| Installing a Suspended Ceiling |
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Careful planning is especially important when installing a suspended ceiling. Use grid paper to measure the room and plan out the location of each panel. Also note the location and size of any special lighting fixtures that need to be installed in your suspended ceiling. The first step toward installing a suspended ceiling is establishing the location of the frame. Because you want the ceiling to be level you will mark the location on the wall then make additional wall marks around the room at a point that is level to the initial mark. Remember that code will require headroom of at least 7 ft. 6 in. In addition, make sure you have at least 3 inches of space above the frame for room to install the tiles. Here are the subsequent steps: * Attach the individual cross tees into the wall molding and main runners. * Install the panels by lifting them through the openings at an angle and lowering them into place on the frame. Remodeling Tips The easiest way to install a frame hanger is to install the upper clip and attach the hanging wire, then insert the wire into the frame and make sure it is level before bending and twisting the lower end of the wire. Most hangers are simply bare 18-gauge wire.
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A suspended ceiling is similar to a tile ceiling in that both use tiles on a frame. However, a tile ceiling is nailed to a frame of furring strips while a suspended ceiling uses a metal grid that is hung or suspended from the joists. Suspended ceiling tiles are available in 2 ft. squares, and 2 X 4 ft. rectangles. The smaller ones have less tendency to sag with age, but will require more framing than the larger size.
