DIY False Ceilings

Draw a line around the entire wall near the top to mark the position of the false ceiling. Use a laser level to ensure the line is completely horizontal. The height of the false ceiling will depend on the size of your space and how low you want it.

Attach L-shaped wall brackets along the entire line, screwing them into the wall studs with the help of a stud finder. Butt the brackets together in the corners.

Screw eye hooks into the ceiling rafters every 4 feet. The eye hooks must be spaced the same on each rafter.

Stretch a piece of string tightly from wall to wall below each rafter, holding the ends in place with tape. The ends should line up with the screw holes in the wall brackets.

Wrap a piece of wire around each eye hook and extend it down and bend it where it meets the string. Cut the wire 4 inches after the bend.

Remove the string once all eye hooks have wires.

Cut the T-shaped main runners to fit the room with a rotary tool. Each one should extend across the room parallel with the rafters.

Install the main runners parallel to the rafters, extending all the way across the room. Pass each support wire through the predrilled hole in the runner beneath it and twist it off. Each runner is now supported both by the wall brackets and the hanging wires.

Insert cross pieces between the main runners, creating a grid. The cross pieces lock into slots in the main runners. Cut cross pieces for the edges of the wall with a rotary tool as needed.

Place ceiling tiles into the gridwork, starting in the center and working out. Cut the tiles that go along the edges with a sharp knife or saw as needed.