How to Cut Drop-Ceiling (Drywall-Type) Tiles
- Mark the Cutting Line Place the tile face-up on your work surface. ...
- Score the Cut Place a T-square or framing square onto the tile so its edge is aligned with the marks. ...
- Complete the Cut The method for cutting drop-ceiling tiles will be familiar to anyone who has worked with drywall. ...
- Make a Circular Cutout (as Needed)
What is the best tool to cut ceiling tiles?
- Measure the size of the grid square or rectangle.
- Score the ceiling tile along the pencil line on the front of the tile using a utility knife.
- Run the knife down the line a second time, which should be enough to cut all the way through.
What is the best material for ceiling tiles?
Types of Acoustic Ceiling Tiles
- Mineral Fiber Tiles. High density mineral fiber is formed into tiles using a high-pressure binder. ...
- Fiberglass Tiles. Glass strands are pressed into a tile using a binder. ...
- Wood Tiles. A wood veneer is applied to a hard backing panel with an acoustical pad adhered to the back of the panel.
- Foam Tiles. ...
How to improve a drop ceiling?
The Best Ways to Dress Up a Drop Ceiling
- Copycat Coffered. Want to recreate the elegant indentations of a coffered ceiling without the effort? ...
- Sublime Styrofoam. Lightweight square Styrofoam ceiling can tiles, available in a range of sizes and engraved with a host of patterns from florets to geometric shapes, can suit a ...
- Faux Metal Marvel. ...
- Beadboard Beauty. ...
- Burlap Beauty. ...
What size are drop ceiling tiles?
Drop ceiling tiles, also referred to as suspended ceilings, offer great benefits and come in a variety of sizes, patterns, materials, and colors. Armstrong Ceilings uses 15/16” and 9/16” grid face suspension systems with 24” x 24” or 24” x 48” ceiling tiles. You can also select your preferred tile edge. Square edge tiles show the grid, while tegular edge tiles minimize the appearance of the grid.
How to cut tile with a knife?
How to score a tile with a ruler?
How to measure tile width?
How to tell if a tile is metal or plastic?
How to make shadows on tin tile?
How to protect your hands from a tile?
Can you use mineral fiber ceiling tiles overnight?
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About this website
What do you cut drop ceiling with?
Drop ceiling tiles that aren't acoustic tile are essentially nothing more than drywall with vinyl facing. Therefore, you cut them just like drywall, using a square and utility knife for straight cuts and a drywall saw (a keyhole saw) for holes and curves. You can also use a rotary tool for circular cutouts.
What size do I cut ceiling tiles?
You may want to cut your tiles about 0.125 inches (0.32 cm) shorter than the measurements taken from your ceiling grid. This will ensure that the tile does not fit so tightly in the grid that it is hard to install.
How do you cut angles in a drop ceiling?
2:012:59Install Wall Angle at Ceiling Height | Armstrong Ceiling SolutionsYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipPast the corner. Then square but cut to length. Next you want to cut away the vertical flangeMorePast the corner. Then square but cut to length. Next you want to cut away the vertical flange leaving an exposed horizontal tab you will do this to both angles that approach the outside corner.
How do you cut a shadow line in a ceiling tile?
To do this, first lay the tile back in the ceiling grid. Then score the shadow line with a light pass with your knife. Take the tile out, use your score line and cut halfway through the tile. Cut through the side of the tile piece, meeting the halfway cut you made previously.
How do you cut a circle in a drop ceiling tile?
0:070:54Easily Cut Access Holes in Ceiling Tiles | Armstrong Ceiling SolutionsYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipNext use a compass to scribe and outline your circular cut on the face of your panel. Using aMoreNext use a compass to scribe and outline your circular cut on the face of your panel. Using a keyhole saw cut out your circle. And you're ready for your fixture.
How do you cut a corner on a drop ceiling grid?
3:277:12How To Install Drop Ceiling Wall Molding On An Inside CornerYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo i cut a little bit less than these. And by the way the cut don't need to be perfect because thisMoreSo i cut a little bit less than these. And by the way the cut don't need to be perfect because this is going to be hide. Inside the other wall molding. And i'm going to use these you know to connect.
Can you install a drop ceiling on an angle?
0:331:52How To install A Suspended Ceiling (Wall angle installation) - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIt's very important that the angle be installed securely to meet the load required because the wallMoreIt's very important that the angle be installed securely to meet the load required because the wall angle supports the main runners.
How do you install 12x12 tongue and groove ceiling tiles?
2:536:12How to Install Embossed Ceiling Tiles - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipI begin installation starting at the chalk line intersection aligning the edge of the tile with theMoreI begin installation starting at the chalk line intersection aligning the edge of the tile with the lines of the ceiling. Once the tile is in position I press it firmly is the flat or palm of my hand.
How much does a ceiling tile cost?
For example, acoustical ceiling tiles are sold by the box at $500 each. On the other hand, more expensive types like tin tiles can go as high as $15-$40 per panel.
What are ceiling tiles used for?
They’re commonly used for residential, commercial, and industrial purposes. Two of the most common ceiling tiles are acoustic and drywall-type tiles – both will be covered on our step-by-step guide below.
Why are ceiling tiles discolored?
Over time, they become discolored due to several factors like water leaks, UV rays, grease stains, and more. Therefore, ceiling tiles need to be maintained regularly. The tiles’ cleaning schedule depends on where they’re installed.
Can you paint dropped ceiling tiles?
Sure you can! You can use regular latex paint for painting dropped ceiling tiles. They can benefit from a fresh coat of paint by reviving their look or making the room appear brighter or larger. Over time, ceiling tiles become stained and a coat of paint gives them a much-needed rejuvenation.
What does the lip of a tile do?
The lip of the tiles grip the grid while the lower-hanging center area helps make the ceiling look more like a solid surface than a drop ceiling. There are standard-sized tiles for most of your ceiling grid, but you must cut shorter ones along the walls or around light fixtures.
Can you lay tile on the front?
Always work on the front of the tile. The recessed edges of the tile can make it unsteady if you lay it on the tile's front, creating a crooked line. It's also more likely to tear the fibers of the tile if you cut from the back.
Steps for Cutting Ceiling Tiles
Measure each tile to cut one at a time. To correctly size tiles against a wall, measure from the wall to the edge of the cross T.
Tips and Considerations for Cutting Ceiling Tiles
Use a good pair of light gloves. They will protect the tiles from fingerprints and your hands from the tiles’ abrasiveness.
What kind of tools are used to cut ceiling tiles?
All types of ceiling tiles can be cut with basic hand tools. Acoustic tiles—the lightweight fiber panels—are cut with a carpet knife. Drywall-like drop ceiling (suspended ceiling) tiles are cut with a utility knife or a drywall saw. Tin ceiling tiles are cut with tin snips.
How to use rotary tool for tile?
To use a rotary tool: Install a multipurpose cutting bit and attach a circle guide to the saw. Adjust the circle guide for the desired hole diameter. Tilt the tool back and align the point of the circle guide with the center mark. Turn on the tool, then carefully tilt it down so the blade cuts into the tile.
How to protect tile from knife?
Lay a scrap of plywood or similar material on your work surface to protect it from the knife. Place the tile face-up on the plywood. Measure across the tile and make a light pencil mark at the top and bottom edges of the tile.
How to score a tile with a utility knife?
Place a T-square or framing square onto the tile so its edge is aligned with the marks. Hold the square firmly with one hand, then make a single, deep score along the edge of the square, using a utility knife.
How to make a circle with a compass?
Mark the center of the circle, then draw the circle to the desired size, using a pencil compass. Trace along the pencil line with a marker for better visibility, if desired. Drill a 3/8-inch starter hole inside the circle's outline, using a drill and 3/8-inch bit. Complete the cutout with the tin snips, beginning and ending at the starter hole.
Can you cut acoustic tile with a carpet knife?
Acoustic tiles for drop-ceiling and surface-mount applications are easy to cut with a carpet knife. You can use a standard utility knife, but a carpet knife cuts deeper and more cleanly. It's a good idea to wear thin gloves when working with acoustic tile to keep the tiles clean and to protect your hands from rough tile textures. ...
How do I nail a wall angle?
Try to avoid nailing on or near the corner beads—it’s a sure way to cause nail pops and cracks. Instead, run the wall angle long, snip the bottom and then bend it around the corner. Finish it with a “slip-on” outside corner.
How to cut a tee to length?
The cleanest way to cut the main tees to length is to cut the bottom flange first from both directions. Then cut the stem last. That’ll give you a clean, flat cut. Wade’s cutting tool of choice is a pair of high-quality, yellow-handled (straight-cut) aviator snips.
How to make sure all the tees line up?
Don’t assume the wall is straight. Instead, run a string and use that as a guide to make sure all the cross tee slots line up.
Who hangs suspended ceilings?
Wade Sides has been hanging suspended ceilings for more than 30 years. He started out working with his dad while still in high school. Wade has hung ceilings just about everywhere, from residential laundry rooms to casinos and mega-malls. With these tips, $75 worth of tools and a little elbow grease, you’ll save about 40 percent of the total cost of professional installation.
How does Wade use fence staples?
Wade uses fence staples to secure the wall angle between the studs, especially where there’s a gap between the wall and the angle. If there’s a severe bow in the wall, you may have to cut the lower part of the channel so it will flex and follow the contour.
How to cut tile with a knife?
Place your knife's edge at the start of the tile. Hold the tile in place by grabbing the side firmly with your free hand. Use your hip to hold the corner of the tile in place, well away from the path of the blade. Push the blade into the tile and drag it along the line in a rapid motion.
How to score a tile with a ruler?
If you're using a wood tile or a tile of another material, use a pencil to mark the score on the tile with a ruler.
How to measure tile width?
Score the width of the tile with the hook of a tape measure. Once you've got your measurement, roll out your tape measure to the right length. Place the body of the measure at the side of the tile and the hook at the start of the pencil line you marked.
How to tell if a tile is metal or plastic?
To find out what material your tiles are, remove 1 from the grid. Knock on it and if there's a hollow sound it's wooden. You should be able to tell which tiles are metal and plastic from touching them. Mineral fiber or fiberglass tiles feel rougher on the surface but are light to hold.
How to make shadows on tin tile?
For tin tiles, use a buzz saw. Only cut halfway through the tile at the edge to create the shadow line.
How to protect your hands from a tile?
Wear thin work gloves when working with the tiles. Thin work gloves will stop you leaving fingerprint marks on your tiles. On top of that, they will protect your hands from the rough, abrasive texture of the tiles. Buy some good quality thin work gloves at your local hardware store.
Can you use mineral fiber ceiling tiles overnight?
Mineral fiber or fiberglass tiles feel rougher on the surface but are light to hold. Remove the tiles from their package and let them rest overnight. New ceiling tiles need time to adjust to temperature and humidity conditions. In these conditions, the tiles can expand or contract by a small margin.
