How to Cover Pipes That Are Running Along Basement Ceilings

Acquire any permits you need to complete construction in your home. In addition, check on code requirements for ceiling height. Most codes require you to have a minimum height from floor to ceiling. Keep in mind that you will need about 4 inches of clearance between the current ceiling and the drop ceiling. Permits and code requirements can usually be found at the office of building compliance or enforcement, or a similarly named office.

Measure the length and width of the ceiling. Calculate how many panels will fit across the ceiling. Panels typically come in 4-foot sections. Main runners will be placed perpendicular to the joists on your ceiling to hold the panels. Divide the total length of the ceiling by the width of the panels -- usually 4 feet -- to determine how many panels will fit. If the calculation leaves you with extra space, you will need to use partial panels.

Buy a drop ceiling kit from a hardware store. Many manufacturers make kits to install a drop ceiling. The kit will come with the panels, supports and hardware necessary to install the ceiling. While installation might vary slightly from one manufacturer to the next, they are all similar.

Measure down to where you plan to install the drop ceiling. The ceiling must be at least 4 inches below the current ceiling. However, if you plan to add florescent lighting between the ceilings, you will need an additional 2 inches.

Mark the line where the new ceiling will be installed along three walls by using a level and pencil. The fourth wall line can be made using a chalk line that connects to two adjoining walls.

Locate wall studs using a stud finder. Once located, nail the perimeter molding in place using 6d nails. The top edge of the molding should be flush with your perimeter line. Use tin snips to cut molding, if necessary. Connect molding at corners by cutting 45-degree angles with the tin snips.

Mark your joists with the chalk line. You will need to make a mark every 4 feet if your panels are 4 feet wide. If you bought 2-feet panels, then mark every 2 feet. This is where your main runners will be attached.

Screw eyebolts into every third joist along the chalk line you created as a guide for the main runners. Into each eyebolt, hang 16-gauge wire that you twist around itself. The main runners will eventually connect to the wire.

Stretch string about every 8 feet across the room from the perimeter molding. The string should be taut because it will be your guide for how low to hang the main runners. Once the string is in place, lower each wire to the level of the string and connect it to the nearest hole in the main runner then bend the wire up and twist it several times to secure the runner. Repeat this process across the room for each main runner. Snip any excess from the runners with your tin snips.

Install the cross tees perpendicular to the main runners every 2 feet. The cross tees generally have a hook that simply hooks to the runners to help connect the system and stabilize the ceiling.

Install your panels starting in the center and working your way out. If you do not need any partial panels, your ceiling is done.

Cut partial panels by turning the panels finished side up and cutting to size using a utility knife. Install the partial panels along the edges of the room.