Take your ceiling from ho-hum to thumbs-up
If you want to cover an unsightly ceiling or add a bit of character to your space, learn how to install ceiling tiles and get an upgraded look. You can install surface-mount ceiling tiles with adhesive directly to the ceiling or use a track-and-clip system from the manufacturer. Either way, you’re just a few days away from a brand-new look. Follow this guide for seven steps to a new ceiling.
Before installing your decorative ceiling tiles, choose your ceiling tile material and place an order. Ordering the correct number of ceiling tiles can help the project run more smoothly, and you won’t be left with a half-tiled ceiling as you wait for more to come. To determine how many ceiling tiles you’ll need, calculate the square footage of your ceiling (multiply the length by the width).
Installing ceiling tiles can be a weekend project, but some prep work is involved. Once you’re prepped and ready, you’ll start by getting the first tile in the proper position, and the installation will move a little more quickly after that.
Remove any light fixtures, ceiling fans, vents, or other obstructions to ensure the easiest working environment possible and that the tiles get to where they need to go. This will give you a clean slate on which to install the ceiling tiles.
Dirt, dust, or grime on the ceiling can prevent the tile adhesive from sticking, so clean the ceiling thoroughly. If you’re doing a direct-mount application with adhesive, you’ll need to remove a popcorn ceiling by scraping all the “kernels” off and sanding it. If you prefer, you can ask a ceiling repair pro for a quote to remove the popcorn ceiling.
You’ll also need to patch any holes or cracks to make sure the surface is smooth. If you choose track-mounted tiles, you may be able to install them over a popcorn ceiling or without patching the existing ceiling.
Before you attach a tile to the ceiling, you need to figure out where to start. An easy place to begin is in the center of the ceiling, but this may not be possible if you have a light fixture there or if the room is irregularly shaped. Regardless of where you want to begin, you’ll need to choose a spot and mark it with perpendicular chalk lines that intersect at the starting point.
The first tile guides the rest of the ceiling tile installation. The installation method will depend on the type of ceiling tiles you use.
If you’re using ceiling tiles with adhesive, apply the adhesive to the back of the tile in a thin bead along all the edges and a cross or an “X” across the back. Depending on the adhesive, you can use a roller brush to apply it to the entire back of the tile.
If the tiles have a deep pattern, you can add additional adhesive to the places that will touch the ceiling. Use less adhesive on tiles with shallower patterns because it will spread when you press the tile to the ceiling.
When you’re ready, locate the point you marked with your chalk line and place the tile on the ceiling slightly away from where you want it to end up. Press it firmly to the ceiling and gently slide it into place.
If you use a track-mounted tile system, follow the manufacturer’s instructions to install the tracks through the drywall and directly into the ceiling joists. The size of the ceiling tile determines the spacing. Locate your starting point and install the first tile.
Another way to install ceiling tiles is to attach furring strips to the ceiling joists and then staple or nail the tiles to the furring strips. Secure the furring strips to the joists with staples or nails, checking to make sure they're level and at even intervals that will support the tiles. Then, choose your starting point and install the first tile.
After you’re satisfied with the first tile’s installation, you can install the rest of the tiles by placing adhesive on the back of each tile and fitting them into place or attaching them to the furring strips or the track system (according to the manufacturer’s directions). Continue installing the tiles until you come to a border.
As nice as it would be to have all the tiles fit onto the ceiling perfectly, this is very rarely the case. So you’ll have to cut the border tiles according to the manufacturer’s recommendations so they fit along the edges of the ceiling to complete the coverage. You’ll also have to cut tiles to fit around obstructions like light fixtures and skylights.
After installing the ceiling tiles, it’s time for the finishing touches. If your ceiling tile system comes with adhesive strips that cover the joints where the tiles meet, make sure the tiles are clean and dry, and then apply the strips. You can also install crown molding around the perimeter of the ceiling and replace any fixtures or vents you removed before installation.
Installing ceiling tiles is a relatively easy DIY project, especially if the existing ceiling is in good shape and you’re installing them for decorative purposes. If the ceiling is in poor condition and there’s a lot of patchwork needed, or if you want to remove a popcorn ceiling before installing tiles, consider hiring a ceiling contractor near you to tackle the job. You can also compare the cost of installing decorative or drop ceiling tiles as a DIY job to hiring a pro to see which makes sense with your budget.
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