How to Attach Ceiling Tiles to Joists

Preparation

• 1

  Locate all ceiling joists which are hidden by an existing ceiling using a studfinder. Mark each one at both ends with a pencil.

• 2

  Snap a chalk line between the pencil marks on each joist.

• 3

  Measure along one edge of your ceiling that is perpendicular to the joists with a tape measure and make note of the measurement.

• 4

  Measure and cut 1-by-3-inch furring strips to the measurement obtained in Step 3.

• 5

  Position your first furring strip flat against the ceiling joists and flush against the wall that is perpendicular to the edge of the ceiling that you measured.

• 6

  Drill a hole through the strips at each location where it overlaps a joist, using a power drill and drill bit.

• 7

  Insert a 2-inch wood screw through each hole and tighten each firmly with a power drill and Phillips screwdriver bit.

• 8

  Place the second furring strip flat against the joists and parallel with the first strip. Space the two strips apart so that the distance between the center of the second strip and the wall is equal to the width of your border tiles.

• 9

  Secure the second furring strip to the joists, following the instructions in Step 6 and 7.

• 10

  Position the remaining furring strips parallel with the first two, ensuring that the distance between the centers of each strip is the width of the full-sized ceiling tiles. Ensure that the last two strips are positioned in the same manner as the first two.

• 11

  Level all furring strips with each other as you install them, using a large level. Insert wood shims between the strips and the joists, if necessary.

• 12

  Measure and cut pieces of the furring strips to fit between the furring strips along each wall that is parallel to the ceiling joists. Drill holes and secure them in place with wood screws.

• 13

  Snap a chalk line along the center of the second furring strip you installed. Repeat this step for the second furring strip in from the opposite wall.

• 14

  Measure from the wall adjacent to the ends of your strips and along the first furring strip, the distance equal to the width of your border tiles. Make a pencil mark at the location on your strip and repeat this process on the opposite side of the room.

• 15

  Snap a chalk line across the furring strips between the two pencil marks.

• 16

  Measure and cut your border tiles to the correct sizes for your furring strip layout, following the manufacturer's instructions. Ensure that the wide edge intended for stapling remains intact.

• 17

  Align the wide stapling edge of your first corner tile with the center chalk line and flat on the second furring strip, and ensure that the adjacent stapling edge aligns with the chalk line across the strips.

Installation

• 18

  Attach the tile to the furring strips at three points along the wide stapling edge, using the staple gun and staples. Secure the opposite corner of the adjacent stapling edge with one staple.

• 19

  Attach several additional border tiles in each direction, overlapping the stapling edges as you go and fill in with a few full-sized tiles. Repeat this process until you cover the entire ceiling.

• 20

  Measure and cut molding to cover the edges of the border tiles where they meet the wall, to finish the look and hold them securely in place.