Suspended ceilings (sometimes described as dropped ceilings) are a common feature of many buildings, both old and new. These secondary ceilings offer many practical and aesthetic advantages, which is why they are not just used in commercial settings but in domestic homes too. Though we operate a professional installation service at Western Industrial, fitting a suspended ceiling is a project many people with good practical skills may wish to consider. They work particularly well alongside retail mezzanine floors and warehouse mezzanine floors to maximise space.
So here is our own ‘7-step Guide to Installing a Suspended Ceiling’ which sketches out the main features of the process:
- Room Plan
It’s essential to know the precise dimensions of your room, and many later problems can be avoided if you tackle this task with precision. You will need to factor in any current office partition walls and glass partition walls into your design. Professionals use graph paper to create an accurate room plan. You will, of course, need to decide the exact height for your new ceiling. Remember also to allow a spacing of 3 to 4 inches between your planned ceiling and the structure above. This allows room for fixtures above and makes it easier to place your ceiling panels. When planning the grid layout, it’s usual to have a centred grid tee bisecting your room space.
This planning and preparation stage is also a good time to draw up a list of all the tools and materials you will require to complete the project.
- Room Lights
Integral ceiling lights are a feature of most installations. So, after drafting your basic plan, you will need to decide what ceiling lights you require, and where your lighting panels will be located. Mark these on your plan for easy reference when you come to install the lighting units etc.
- Mark your wall
Measure carefully and mark a level line around each wall of your room to indicate the new ceiling height. The wall angles used to support your new structure must be fastened securely to the wall. The bottom edge of each wall angle should usually be fixed flush to your marked line – check your manufacturer’s recommendation on this point. Precision is everything here, so it’s best to create a temporary mitre box or similar template to give a uniform guide.
- Wiring Installation
At this point you will need to install the suspension wires to support your ceiling as well as the electrical wiring harness used to power your lighting installation. The task specifics will usually depend upon the details of your chosen lighting plan. For instance, if you are using an array of recessed lights you will need to get them wired in situ before placing your suspension wires.
Before attachment, your suspension wires must first be cut to size. All grid tees supporting your suspension wires must appear on your plan, with the main (primary) tees positioned at right angles to the joists above. Set up your first suspension wire at the intersection where the first cross tee meets its main tee. Once this wire is correctly fastened and stretched to avoid kinking, your other suspension wires can be similarly attached with a four-feet spacing.
- Lock the Main Tees
Most suspended ceiling grids require the main tee sections to be locked (spliced) together. This step is all about correct alignment of the main tees to create a solid support structure. Your manufacturer’s instructions will quote the appropriate measurements required.
- Install Main and Cross Tees
The most important point here is to line up all main tees with their respective wall angle. This job will require a long level to maintain a consistent alignment. If you take time over this, the placement of the grid cross tees – which slot into the main tees – will become a lot easier. Once again, the specific manufacturer’s instructions must be carefully followed.
- Fitting Ceiling Panels
Once your dropped ceiling grid, framework and wires are all in position, the final phase of the process is to install your ceiling panels. While these should slot easily into place, it can help to tilt and lift them above the ceiling framework before dropping them down into their allocated position. As you lay each panel, double check that it sits level in position. You can always adjust your suspension grid at this stage to correct any small errors.
Your new ceiling will give your room space a fresh new look. In addition, a careful design will also hide service elements such as pipes, wires and ducts, while still allowing easy access for repairs and maintenance.
If you are thinking of installing a suspended ceiling, contact a member of the team who will be happy to advise you.
