Tips on How to Install Drop Ceiling Panels

The drop ceiling panels come in variety of styles from classic white to decorative metals. Drop ceiling panels are inserted into the ceiling grid to complete a suspended ceiling installation. While setting drop ceiling panels, one will need to cut some panels to fit along the wall, cut holes for mounting recessed lights, and notch tiles to fit around columns. Each cut made into a drop ceiling panel needs to be done with care. The suspended ceiling tiles are fragile and easily broken. Using proper cutting tools and techniques will result in less broken drop ceiling panels.

Here are some tips on how to cut drop ceiling panels, first is to measure the distance between the main tee that runs closest to the wall and the wall-mounted L angle. Deduct 1/4 inch from the dimension. Place a full drop ceiling panel face up on a flat hard surface. With a pencil, mark the length on both ends of the tile. Align the steel rule on both marked ends. Hold the steel rule in place with one hand. Pull the utility knife along the steel rule to score the tile. Continue making passes with the utility knife until it is cut completely through the ceiling tile.

One should the hands lightly along the cut edge to remove loose tile particles. Carefully insert the border tile into the suspended ceiling and set it.

Mark the ceiling panel that requires a hole on center. With the ceiling panel facing up and on a firm flat surface, place the steel rule across two opposing corners of the tile. Place a pencil mark along the straight edge, near the center of the tile. Move the steel rule to the other two opposing corners and place another mark along the steel rule that crosses the first pencil mark. Where the marks cross is the center of the tile.

Set the radius of the required circle on the pencil dividers. Place the steel point of the dividers on the panel center mark. Swing the pencil end of the divider to mark the circle. Stand the panel on one edge with the circle facing toward you. Insert the keyhole saw in the ceiling panel, at the pencil line. Slowly work the keyhole saw around the mark. Remove loose particles from the cut area. Set the drop ceiling panel into the ceiling.

Place the tile to be notched face up on a well-supported surface. Mark the location for the notch on the face of the tile. Stand the tile vertically on one edge, with the notched edge facing up. Cut the two vertical lines with the keyhole saw. Start the cut from the top edge of the drop ceiling panel. Work the keyhole saw down to the line running parallel with the skyward facing edge. Gently insert the keyhole saw into the ceiling panel along the horizontal line. Support the section of tile between the two vertical cuts with one hand. Slowly cut along the line.

Drop ceiling panels can be painted to enhance the decor of any room. Choose a solid color, select two or more shades to create a pattern or apply a faux finish to produce a metallic look that resembles pressed tin or copper. It is possible to paint the ceiling while it is suspended, but the task is much easier and the results are better if one remove the panels and paint them at ground level.

Use a ladder to remove all ceiling tiles from the ceiling grid. Carefully stack the tiles in a corner of the room. If one has not yet installed the drop ceiling, stack the new product in the room so the panels can acclimate for 24 hours to the indoor climate and install the metal ceiling grid according to manufacturer's instructions.

Designate several days for the project if one do not have enough area to let all the ceiling panels dry at once. Reserve the large paintbrush for cleaning purposes. Place two or three tiles side by side on your work area, and gently brush each panel to remove cobwebs and dust.

Mix paint thoroughly and pour into a paint tray. Using paint roller, paint the panel evenly. Six to twenty four hours is suggested to have it dried. The drop ceiling panels may come in many styles and designs.