This type of ceiling literally “drops” the ceiling. So that panels can be pushed up through the grid and then set into place, a minimum clearance beneath the lowest objects (such as floor joists) is required-typically from 3 to 8 inches.

.

Considering this, is it cheaper to drywall or drop ceiling?

Drop ceilings are not only a more affordable option (usually half the cost), but also offer more design flexibility compared to drywall. Drop ceilings are the preferred application in basements due primarily to how easy it is to access pipes, electrical work and air ducts above the ceiling.

what is the space above a drop ceiling called? A drop or dropped ceiling is the ceiling that is hung below the main (structural) ceiling. The area above the dropped ceiling is called the plenum space, as it is usually used for the HVAC air return. The plenum space is also very commonly used to conceal piping, wiring, and ductwork.

Simply so, how much does it cost to put in a drop ceiling?

The average cost for a 10'x12' room is around $1,500.00 installed. If you do it yourself, the material costs are: Tiles - $30.00 to $55.00 per case (check the quantity per case as it varies, the lower end is usually 20 tiles per case, 2'x2') Gridwork – about $72.00.

What is the point of a drop ceiling?

Aesthetics. Modern dropped ceilings were initially created to hide the building infrastructure, including piping, wiring, and/or ductwork, by creating a plenum space above the dropped ceiling, while allowing access for repairs and inspections. Drop ceilings may also be used to hide problems, such as structural damage.

Related Question Answers

What is the difference between a drop ceiling and a suspended ceiling?

Definition. A drop ceiling, or suspended ceiling, consists of panels or tiles that hang a few inches below the main structural ceiling. In other words, the suspended ceiling does not make up a permanent structural foundation, but rather serves as a covering for the more solid framework above.

What can I put on my ceiling instead of drywall?

The following alternatives are not always cheap or easily installed, but they lack the many flaws which drywall suffers from.
  1. Brick and Masonry. © Photographee.eu / Fotolia.
  2. Cement Board. Photo Credit: Michael Holley.
  3. Lath and Plaster. © Richard Blackwater / Fotolia.
  4. Veneer Plaster.
  5. Wood.
  6. Ceiling Planks.
  7. Drop Ceilings.

How much room do you need for a drop ceiling?

All you need for a suspended ceiling is sufficient head clearance. Requirements vary, but most codes stipulate a minimum 7 1/2-ft. ceiling height in new construction. Some codes, however, will accommodate a lower ceiling height if it's part of a renovation project, so it pays to ask. You'll need roughly 4 in.

How do you measure for a drop ceiling?

To do this, you must measure the room and apply a simple formula.
  1. Measure the length and width of the ceiling, and note the measurements on a piece of paper.
  2. Divide the ceiling tile length into the room's width.
  3. Divide the result in half to get the length of your border panel.

Should you drywall a basement ceiling?

Drywall Basement Ceilings Looks aren't the only reason to opt for a drywall ceiling in the basement. There are actually some very practical reasons as well. Maximizing the basement headroom is a big issue for many homeowners, and drywall ceilings are ideal in basements where the ceiling is already low.

What do you do with a drop ceiling?

5 Drop Ceiling Makeover Ideas
  1. Paint them. Using matte paint in a dark color can help your ceiling recede, which not only makes the tiles less noticeable but gives the impression of taller ceilings.
  2. Replace them with tin.
  3. Wallpaper them.
  4. Minimize the grid.

What is a tray ceiling?

Shop This Look A tray ceiling, also called an inverted or recessed ceiling, features a center section that is several inches (or several feet) higher than the areas around the perimeter of the room. This design allows for the use of colors painted on the trim that can turn a bland ceiling into a focal point.

Is it hard to install a drop ceiling?

You want to know if you can install a drop ceiling in your basement on your own. The short answer is yes! Yes you can and it's not that hard. You can save a lot of money by doing it yourself IF you don't make some of these key mistakes.

Why do drop ceiling tiles have holes?

In most cases, a drop ceiling (more properly know as an "acoustic tile ceiling" is used for two main reasons. Second, the tiles absorb sound and reduce noise pollution in the room. The pores trap sound waves, thereby reducing the overall amount of sound that's transmitted back into the room.

What is the minimum drop for a drop ceiling?

This type of ceiling literally “drops” the ceiling. So that panels can be pushed up through the grid and then set into place, a minimum clearance beneath the lowest objects (such as floor joists) is required-typically from 3 to 8 inches.

How do you install a drop ceiling grid?

  1. Draw a Room Scale. Draw the exact dimensions of the room to scale on graph paper.
  2. Choose the Lighting Location.
  3. locate exact position for suspended ceiling.
  4. Install Wiring.
  5. Attach Suspension Wires.
  6. Splice the Main Tees.
  7. main tees installed level with wall angle.
  8. drop ceiling panels into position.

How do you calculate how many ceiling tiles do I need?

1) Calculate square footage of your ceiling/wall area to be covered - Lets say that your room is a rectangular room. Measure 2 sides, the shorter side and the longer side and multiply those 2 numbers. Example: This could be 12 and 16 so you would multiply 12x16=192 Square feet.

What is a stretch ceiling?

A Stretch Ceiling is a suspended ceiling system consisting of two basic components – a perimeter track and lightweight fabric membrane which stretches and clips into the track. In addition to ceilings the system can be used for wall coverings, light diffusers, floating panels, exhibitions and creative shapes.

How do you install recessed lighting in a drop ceiling?

How to Install Recessed Lighting in Drop Ceiling Panels
  1. Determine the locations for the recessed lights.
  2. Remove the ceiling tile at each recessed light location.
  3. Cut the suspension wire to the distance between the mounting clip and the main T-bar plus 24 inches.
  4. Feed the bent end of the wire through the wire suspension clip.

What is a drop ceiling in a basement?

Total Basement Finishing (TBF) recommends a drop or suspended ceiling in a finished basement. Suspended on steel wires from the basement ceiling joists, a drop ceiling consists of a lightweight steel grid that supports ceiling tiles and light fixtures. TBF's ceiling tiles are made specifically for use in basements.

How do you know if a drop ceiling is plenum?

If the space above the drop ceiling is used for environmental air transfer, meaning the air above the drop is apart of the air return, then it is a plenum area and plenum rated cables shall be installed.

How much weight can you hang from a drop ceiling?

Hang up to 15 lb! The actual weight limit likely depends on your drop ceiling grid. We do not recommend hanging items heavier than 15 lbs because it may damage or warp your drop ceiling grid due to excess & uneven weight being placed on on the ceiling grid bars.

Is drop ceiling fire rated?

Ceiling tiles that are rated Class A for flame spread but do NOT have a fire barrier rating are treated as an interior finish like a paint. If you have sprinkler heads that are dropped through a drop ceiling, the ceiling tiles almost always need to have some kind of fire barrier rating.

Is drop ceiling plenum?

Space between the structural ceiling and the dropped ceiling or under a raised floor is typically considered plenum; however, some drop-ceiling designs create a tight seal that does not allow for airflow and therefore may not be considered a plenum air-handling space.