How to Install Drop Ceiling in a Basement? Key Steps Guide

Renovating your basement isn’t a challenging task in 2022. You can get the ultimate aesthetic outlook with drop ceilings. However, when it comes to installing a drop ceiling in a basement, many people take it as a big hurdle. This is because many times, it becomes too expensive to take professional help, while too technical to install it on your own. So, what to do?

Although drop ceiling installation price can vary, however, installation process remains the same. Therefore, it’s good to invest your time instead of your money to install drop ceiling in a basement hassle-free.

But how?

Today’s blog shares key steps guide to let you install drop ceiling successfully in a basement. So, let’s get started.

Why Install Drop Ceiling in a Basement?

Before going towards the main topic, let’s first know how dropping ceilings can give you an edge. Drop ceilings or also known as suspended ceilings are cost-effective, easy to maintain, and bring an aesthetic eye-catchy outlook. Thus, they are the fittest choice for the basement or any room where you like to feel the aesthetic vibes.

But this is not the only reason to install drop ceilings. The major reason is its trendy design covering the roof that appeals to the viewers. This is why these days drop ceilings are becoming popular not only in offices but in homes and apartments too.

Key Steps Guide to Install Drop Ceiling in a Basement:

It is a myth that only professionals can install drop ceilings. Instead, a first-time newbie with no technical knowledge can install a drop ceiling successfully. But how?

Don’t be in a hurry, this is the first key to successfully installing a drop ceiling in a basement. But before you install it, you must need first install the grid system of runners to support your ceiling tiles. Secure the grid, and then set the tiles in place to create a new ceiling.

Want to learn from the basics? The Internet made it easy for you to find out exciting tutorials regarding drop ceiling installation. However, the key steps that are essential for you to take in order to install drop ceilings in a basement are as follows.

1. Place Your Wall Angles:

The first step to installing a drop ceiling in a basement is to place your wall angles perfectly. In order to do this, you need to first major the length of each wall in the room. Write the dimensions in a notebook or directly on the wall where you are installing the ceiling. You’ll need to measure only the length and width of your room if it is square or rectangular. Once you are done with it, make a line between 4-6 inches down from the tops of your walls. leave at least 4-6 Inch space from the top of your wall to the line you marked.

This will help you to get a room for fixtures and to put in your tiles. Now, draw a straight line completely around your room. This can be done through chalk or a pencil. The key tips that you need to follow to place wall angles are as follows.

• For a large fluorescent light panel draw a line 6 inches down.
• Use pair of tin snips to cut wall angles to the length of your wall. The L-shaped piece’s wall angles are used to support the tiles and runners.
• The line you drew earlier will help you to screw the wall angles into the studs perfectly.

2. Install Grid System:

Once you are done with the first step, now is the time to install the grid system. You need to cut the main runner to fit the length of your room perpendicular to the joist. This needs to be done carefully, as it will support the bulk of the weight of your ceiling. This is the essential part that you need to focus on. When installing a grid system, tie strings across your room every 4ft.

Once you leave the line on the joist by snapping the chalk line or tying the strings from one end to the other, move over 4ft and make another line on your ceilings. Keep doing this till you reach the other edge. Once you are done with it, you need to screw an eyelet in every third joist along your line.

3. Install Runners & Tiles:

This is the third and the last part that needs to be done with extra care. You need to hang up the main runner through a wire, and then keep adding secondary runners with the same procedure. You need to clip them in place when installing runners. Once you successfully install runners, it becomes easy for you to move to your last step of installing tiles.

Go with a standard tile, cut them according to the space, and lift them up to install them. This is one of the key steps that you need to follow to install a drop ceiling in a basement. However, make sure you’ve watched a tutorial for more guidelines to avoid any future consequences.