Standard Drop-in tin ceiling panels fit all standard 15/16" 2'x2' grids. Overall Dimensions: 23-3/4" x 23-3/4" Face Dimensions: 22-7/8" x 22-7/8", Drop-In tiles weigh approx. 1.85 lbs each.

Instructions.Things You'll Need:

Gloves - to prevent cuts and finger prints on Unfinished tiles
Drop tile ceiling hardware, which includes screws, suspension wires and cross tees
Tiles
Sharp knife
Jigsaw
Chalk box or laser
Tin snips
Drill with eye bolt driver

Hold-Down Clips 

1. Establish the correct height for the ceiling with a laser level or chalk box.

2. Fasten the outer trim pieces to the wall with screws. The screws should be long enough to go through the wall and into the wall studs

3. Hang the suspension wires from the ceiling. Depending on the ceiling and the installer's preference, the hanger wires can be attached using different types of screws or bolts made for drop ceiling applications, or by wrapping the grid hangers around the joist or other stationary objects. The spacing intervals between the hanger wires is commonly 48 inches throughout the entire ceiling, and should hang a foot lower than the ceiling height.

4. Hang the main runners of the metal grid using the hanger wires to tie the grid in place. The main runners will run from one side of the wall to the other; they will snap into the trimming that runs along the wall. The runners will have pre-drilled holes that the grid hangers will slip through and tie. The direction of the main runners should run at right angles to the joist when installed. To make sure that the metal runners are level, use a laser to site the grid, or stretch out a string from wall trim to opposite wall trim.

5. Install the cross tees between the main runners and secure them into position using the tabs at the ends of the cross tees, which engage in the slots of the runners. The typical ceiling tile will be either 2-by-2-foot or 2-by-4-foot.

6. Put on a pair of gloves.  Without gloves, you take the chance of having black oily finger prints on Unfinished tiles and obtaining cuts.  Place the ceiling tiles in the grid flanges. Cut the tiles by scoring them with a sharp knife and then snapping them. For radius cuts, use a jigsaw or compass saw to cut the tiles.

 

7. When installing tin ceiling tiles in areas that are not the exact fit for a full tile, you will need to cut the tiles.  You can use "Tin Snips" or a 24" Guillotine paper cutter.  Cut the tile 1/2" wider than the opening of the area you are installing the tin tile.  The reason for the 1/2" extra length is so that you have enough tile to sit into the suspended ceiling grid.  Depening on the pattern, you may have to flatten out the cut edge to create a flat edge to sit in the grid.  The easy way to do that is to, precut the tile, then put the tile on a flat surface and using a piece of wood and hammer, flatten out the cut edge 1/2".  Put the piece of wood along the flat edge and hit it with a hammer.  This will create the fourth flat side so the tile sits in the grid.  The metal is thin, so it will flatten easily.  Then install into opening of grid.

8. Install "Hold Down Clips" if necessary to hold the tiles flat in the grid system. Purchased seperately!

 

Protecting Unfinished Material

 

     Any steel material should be coated with an oil-based product for protection and best results.

Painting your Ceiling

 

     If you choose to paint your metal ceiling, be sure you use an oil-based primer and paint as the steel will rust if a water based product is used. Unfinished steel must be cleaned with wax and grease cleaner before painting. Use care not to scratch pre-painted finishes when nailing up ceiling.