How to Install Drop Ceiling Tiles

Download our full installations instructions here (PDF).

What Is a Drop Ceiling?

Drop ceilings are secondary ceilings, hung below a room's primary, structural ceiling. They are also commonly referred to as suspended ceilings.

A standard drop ceiling consists of metal grid, called T-bar, that is hung (suspended) from the primary ceiling. Ceiling tiles are placed between grid members to create a faux ceiling, and come in both 2' x 2' and 2' x 4' sizes.

Suspended ceilings are easier to install than drywall, provide access to ducts, pipes, and cables, and offer a better sound barrier than a standard ceiling.

Ceilume and Suspended Ceilings

Ceilume Ceiling Tiles can be suspended by means of an approved ceiling suspension system using standard 1" face T-bar grid (some styles may be installed in slimline (9/16" grid), per the grid manufacturer's instructions.

Check building codes as required.

Installing Drop Ceiling Tiles

To install, simply remove existing dropped-in ceiling tiles and pop your new ceiling tiles into place in the suspended ceiling.

Translucent Lighting Panels

For best lighting results and lengthened life, translucent ceiling tiles used in lighting applications should be positioned at least 6" below lighting fixtures.

It is also recommended that lighting panels be used in conjunction with AcoustoTherm Backpanels, which nest above the translucent ceiling tiles. These clear backpanels provide better diffusion of light, hide dust and insect accumulation, and increase sound absorption and heat insulation properties.

Drop Out Ceiling Tiles (FEATHER-LIGHT SERIES ONLY)

Ceilume's Feather-Light Series of ceiling tiles (and ONLY Feather-Light) is UL Listed and FM Approved for use beneath fire suppression systems.

When used under standard release sprinkler systems rated with an activation temperature of 165°F or above, Ceilume's Feather-Light Ceiling Tiles and AcoustoTherm Backpanels must not be fastened directly to metal T-bar members. They are to be set in place ONLY. No clips, fasteners or impediments of any kind can be used to limit the ceiling tile's ability to drop from the suspension system without restraint in the event of a fire.

In areas where there is exposure to drafts and air currents, hold-down clips can be used to limit the ceiling tile's upward movement only - clips must not prevent ceiling tiles and panels from dropping out in the event of a fire.

Border Tiles / Edge Trim Installation

In border situations where the T-bar sections are irregular or not a full 2' x 2' or 2' x 4' in size, edge trim styles can be easily trimmed to fit using common, household scissors.

Decorative Grid Tape

Decorative Grid Tape comes in 100' long rolls, has an adhesive backing, and is designed to cover the face of your T-bar grid.

Before applying your Decorative Grid Tape:

• Room temperature should be between 60°F and 80°F with low humidity.
• The drop ceiling grid should be cleaned thoroughly with a soft cloth and rubbing alcohol. This will remove any dust or grease as well as dissipate static electricity, which attracts dust to the grid.
• Make sure that your T-bar grid is installed correctly and is even and level at all points. Decorative Grid Tape will not adhere properly to bent or damaged grid.

A couple of installation tips:

• It is easier to cut Decorative Grid Tape to length prior to installation (always allow an extra inch, rather than risk an additional joint or seam) rather than trying to work with the entire roll in your hand.
• Remove small, easily managed sections of backing (18"-24" is a good length) and work slowly and steadily.
• Removing and re-installing Decorative Grid Tape may cause the adhesive to fail.

Start by applying your Decorative Grid Tape to the wall angle around the perimeter of your room. Begin at a corner, peel the backing off to expose 18"-24" of the adhesive, press about 2" of the decorative tape onto the wall angle, and align the remaining exposed tape carefully before pressing it firmly into place. Once that first 24" has been applied, remove another 24" of backing and repeat the process. When you reach a corner, trim the tape to fit.

Once you've finished the wall angle it's time to move to the ceiling grid itself. Most ceilings are installed with the ceiling "mains" running parallel to the longer walls in the room. Determine the direction and length of your mains, trim a section of Decorative Grid Tape to fit (allowing an extra inch to avoid an additional seam), and then apply the tape to all of the mains.

Now all that is left to do is to cut the Decorative Grid Tape and install it to the ceiling T's. Except for the smaller sections around the perimeter of the room, you'll find that most of your T's will be about the same size. Still, it is best to dry fit and trim your tape prior to installation to ensure a good fit that will completely cover all of your grid. Once the tape has been dry fit and cut to size, peel and stick as before.

Decorative Strips

Decorative Strips are 2' long, self-adhesive, and designed to cover your ceiling grid. Each strip has a decorative pattern that begins with a dot and ends with a dash.

Before applying your decorative strips:

• Room temperature should be between 60°F and 80°F with low humidity.
• The drop ceiling grid should be cleaned thoroughly with a soft cloth and rubbing alcohol. This will remove any dust or grease, as well as dissipate static electricity, which attracts dust to the grid.
• Make sure that your T-bar grid is installed correctly and is even and level at all points. Decorative Strips will not adhere properly to bent or damaged grid.

A couple of installation tips:

• Do not remove the peel surface on the adhesive backing until you are ready to install the Decorative Strip. If the adhesive comes in contact with dust, oil, or grease of any kind it will not adhere to the grid.
• Be sure not to overlap strips, one on top of another, as this can create gaps that may encourage the adhesive to release.
• If the Decorative Strips do not adhere for any reason, a small amount of Ceilume Ceiling Tile Adhesive can be applied.

Start by dry fitting your first Decorative Strip. To dry fit, place the dot end of the strip directly over the grid at the intersection of four ceiling tiles and the length of the strip over the grid between two adjacent tiles. Trim to length if necessary.

Remove the backing on your Decorative Strip to expose the adhesive and press the it firmly into place.

Make sure to place the dot end of the strip directly over the grid at the intersection of four ceiling tiles and the length of the strip over the grid between two adjacent tiles.

Butt the end of the next Decorative Strip directly against the end of the first, creating a repeating dot dash pattern. The dot on your second strip will be placed directly over the grid at the next intersection of four ceiling tiles. Remember to dry fit and trim as necessary before installing every Decorative Strip.

Install all of the Decorative Strips running in one direction first and then finish by installing the strips perpendicular to the first set.

Trim the dot off of the end of each strip in the second set to keep the dot dash pattern consistent across the entirety of the ceiling and to create visual symmetry.

Painting

All Ceilume products can be painted before or after installation.

Be sure everything is clean and dry before painting, experiment on a sample before painting your entire ceiling, and do not use solvent type thinner or cleaners.

Painting voids all fire ratings.

Storing

Do not store in direct sunlight or in contact with any heat that may reach temperatures of over 110°F. When temperatures reach these levels the vinyl may distort.

Cleaning

Ceilume products require no special cleaning - just wipe them down with a soft damp rag. Small, stubborn spots can be handled with cleaners such as Fantastik® and Windex®.

There is no risk of water damage during cleaning, and there is no need for scheduled professional maintenance and resurfacing to prevent environmental and aesthetic problems.

Cleaners containing organic solvents or other aggressive ingredients should not be used because they may affect the surface appearance of your ceiling tiles. Examples of such cleaners: chlorine bleach, liquid grease remover, nail polish remover, furniture polish, and detergents containing organic solvents.