceiling?
In the United States and its neighboring countries, the cell size in the suspension grids is typically either 2 by 2 feet (610 mm × 610 mm) or 2 by 4 feet (610 mm × 1,220 mm), and the ceiling tiles, light fixtures, and fluorescent light tubes are the same size.
How do you secure a wall to a suspended ceiling?
How to Secure a Wall to a Suspended Ceiling Establish the location of the wall. Climb a stepladder placed at one of the marks. Attach one end of the chalk line to the grid at one of the wall marks. Install the 24-gauge sheet metal ceiling track to the underside of the grid.
What is the difference between a drop ceiling and a suspended ceiling?
Glossary. A suspended ceiling is the exact same thing as a drop ceiling, also called a dropped ceiling. In other words, the suspended ceiling does not make up a permanent structural foundation, but rather serves as a covering for the more solid framework above.
Why is drop ceiling so expensive?
Cost of a Drop Ceiling If you’re thinking of going with a drop ceiling to save money… Because the real cost of drywalling a ceiling in a basement deals is in framing around the pipes and wires that were installed below the joists.
Is drop ceiling good for basement?
Many homeowners prefer to have a drop ceiling in their basement because plumping and wiring is typically installed in the space above and getting to it is easy. In the event of a plumbing leak, the damage to the basement ceiling may be limited to only a few basement ceiling tiles.
How do you insulate above a drop ceiling?
The best way to insulate a drop ceiling is to install batt insulation between the ceiling joists before installing the hanging grid; this installation would proceed as any insulation installation.
What is the cheapest ceiling to install?
Drywall is the most inexpensive ceiling to install at $2 to $3 per square foot. Tray ceilings are equally affordable at $2 to $4 per square foot and so are tongue and groove designs.
Can Plywood be used for ceiling?
Plywood is viable as a ceiling material, particularly in the basement. Plywood allows easier access to pipes, ducts and wiring than drywall. Plywood serves capably as ceiling material in garages, shops and rec rooms when aesthetic design is not an issue.
Can a drop ceiling be replaced with drywall?
If your drop ceiling is looking a little shabby and you’re ready for a change, the first step is to remove the suspended ceiling in the opposite order it was originally installed: tiles, lights and metal grid. Once removed, you can repair the original ceiling, if possible, or add new sheets of drywall.
Can you soundproof a drop ceiling?
Dropped ceilings have very little soundproofing value A dropped (suspended) ceiling does very little to soundproof. The tiles are lightweight and not nearly massive enough to stop serious sound. Basically, the tiles are not designed to be soundproof, they are designed to lower the echo underneath them.
How much weight can a drop ceiling grid hold?
Hang up to 15 lb! The actual weight limit likely depends on your drop ceiling grid. We do not recommend hanging items heavier than 15 lbs because it may damage or warp your drop ceiling grid due to excess & uneven weight being placed on on the ceiling grid bars.
How much does it cost to install acoustical ceiling?
It will cost about $1,000-$1,700 to install an acoustic ceiling system in an average 12’x14′ room. Most contractors will charge between $2 and $5 per square foot for labor. A modest set of 12, 2×2 tiles can cost from $25-$40. There are more extravagant tiles which can cost as much as $100 for a set of 12.
Can you Slope a drop ceiling?
You could either build a drywall bulkhead that protrudes out into the room and drops down to the ceiling height or you can build a stairwell slope out of the drop ceiling material.
Can you hang a drop ceiling at an angle?
The wall angle for a drop ceiling is usually L-shaped and its size is approximately 1” x 1”. It’s very important that the angle be installed securely so that it can properly support the main runners and cross tees that sit on the perimeter of the ceiling.
