Acoustical Ceiling Tools

Measuring and Designing

• A tape measure aids in the correct determination of supplies needed to complete a suspended acoustical ceiling. Measure the dimensions of the wall below the ceiling perimeter, including corners, alcoves and other projections and depressions. Grid paper provides another useful tool to visually lay out and plan the suspended grid that will hold the ceiling tiles. The framing grid may contain spaces for tiles measuring 2 feet square or tiles measuring 2x4 feet. Choose your desired tile size, and design the grid accordingly.

Marking and Aligning

• Tools to mark and align help to create a level suspended acoustical ceiling. Ace Hardware recommends using a level and chalkline prior to installing wall angles. Choose the desired ceiling height at least 4 inches from the original ceiling, and draw a perimeter line on the wall. The chalkline aids in marking long, straight lines. Often builders do not create a perfectly level ceiling, so use the level to make sure the chalkline is straight instead of relying on the original ceiling for comparison.

Installing the Grid

• Wall angles provide the basis for hanging tile grid. Use a hammer to nail wall angles along the straight, level lines made with the chalkline. Miter boxes help you to cut angles in the wall angle material for convex portions of the wall. Place the wall angle material in the miter box, and use a hacksaw to cut at the desired angle. Cut at 45-degree angles for a 90-degree convex wall corner. To cover typical 90-degree concave wall corners, simply overlap wall angles. After installing wall angles, use a drill to secure suspension wires to ceiling joists. Cut tees to size with a hacksaw. Installation of the tees requires only a ladder, level and hands. Push the tees together using their precut slots, and level according to the wall angles.