How to Install Interior Dropped Ceilings

Measure the area of the room, in feet, at the point where you want the drop ceiling to hang using a measuring tape. This is usually 4 to 6 inches from the ceiling joists to allow you to easily install the tiles into the grid. Double-check the measurements and then record them to ensure they are accurate.

Mark the wall at the desired height, and then draw a horizontal line across three walls using a 4-foot level. Alternatively, snap a chalk line along each wall. These lines serve as the perimeter lines that ensure the drop ceiling is level.

Hammer the pieces of trim to the wall using the nails provided with the kit. These L-shaped brackets hold the ceiling tiles. Locate wall studs using a stud finder beforehand, so the upper edge of the L-shaped bracket falls on the perimeter line. Use tin snips to cut the trim pieces to size, if required.

Cut the main runners or tees provided with the grid to size so they rest on the trim pieces. These tees resemble an inverted T. The vertical sides of these tees have holes that secure the suspension wire. Install these tees on the walls, spacing them 24 inches apart.

Thread bolts above the main tees into the primary ceiling. Space these eyebolts every 1 to 2 feet.

Knot a length of metal wire into the bolt, and tie its other end to the hole in the main tee. This practice keeps the weight of the suspended ceiling off the trim pieces and keeps the main tees suspended.

Insert a cross tee every 1 to 2 feet in between the main tees. These tees have clips on their ends that snap into the main tee holes.

Thread bolts above the cross tees into the main ceiling. Tie wire to the eyebolts above the cross tee and knot their other ends into the cross tee holes.

Slip a tile between the original ceiling and the frame, then lower it onto the frame so it fits into the tee clips.