Download Article
Get new ceiling tiles set up in a snap
Download Article
If you're looking for a simple update that can change the entire look of a room, install ceiling tiles. Decorative tiles can give a subtle boost to the room's décor, especially when coupled with a unique molding. Depending on the type of tiles, they may even suppress noise and insulate the ceiling. You'll need basic skill with simple household tools. If your ceiling is in good condition, you can apply the tiles directly to the existing ceiling. If it is less stable, you can add furring strips to give the tiles the foundation they need. Either way, you'll be surprised at what a difference ceiling tiles make for the feel of your room.
Steps
-
Clean the ceiling. If the ceiling isn't very dirty, simply use a broom covered with a tee-shirt to dust away any dirt. If your ceiling is dirty or greasy, use a sponge to scrub one small section at a time using an all-purpose cleaner. [1] X Research source It's important to let the ceiling dry thoroughly before applying your tiles.
- A clean surface will make your tiles stick more effectively. You may have trouble attaching them if the ceiling is dirty or has peeling paint. If your ceiling is very greasy, wash it using a mixture of 1 cup ammonia and half a gallon of water.
-
Measure the square footage of the room. To do this, use a measuring tape and record how long the ceiling is. Then measure how wide the ceiling is. Multiply these two numbers to get your square footage. [2] X Research source
- For example, if your ceiling is 12' long and 15' wide, then the square footage is 180.
Advertisement -
Determine how many tiles you need. You'll need to figure the square footage of each tile. Again, multiply the length times the width to get the tile's measurement. Then divide the square footage of the ceiling by the square footage of one tile. This will tell you how many tiles you'll need. [3] X Research source
- For example, if your tile is 24" long and 24" wide (2' by 2'), then the square footage for the tile is 4 (2 multiplied by 2). If the square footage for your room is 180, divide it by 4. You'll need at least 45 tiles.
- Always buy 20 percent more tiles than you think you'll need. That way, if you need to cut tiles or make a mistake, you'll have plenty to complete the job. [4] X Research source
-
Remove any fixtures or vents. Unscrew any light fixtures, fans, or air vent covers. This will allow you to easily measure tiles and install them without damaging fixtures.
- You'll probably want to use a flat-head or Phillips screwdriver to remove fixtures. This is also a good time to give fixtures and vents a quick clean.
Advertisement
-
Use chalk lines to find the center of the room. Measure halfway across each wall in opposite directions, using the length and width measurements you made for the ceiling. Have someone hold the chalk line or reel while you walk to the opposite end of the room. Snap the chalk against the ceiling. Rotate 90 degrees and do the same for the two opposite walls. [5] X Research source
- For example, if your room was 12' long and 15' wide, you should measure 6' across the length of the room and 7.5' across the width of the room.
- When completed, you should have 2 straight lines that cross each other in the center of the room. This will be your starting point for laying tiles.
-
Apply cement or adhesive to your tiles. Use a foam brush or putty knife to spread adhesive on the back of your tiles. Spread adhesive to the four corners of the ceiling tile, about 1 inch (2.54 cm) from the edges and to the center of the tile.
- Check package instructions to determine the correct adhesive or cement for your tile material.
-
Apply whole tiles to the ceiling. Place your first tile in the center of the room, where the two chalk lines meet. Press it firmly against the ceiling, making sure it is level and aligned properly. Continue to place the tiles by working out from the center until you reach the other side of the room. Use the chalk lines as a guide. [6] X Research source
-
Cut tiles for fixtures. When you reach a fixture hole, measure the size and shape of the hole and locate where it will be on the ceiling tile you're preparing to place. Use those measurements to draw and cut the hole using a straightedge or scissors. Apply glue and place the tile on the ceiling where the fixture will be.
- Do a dry run and test your cut before adhering it to the ceiling. Simply hold your cut tile up over the hole, making sure the hole is completely visible. This way you'll be able to easily reinstall the fixture.
-
Measure and cut edge tiles. By the time you've almost completed tiling your ceiling, you may notice that you're near the edges and that the tiles will not entirely fit. You'll need to measure the exact size of tile for the edges. Then use a straight edge to cut the tile, apply glue, and press the edge tile against the ceiling. Repeat this around all the edges.
- Again, do a dry run and test your cut before adhering it to the ceiling. Simply hold your cut tile up on the ceiling against the edge. It should fit snugly, but not be too tight or difficult to apply.
-
Attach molding to the borders, optional. If you choose to add borders to the edges of the ceiling, use a staple or nail gun and secure the molding to the wall. Fill the holes with wood filler and paint the molding.
- Molding can make your room look more polished or finished. [7] X Research source It can also hide edges of tiles that have been cut.
Advertisement
-
Locate one of the joists. A joist is a length of timber or metal that provides structural support. It's easiest to use a stud finder to locate them in the ceiling. Mark the spot with a nail or chalk mark.
- You might want to start by checking for joists near lighting fixtures since they're often installed along joists.
-
Find the other joists. Measure 16 inches (40.64 cm) from the first joist and check for the presence of the next one. Joists are usually 16 inches to 24 inches (40.64 to 60.96 cm) apart, so you should find it close to those measurements. Mark a chalk line that shows the joists across the entire ceiling. [8] X Research source
-
Install the furring strips. Furring strips are thin 1" by 3" strips of wood that you attach at a right angle to your joists so that they are flush against the wall. You simply staple a nail into the strip. Use a level and make sure that the furring strip is level. If not, add a shim underneath to make it level.
- Make sure that your furring strips are at even intervals and that they fall through the center of your tiles. You may want to hold up tiles for reference as you install the furring strips.
-
Apply the first tile in the corner. Snap a chalk line down the center of the first strip closest to the wall. Align the corner tile with the line and the wall, then staple it to the furring strip, using at least 2 staples along the sides and 1 in each corner. Continue placing edge tiles. [9] X Research source
-
Staple the tiles across the ceiling.Once you've stapled the edge tiles, work your way across the ceiling filling in with whole tiles. You may need to use a straight edge to cut a tile to fit around a fixture. When you reach a fixture hole, measure the size and shape of the hole and locate where it will be on the ceiling tile you're preparing to place. Use those measurements to draw and cut the hole.
-
Attach molding to the borders, optional. If you choose to add borders to the edges of the ceiling, use a staple or nail gun and secure the molding to the wall. Fill the holes with wood filler and paint the molding.
- Molding can make your room look more polished or finished. [10] X Research source It can also hide edges of tiles that have been cut.
Advertisement
Expert Q&A
Search
-
QuestionWhat kind of adhesive should I use?Schannon Yodice is a Tile Installation and Design Expert based in League City, Texas. She is the Founder of Online Tile Academy, an online video platform designed to educate designers, contractors, and the general public on the proper use, installation, and building of tile installation. With over 242K followers on her Instagram, thattilechick, Schannon is known for sharing DIY projects and tips for various tile installation projects.Start by checking the data sheet for the adhesive you’re considering. Ceiling tile adhesives typically list the types of surfaces they can adhere to, like drywall, plaster, or concrete, and will also tell you if they work for various tile materials, like polystyrene, PVC, or mineral fiber. This little detail is often overlooked, and most of the time, using an all-purpose adhesive may work, but when it doesn't, it could cause a huge amount of money for repairs. When you’re ready to apply the adhesive, you should only work in sections and don't rush it. With ceiling tiles, it’s all about making sure each tile is secure before moving to the next, doing all of these will make all the difference in how it holds up over time.
-
QuestionWhat size staple should I use?Top AnswererYou want your staple points to go at least a half-inch into the wood (1¼ cm), so choose accordingly.
-
QuestionWhy do you have to put up the furring strips? Why can't you put them on the ceiling?Top AnswererYou can if the original ceiling is in good shape. Furring strips are used when there's no ceiling in place or it's in bad condition. See Method 2 above.
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
Advertisement
Video
Tips
Submit a Tip
All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
Name
Please provide your name and last initial
Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
Things You'll Need
- Ladder
- Mild detergent
- Fiberboard ceiling tiles, 12 inches by 12 inches (30.48 cm by 30.48 cm)
- Tape measure
- Chalk string
- Utility knife
- Level
- Metal ruler
- Cement/adhesive
- Stud finder
- Pine strips, 1 inch by 3 inches (2.54 cm by 7.62 cm)
- Nails
- Hammer
- Staple gun
- Border molding
References
- ↑ https://www.bhg.com/homekeeping/house-cleaning/surface/how-to-clean-ceilings-and-moldings/
- ↑ https://www.weekand.com/home-garden/article/measure-room-ceiling-tile-furring-strips-18037645.php
- ↑ https://www.weekand.com/home-garden/article/measure-room-ceiling-tile-furring-strips-18037645.php
- ↑ https://www.hgtv.com/design/decorating/design-101/how-to-install-tin-ceiling-tiles
- ↑ https://www.hgtv.com/design/decorating/design-101/how-to-install-tin-ceiling-tiles
- ↑ https://www.hgtv.com/design/decorating/design-101/how-to-install-tin-ceiling-tiles
- ↑ https://www.hgtv.com/design/remodel/interior-remodel/molding-and-trim-make-an-impact
- ↑ https://millardlumber.com/HowTo/ceilingt/ceilingtile.htm
- ↑ https://millardlumber.com/HowTo/ceilingt/ceilingtile.htm
About This Article
Article Summary
X
If your ceiling is in good shape, you can install tiles by applying adhesive to them and pressing them against the ceiling, starting in the center of the room and working outward. Alternatively, you can install a drop ceiling by first attaching thin, 1-inch by 3-inch strips of wood at right angles to the room’s joists. Then, staple tiles to the wood strips along the edge of the room before you work your way across the whole ceiling. With either method, make sure to measure and cut your tiles to fit around any ceiling fixtures. To learn how to figure out how many tiles you’ll need for your ceiling project, read on!
Did this summary help you?
Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 154,205 times.
Reader Success Stories
- "We just hire new employees with no skills at all. We try to help all our staff. Everyone should have a chance skills or no skills, this video was very successful." ..." more
Advertisement
"We just hire new employees with no skills at all. We try to help all our staff. Everyone should have a chance skills or no skills, this video was very successful."
..."
more
"This is a real confidence booster for a job I have never before attempted."
"My ceiling actually hangs. Trying to get final tile into square."
