How to Remove Drop Ceiling Tiles

Last Updated: July 9, 2023

Suspended ceilings, often called "drop ceilings," are a very common ceiling finish in basements and office spaces. They're inexpensive and simple to install, and allow for easy access to utility lines and fixtures located above the ceiling. However, the gypsum tiles used in suspended ceilings don't tend to age gracefully, and they can be easily damaged and discolored. We'll show you how to remove and replace drop ceiling tiles in a jiffy to make sure your space is clean and presentable.

1

Cover the floor with a protective material.

Download Article

{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/7\/7a\/Remove-a-Ceiling-Tile-Step-1-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Remove-a-Ceiling-Tile-Step-1-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/7\/7a\/Remove-a-Ceiling-Tile-Step-1-Version-2.jpg\/v4-728px-Remove-a-Ceiling-Tile-Step-1-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\">\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc. \n<\/p> \n<\/p><\/div>"}

Gypsum ceiling tiles tend to crumble around the edges, especially as they get older. If you want to keep this debris from getting onto your floors, lay down something to protect them, such as sheets of newspaper. A tarp is ideal if you are removing large amounts of ceiling tile.

2

Position a chair or stepladder underneath the tile.

Download Article

{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/f\/fd\/Remove-a-Ceiling-Tile-Step-2-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Remove-a-Ceiling-Tile-Step-2-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/f\/fd\/Remove-a-Ceiling-Tile-Step-2-Version-2.jpg\/v4-728px-Remove-a-Ceiling-Tile-Step-2-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\">\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc. \n<\/p> \n<\/p><\/div>"}

If your ceilings are out of your reach when standing up, you'll need to stand on top of something. This is useful even if you are tall enough to reach the ceiling, because it produces a more comfortable angle, which allows you to remove the tile with less damage to its edges.

3

Lift the tile out of the ceiling frame.

Download Article

{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/7\/79\/Remove-a-Ceiling-Tile-Step-3-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Remove-a-Ceiling-Tile-Step-3-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/7\/79\/Remove-a-Ceiling-Tile-Step-3-Version-2.jpg\/v4-728px-Remove-a-Ceiling-Tile-Step-3-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\">\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc. \n<\/p> \n<\/p><\/div>"}

Each ceiling tile in your suspended ceiling will be held in place by resting on the T-shaped metal frame (the component that forms a grid across your ceiling). Gently push the tile upwards to lift it out of the frame. Use both hands to avoid damaging the tile and generating debris.

4

Angle the tile so that it fits through the opening.

Download Article

{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/2\/2b\/Remove-a-Ceiling-Tile-Step-4-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Remove-a-Ceiling-Tile-Step-4-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/2\/2b\/Remove-a-Ceiling-Tile-Step-4-Version-2.jpg\/v4-728px-Remove-a-Ceiling-Tile-Step-4-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\">\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc. \n<\/p> \n<\/p><\/div>"}

The ceiling tile will be a little larger than the opening so that it can rest securely on the frame without falling through. To remove it, rotate it about 45 degrees in the space above the ceiling. The tile should easily fit through the square opening when positioned along the diagonal.

5

Pull the ceiling tile out of the frame.

Download Article

{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/f\/fc\/Remove-a-Ceiling-Tile-Step-5-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Remove-a-Ceiling-Tile-Step-5-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/f\/fc\/Remove-a-Ceiling-Tile-Step-5-Version-2.jpg\/v4-728px-Remove-a-Ceiling-Tile-Step-5-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\">\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc. \n<\/p> \n<\/p><\/div>"}

Gently lower the tile through the frame, and set it onto your protective floor covering. Repeat this process for any other tiles that need to be removed. Gypsum tiles can be discarded in the garbage or recycled at select recycling depots that accept construction waste. Your floor covering can then be carefully discarded along with any debris.

6

Address any issues causing damage to the tile.

Download Article

{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/7\/7f\/Remove-a-Ceiling-Tile-Step-6-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Remove-a-Ceiling-Tile-Step-6-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/7\/7f\/Remove-a-Ceiling-Tile-Step-6-Version-2.jpg\/v4-728px-Remove-a-Ceiling-Tile-Step-6-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\">\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc. \n<\/p> \n<\/p><\/div>"}

A common reason for replacing ceiling tiles is water damage, which readily causes discoloration and deterioration. Water damage is usually caused by a leaky pipe above the ceiling, and you must address this problem before replacing the ceiling tile.

7

Replace the old ceiling tile with a new one.

Download Article

{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/2\/2f\/Remove-a-Ceiling-Tile-Step-7-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Remove-a-Ceiling-Tile-Step-7-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/2\/2f\/Remove-a-Ceiling-Tile-Step-7-Version-2.jpg\/v4-728px-Remove-a-Ceiling-Tile-Step-7-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\">\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc. \n<\/p> \n<\/p><\/div>"}

The new tile can be eased into the frame along the diagonal just as you removed the old one. Lower it gently into the frame, being careful not to damage any of the edges in the process.

Expert Q&A

Search

Add New Question

Ask a Question

200 characters left

Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.

Submit

Video

Tips

Ceiling tiles are usually manufactured with one smooth side and one dimpled side. Either side can be faced downwards depending on your aesthetic preferences.

Thanks
Helpful 3 Not Helpful 1
Gypsum ceiling tiles are also available in an array of patterned and textured designs. These designs will allow you to inexpensively update the look of your basement.

Thanks
Helpful 0 Not Helpful 1

Submit a Tip

All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published

Submit

Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

Warnings

Until the 1970s, most ceiling tiles in suspended ceilings contained asbestos. Contained in this rigid form, asbestos is far less dangerous than in loose insulation form. If you still have concerns, however, contact an asbestos removal contractor to remove your entire ceiling.

Thanks
Helpful 4 Not Helpful 1

Things You'll Need

Newspaper or tarp
Chair or stepladder
Ceiling tile

Log in

How to Remove Drop Ceiling Tiles

Steps

Cover the floor with a protective material.

Position a chair or stepladder underneath the tile.

Lift the tile out of the ceiling frame.

Angle the tile so that it fits through the opening.

Pull the ceiling tile out of the frame.

Address any issues causing damage to the tile.

Replace the old ceiling tile with a new one.

Expert Q&A

Video

Tips

Warnings

Things You'll Need

You Might Also Like

References

About This Article

Did this article help you?

About This Article

Quizzes

You Might Also Like

Featured Articles

Trending Articles

Featured Articles

Featured Articles

Watch Articles

Trending Articles

Explore Categories