QA

Question: How To Hang A Suspended Ceiling

Is it hard to install a suspended ceiling?

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.

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.

How much clearance is needed for a suspended ceiling?

All you need for a suspended ceiling is sufficient head clearance. Requirements vary, but most codes stipulate a minimum 7 1/2-ft. ceiling height in new construction.

How long does it take to install suspended ceiling?

The job should take about two days for a 120-square-foot room.

How much does suspended ceiling cost?

The national average cost for installing a drop ceiling is between $955 and $1,510, with most people paying around $1,494 for a 130 sq. ft. plastic suspended ceiling with trim.Suspended Acoustic Ceiling Cost. Drop Ceiling Cost National average cost $1,494 Average range $955-$1,510 Minimum cost $899 Maximum cost $2,709.

What can I use instead of a drop ceiling?

Ceiling Tiles. Drywall. Beadboard. Wooden Planks. Plywood. Stained glass. Corrugated metal.

How much weight can a suspended ceiling 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.

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.

Is Suspended ceiling cheaper than drywall?

In newer houses especially, a drywall ceiling is about the same or cheaper compared to a suspended ceiling. 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.

How much height do I lose with drop ceiling?

The acoustical panels, depending upon the type, may reduce the ceiling height another one-quarter inch. The height from the concrete floor to the dropped ceiling is about 7 feet 5 inches.

How far can you drop a ceiling?

Although most modern drop ceilings call for at least a 3-inch space, it is possible to install them with as little as a half-inch of space. One row of track can be installed at a time, with the ceiling tiles fitted into that track before the next row is installed.

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.

How much does it cost to put a ceiling in a basement?

Ceilings range from $1 to $6 per square foot, depending on complexity. Floors are often the wild card when it comes to basement remodeling. Adding a bathroom can add $10,000 to $20,000 rather easily. Foundation work can run about $10,000 if there are substantial repairs needed, such as fixing a shifted foundation.

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.

How much does it cost to hang drywall on a ceiling?

The national average materials cost to install ceiling drywall is $0.53 per square foot, with a range between $0.45 to $0.61. The total price for labor and materials per square foot is $2.15, coming in between $1.91 to $2.40. A typical 300 square foot project costs $645.39, with a range of $571.79 to $718.99.

Are drop ceilings expensive?

Costs of a Drop Ceiling The drop ceiling cost will range from around $4 a square foot for materials and installation. Labor can be more, and if you want to do fancier tiles like darker for certain rooms in the house or better sound muffling, then your price goes way up.

Can you replace a drop ceiling 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.

What are blind rivets?

Pop rivets, also known as blind rivets, are a type of rivet. They are used in applications where there is limited – or no – access to the rear side (blind side) of the parts to be joined.

How do you modernize a drop ceiling?

Just remove old ceiling panels from the grid, snap on EASY UP clips, and slide planks into place, securing them with the clips. Remember to stagger the planks to reduce waste and create a more natural finish.

How do you deal with low basement ceilings?

In order to maintain an open feeling in your basement with low ceilings, skip the plywood subfloor and opt for a smooth, durable style of flooring. Use solid colors or very subtle patterns to avoid a busy look and stick with the same type of flooring throughout the space.

Can you screw into ceiling tiles?

Use the right hardware. There are specific nails and screws made for attaching Nail-up tin ceiling tiles to a plywood base. While other hardware might work, it will be less effective and likely less attractive on the ceiling. Steel nails are typically used to secure nail-up tin ceiling tiles.

Can you hang a chandelier from a drop ceiling?

Things You’ll Need Suspend a chandelier from a drop ceiling. Drop ceilings are suitable for many remodeling jobs, but because of the way they’re constructed, they’re not designed to support heavy loads, like those of a chandelier.