Suspended Ceiling Mounting Hardware

Wall Angles

• Wall angles are L-shaped lengths of metal that are installed around the perimeter of your ceiling. They create a finished edge for the ceiling, provide support for the outer rows of ceiling tiles and are typically installed first to establish the level for the ceiling. Wall angles are typically manufactured in 8-, 10- and 12-foot lengths and are attached to the studs using wood or masonry screws at the top of the wall.

Main Tee

• Main tees, also called main beams or runners, are a main component of your suspended ceiling grid. Depending on the manufacturer, these metal T-shaped members might be available in 8-, 10- and 12-foot lengths and can be cut to fit your suspended ceiling system. The ends are usually designed to lock together and the tee or beam itself is supported by hanger wires fastened directly to the ceiling or by wire clips.

Cross Tee

• Cross tees or runners are available in 2- and 4-foot lengths and run perpendicular to the main tees. They’re snapped into the main tees to create the grid that will support the ceiling tiles. In 2-by-4 foot ceiling tile systems, both lengths of cross tees are used. In a system using 2-by-2 foot tiles, only 2-foot cross tees are required. Cross tees might be called an ML or an XL tee, which refers to the end detail of the tee and which determines how they’re connected. ML cross tees have a hook insertion, meaning they hook into the rout hole of the main runner. XL cross tees have a stab end detail, meaning the end is stabbed or snapped into the main runner. ML cross tees are faster and easier to install, but XL ends provide a more stable grid in installations where seismic problems such as earthquakes are common.

Fasteners

• In most suspended ceiling systems, hanger wire is used to suspend the grid from the existing ceiling and to help support the components and ensure the stability of the overall system. This wire is typically 18-gauge steel wire for residential ceilings or 12-gauge for commercial ceilings. The wire is fastened to the joists using eyes screws or wood or concrete lag screws. Once the grid is in place, hold-down clips are snapped onto the bulb of the grid system to hold the panels in place.

Stabilizer Bars

• In some suspended ceiling systems, a U-shaped channel that is either 2 feet or 8 feet long is used to hold the spacing of the cross tees around the perimeter of the ceiling. This component is often used in installations where extra support is needed to prevent the tees and panel from falling during an earthquake.