How to Level Ceilings With Kickers

If your ceiling is sagging, you might be tempted to tear down the ceiling and build a new one. However, this isn't the most effective solution. It's easier to install metal channels, or kickers, along the ceiling and build a whole new ceiling out of drywall underneath your original ceiling. The channels give your new ceiling support so it doesn't sag, and the drywall hides your old ceiling.

Level
Metal brackets
Metal channels
Measuring tape
Drywall
Drywall screws
Screw gun

Instructions

- 1
  Use a level to determine where the ceiling is sagging. Draw guide lines along the wall where you want the ceiling to hang. Use the level as a straight edge to make the guide lines.
- 2
  Screw brackets into the joists, spacing the brackets 15 inches apart. Screw metal channels into the joists.
- 3
  Measure the ceiling. Cut drywall to the dimensions of the ceiling. Have an assistant hold the sheet of drywall onto the ceiling while you screw it into the wall with drywall screws and a screw gun. Start screwing from the middle of the panel of drywall and place screws about every 8 inches. The screws should not be so tight that they tear the paper covering on the drywall.

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Ceilings