How to Hang Suspended Ceilings Around Ducts

Measure carefully to determine the exact height on the ductwork for the ceiling. Mark this level on one side of the ductwork. Use a level to get a straight line, then mark the full width of the duct. From one corner, align the level with the first mark and mark a second side of the duct. Continue this around the four sides of the duct until you have one continuous level line circling the entire duct.

Measure one side of the duct and cut a piece of wall "L" bracket to match that length. The bottom of the bracket must rest on top of the line you drew in Step 1. Drill small holes into the ductwork using the holes in the bracket as guides. In some instances, it may be necessary to add additional holes in the bracket. Using either screws or pop-rivets, attach the bracket to the duct. Screws are recommended as they are far easier to remove if the need arises. Repeat this step on the opposite side of the duct.

Measure one of the remaining sides of the duct. This measurement should be from the outer edge of the brackets you installed in Step 2. Cut the brackets to this length. At each end of the bracket, trim away the portion of the bracket that rests against the wall. Trim this area back the width of the bracket you previously installed. This will give you a square corner on the bottom of the bracket on which the ceiling tile will rest. Repeat this process for the opposite side of the duct. Attach both pieces of brackets using screws or pop-rivets.

Install the remainder of your ceiling framework, starting with the wall brackets, then installing the main tees. With the framework in place, measure and cut each ceiling tile to custom-fit around the ductwork. Install the custom-cut tiles first as they may require some slight maneuvering of the framework to get them securely in place.