Do It Yourself Help…

Hey folks!

Down at Ceilume Ceiling Tiles, a lot of folks have been calling in about do it yourself drop ceilings. Installing a ceiling can seem a daunting task for the newcomer, and does not necessarily get easy once you’ve done it. However, there are a few knowledgeable folks out there that would like to help. I thought it might be nice to post some links to some tutorials on the subject, as well as links to a few products that might make things a bit easier.

Installing Drop Ceiling Grids

Installing the grid is definitely the most challenging part of a drop ceiling installation. I usually suggest contacting a professional for help if you have never done it before. Not only will they be able to save you time and money by avoiding mistakes and errors, they will also come to the job site prepared with tools that most home owners don’t have in the tool shed. However, should you decide to take this on, here are a few sites that might help:

Extreme How-To offers an in depth look at the entire process, starting with choosing a tile. Very informative.

HGTV.com offers a quick and to the point drop ceiling installation guide, best used as a starting point. I don’t think they go into enough detail for the beginner.

AI’s Home Improvement Center has a pretty good set of instructions, with some detailed diagrams and a form to help you calculate the material cost for the job. The entire first step is dedicated to making a detailed drawing of the installation before starting. This is a really good idea, as it will help you plan for lighting and other in-ceiling additions to the room.

Popular Mechanics offers a more comprehensive set of instructions, and has some pretty good graphics to help. They are definitely worth a good look.

Systems and Tools for the Homeowner

There are a few companies out there that cater to the do it yourselfer crowd. These folks, whether on purpose or not, have come up with products that make installing a drop ceiling a bit easier for the laymen. Here are a couple of good examples:

Ceiling Link offers a direct mount ceiling grid that is made to apply directly to your ceiling or ceiling joists. Originally designed to keep the height of your ceiling above the top of your head, this grid also happens to be a bit easier to install than a standard grid. Assuming your ceiling joists were installed level and even, this grid simply applies directly to them, so there is no need for a laser level, and tedious chalking. Of course, should your ceiling be less than perfect to begin with, you might need to put some extra work in.

Ceilume Ceiling Tiles, for whom I am both a representative and devoted fan, offers a very lightweight line of ceiling tiles that are extremely easy to install. They utilize the standard grid (or Ceiling Link), so you’ll need to deal with that first, but once the grid is in, these guys go up easy. Many of our customers hire an installer for the grid, and save money by installing the tiles themselves.

ISC Supply does not necessarily offer a new or different product designed for the home owner, but they are a great source for materials that always seem to be harder to find than their manufacturers are willing to admit. You can find grid, tiles of all different types and styles, lighting and more. Check em out!

If you are out to install a drop ceiling on your own, I wish you the best of luck! It can be a challenge, but it can also save you a bucket load of money. Don’t be discouraged, but if you run into problems you can’t seem to solve, get some help right away. Fudging an installation can give you MUCH bigger headaches down the road.

Good luck, and remember to have fun!

Benny C