How to Finish an Unfinished Basement Ceiling
- 1). Measure the length and width of the area in which you are installing the drop ceiling, using a tape measure. Use these measurements to determine how much material you will need.
- 2). Mark out the height you will hang the ceiling with a pencil all the way around the basement, using a laser level. You can usually hang the ceiling below all the pipes while maintaining enough headroom.
- 3). Fasten the edge strips all the way around the basement at the level you marked out, using a screwdriver. Screw eye hooks into the wooden joists of the ceiling every 3 to 4 feet.
- 4). Cut lengths of wire, using a wire cutter, to the length at which you'll hang the ceiling. Twist one end of wire firmly around the loops of each eye hook. Use pliers to squeeze the wire tight. Tighten the other end of the wire to the hooks in the metal frame runners and tighten the same way. Continue to use your laser level so you are hanging all the runners level at the same height. Make any adjustments necessary.
- 5). Snap the shorter cross pieces into place. The runners have slots on either side of them that the cross pieces into. Depending on the size of your ceiling tiles, you may need to snap two cross pieces together and then into the runners.
- 6). Place the tiles into the grid. Put one tile in place at a time. Tilt it sideways and slide it up above the grid. Straighten it with the proper side facing down and gently lower it into place.
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