How to Cut Recessed Dimensional Ceiling Tiles

Measure the space that you have to cut the ceiling tile down to fit using a tape measure. Make your measurement from the outside edges of the grid space that you’re placing the ceiling tiles into, as you’ll be dropping the tiles into place rather than gluing or nailing them, and need the grid to hold the tile edges. Measure twice to make certain you have the correct size needed.

Place a straightedge along the tile and mark the measured width and length onto the tile face using a pencil.

Place the tile onto a flat surface, face up. Place the straightedge across the tile, and then place a utility knife next to the edge. Cut the tile at the measured marks using the utility knife containing a fresh blade. Run the knife along the straightedge, using the straightedge as a guide for making the cut along the pencil marks.

Tilt the cut tile at an angle and pass it through the grid opening. Straighten the tile above the opening and then drop into the grid with the cut edge against the grid side next to the wall.

Mark the edge of the panel on the grid against the wall molding. Pull the panel back out and make a cut on the panel face with the utility knife along the drawn line descending half the depth of the panel. Cut through the side of the panel at the half-depth mark to the position of the face-cut line, and then remove the small strip cut from the panel to create a new recessed edge. Place the panel back into the grid, allowing the new recessed edge to sit on the grid edge so that the panel fits naturally.