How to Make Your Own Drywall Ceiling Tiles

A suspended ceiling consist of square tiles that fit into a grid hung from the original ceiling. The standard tiles that you can purchase are constructed of fiberboard or plastic. However, you can create your own tiles using drywall as a temporary tile replacement or to create a unique-looking ceiling. The step-by-step procedure for creating ceiling tiles from drywall requires a moderate amount of time, but the end result is well worth the effort.

Tape measure
Pencil
Straight edge
Utility knife
Respirator mask
Spray paint

Instructions

- 1
  Measure the length and width of the opening in the ceiling grid including the 1/2-inch lip. Subtract 1/2 inch from the final measurements so that 1/4 inch of the tile's perimeter will sit on the lip. This will allow you some room to maneuver the tile into place.
- 2
  Lay a piece of drywall on a hard, flat surface and draw a square on it with a pencil using the measurements from the previous step and a straight edge.. Draw the pencil marks on the paper side of the drywall.
- 3
  Score along the pencil lines using a utility knife. Cut along the line several more times with the knife until you have cut all the way through the drywall.
- 4
  Fit the piece of drywall into the ceiling grid by inserting it vertically through the space and positioning it horizontally once it clears the grid. Make any needed adjustments to the tile by shaving off areas that may not fit using the utility knife. Pull the tile out of the grid once it has been made to fit.
- 5
  Paint the tile the desired color using spray paint. Ensure that the room is well ventilated and you wear a respirator mask while painting. Allow the tile to dry thoroughly for a few hours and install it into the grid.

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