An old drop ceiling can make your home look drab and outdated. Believe it or not, updating a drop ceiling is a quick, easy job that requires no special skills or tools.
Here’s what you’ll need for this project.
TOOLS & MATERIALS
- Tape Measure
- Utility Knife
- Scissors
- Carpenters Square
- Drop Ceiling Tiles
- Drop Ceiling Tile Installation
- Drop Ceiling Rail Caps or Decorative Grid Tapes
- Aviator Snips
When taking on this DIY task, be sure to equip yourself with a proper safety gear. Throughout the video, we’ll alert you regarding when you should and should not use the safety gear.
STEP ONE
Measure tile. Start by removing one of your ceiling tiles and measuring it. To remove, simply push up and tilt.
STEP TWO
Remove old tiles. Once you purchase your new ceiling tiles, remove the old ones but don’t throw them away just yet. You’ll be using them as templates later in your project.
STEP 3
Install grid trim. Update the rails in your ceiling grid to match your new tiles with caps or decorative tape. Wipe down the grid, then install the grid caps or tape according to manufacturer’s instructions.
STEP FOUR
Replace full tiles. Ceiling tiles have a half inch lip on all sides to ensure each sits flush to the grid. To replace tiles that won’t need to be cut, simply tilt them up into the grid and lay each one down so the lip sit on the T-Bars. Now is also a good time to add some additional insulation.
To insulate, simply place a square of tile insulation over the top of each ceiling tile after placing it in the grid. Keep the two paired together during each tiles installation.
STEP 5
Cut tiles. As you work, you may run into areas where a tile won’t fit or needs to be cut. In these cases, you’ll use one of your old tiles as a template to cut a new one. Start by placing your new tile face down on a piece of scrap wood or old tile to protect your floor. Place the old tile you’re using as a template on top and mark your cuts. If you have broken or missing tiles and don’t have a template measure between the rails, transfer the measurements to a new tile and make your cuts. Scissors work well for these tiles. Make the same cuts to your installation, keeping the two paired together during each tiles installation as you did before.
STEP 6
Cut holes. If a tile needs a hole for a light fixture or pipe, place the old tile over it. Then use a marker to trace it on the new tile. Score around the layout line with a utility knife. Make a clean cut and remove the unwanted piece.
Your installation is complete!
Step back and admire your updated drop ceiling.
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