How to Upgrade a Suspended Ceiling

Put on a white paper dust mask to avoid breathing in particles of dust and debris while removing old ceiling tiles. Set up a ladder or step stool if necessary to comfortably reach the ceiling.

Push up the corner of one of the full-sized tiles in the ceiling grid to dislodge it from the metal runners. Tilt the tile and remove it from the cavity between the ceiling grid and the ceiling joists. Wipe the metal grid with a clean, damp cloth to remove any dust.

Slide a new tile into the ceiling grid. If you are using a replacement veneer, align it in front of the old ceiling tile and slide it into the grid. Position the tile between the main runner and cross tee of the ceiling grid.

Continue to set all of the remaining full-sized tiles in a similar manner. Clean the ceiling grid as you move across the room.

Remove a border tile by tilting it upward. Lay the old border tile on top of a new tile. Mark where to cut the tile. Hold a straight edge tool along the straight cutting line as you cut the tile with a utility knife. This helps to give you a clean, straight cut. Replace the new border tile in the opening.

Cut the remaining border tiles as you did in Step 5.