How to Secure Plaster Ceilings

Measure the length of the room running perpendicular to the line of the ceiling joists. Mark the wall at the edge of the ceiling every 16 inches, using chalk.

Cut the metal furring channels to fit the length of the room, using tin snips. Cut a metal furring strip for each of the chalk marks on the wall. Measure the distance between each wood joist and attach a furring channel clip to each metal strip so you can attach the channels to the joists. Slide the clips over the ends of the channel.

Climb a ladder and hold the metal furring channels against the ceiling joists at the marked locations, positioning the clips at each joist crossing. Secure the channels in place by driving wood screws through the mounting holes in the clips and into the joists. Drive the screws quickly into place with an electric dill and a screw bit.

Attach the plasterboard to the furring strips by placing plasterboard adhesive onto the furring strips every 10 inches. Use a dab of adhesive about the size of a walnut at each placement point. Use a telescopic gas lifter to lift and hold the heavy plasterboard into place, pressing it onto the adhesive. Screw the boards into place every 8 inches along the furring strips, using drywall screws to hold the boards into place.

Cut all boards to fit with the utility knife. Score the board with the knife along the desired cutting line, then snap the board from the rear along the scored line to break the board at the cut.

Place a strip of plastic tape over the joints between boards to prevent cracking once you cover the boards in plaster.