Easy Ways to Install Ceiling Tiles

Choose Your Tiles

• The first thing that you will have to do is choose your ceiling tiles. Ceiling tiles are usually made of fiberboard and can be made in a variety of designs and looks. Some tiles are textured and others have straight edges so the seam is virtually invisible. There are also some wonderful pressed-tin ceiling tiles that give a nostalgic look to a room. Pressed tin can be expensive, but faux tin tiles that will give you the look without the expense. Ceiling tiles can be purchased in your local home improvement store or paint store.
  You can choose different sizes for your ceiling tiles as well. The standard size for ceiling tiles is 12 x 12 inches, but they can be made in a 24 x 12-inch size also to suit your needs. Acoustic tiles are also made of fiberboard, but they are manufactured with a dual layer of material so that sound can be absorbed by as much as 70 percent.

Installing the Tiles

• Use an adhesive to install your tiles if there is a smooth surface on the ceiling. The adhesive works best on ceilings that continuously provide a solid smooth area to apply the adhesive. Any type of polyurethane premium construction adhesive can be used on ceiling tiles. If you have a ceiling that is uneven or where there is cracked plaster, you should install wood furring strips that the ceiling tiles can be nailed to so that there is an even installation of the tiles.
  To install furring strips, you must locate the ceiling joists. This can be done with a stud finder. The furring strips should be attached across the joists at a right angle. The second furring strip installed should be positioned so that its center is the same distance from the wall as the width of your border tile. Each subsequent strip should be 12 inches from the one next to it.

Measure in Advance

• Measure your ceiling area in advance so that you can cut your border tiles appropriately to fit the ceiling. Of course, you will have to cut a smaller size for the edges of the room, and it is best to have these cut in advance to make installation easier.
  Measure the length of the room in feet. If there is a measurement less than whole feet, you will have to cut a border tile that will fit the extra inches. To determine the amount of the border tile, take the inches and add 12, divide that number by 2 and this will give you the size of the border tile on either side of the room. This can be done for the width of the room as well.

Place the Border Tiles

• Put the border tiles up on the ceiling first and then fit in the whole tiles after. A border should be put against the edge of the ceiling and the wall. Choose the style of border piece that coordinates well with your tiles. For instance, a pressed-tin ceiling tile or faux-tin tile may look best with a wood border piece. A white border piece will blend seamlessly with simple white tiles.