QA

Question: How To Install A Drop Ceiling In A Basement

How much does it cost to install a drop ceiling in a basement?

Average Cost to Put a Drop Ceiling in a Basement Putting a drop ceiling in a 400-square-foot basement could run you $2,000 to $11,200. You need $1,200 to $9,200 in materials for that larger space. Labor also increases with the square footage and lands in the $800 to $2,000 range.

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.

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.

How far do drop ceilings hang down?

The minimum should be 7 feet, 6 inches, and it should also be 3 inches below any plumbing and 5 inches below any lighting.

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 in a drop ceiling?

The cost to install a drop ceiling is around $5.50/sq. ft. when a contractor is hired to handle the installation, or about $2,750 for 500 square feet. DIY installation costs an average of $2.75 per square foot.

What can I use instead of a drop ceiling?

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

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.

What is metal furring?

The term ‘metal furring system’, or MF system, refers to a non-structural metal attachment that is used to hold a finish material, often used as a technique for creating a seamless plaster internal finish with a void behind for the installation of services, with plasterboard fixed directly to the concealed metal Nov 23, 2020.

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 do people use drop ceilings in basements?

Drop ceilings do help a lot with dampening noise. It’s something to consider. You’re not installing drywall on the walls but you still want a ceiling.

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 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 minimum ceiling height in a basement?

Building to Code The International Residential Code (IRC) says a basement living space must have a clear, floor-to-ceiling height of at least 7 feet (6 feet for bathrooms).

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 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 are the three types of grids used in suspended ceilings?

Standard 1, Slimline, and Concealed grids are the primary grid types.

How do you measure for a drop ceiling?

Divide the ceiling tile length into the room’s width. Add the tile length to the remainder you get from this equation. For example, if the room is 9 feet wide, and your ceiling tile is 4 feet long, you’ll have a remainder of 1 when you divide these numbers. When you add 4 feet to the remainder, your result is 5.

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.

Is drop ceiling expensive?

Your drop ceiling costs range from $900 up to $3,000. On average, you’ll pay around $1,400 for 130-square feet of suspended plastic ceiling and trim. You can also opt to have a fiberboard ceiling installed if you’re worried about budgeting for your drop ceiling cost, and this will run you around $850.

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.