Table of Contents
Is it easy to do a drop ceiling?
Drop ceilings are cost-effective, easy to install on your own, and allow you to access ductwork and wires easily after it’s been installed. In order to put in a drop ceiling, you need to first install a grid system of runners to support your ceiling tiles.
How much does it cost to put in a drop ceiling?
Installing a drop ceiling costs $5 to $28 per square foot for labor and materials. Add $2 per square foot if you want insulating panels that go behind the ceiling tiles and up to $1 per linear foot for decorative rail covers. Labor typically costs up to $5 per square foot when hiring a ceiling tile installer near you.
Is drop ceiling hard to install?
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.
What materials do you need for a drop ceiling?
Have the necessary tools for this DIY dropped ceilings project lined up before you start—you’ll save time and frustration. Carpet knife. Chalk line. Clamps. Drill bit set. Drill/driver – cordless. Drywall circle gauge. Hammer. Tin snips.
What is the easiest ceiling to install?
Surface-mount ceiling tiles are easy to install. The grid for this system is much easier that the drop-ceiling grid, and the tiles attach directly to the grid. This is another project that can be done by one person, and in most cases, the tiles that go into place can be easily cut to size using scissors.
Is it cheaper to drywall or drop ceiling?
Drop ceilings are more expensive to install than drywall making drywall the cheaper option. However, if you can install a drop ceiling by yourself, you can save on labor costs. You should also factor in paint costs for a drywall ceiling and whether you are hiring a professional to install and paint for you.
How much height do you lose with a drop ceiling?
The acoustical panels, depending upon the type, may reduce the ceiling height another one-quarter inch. The height from the concrete floor to the dropped ceiling is about 7 feet 5 inches.
What is the cheapest ceiling to install?
Drywall is the most inexpensive ceiling to install at $2 to $3 per square foot. Tray ceilings are equally affordable at $2 to $4 per square foot and so are tongue and groove designs.
What can I use instead of a drop ceiling?
Ceiling Tiles. Drywall. Beadboard. Wooden Planks. Plywood. Stained glass. Corrugated metal.
Why do some houses have drop ceilings?
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.
What are the types of suspended ceilings?
There are three types of drop ceiling systems — clip-in, hook-on, and lay-in — each featuring a different framework and a unique method for attaching the tiles.
How do you hide a drop ceiling?
5 Drop Ceiling Makeover Ideas 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. Replace them with tin. Wallpaper them. Minimize the grid.
How do I upgrade a drop ceiling?
In 3 steps, you can completely cover an existing grid with the planks. Just remove old ceiling panels from the grid, snap on EASY UP clips, and slide planks into place, securing them with the clips. Remember to stagger the planks to reduce waste and create a more natural finish.
What is a cheap alternative to drywall?
Plywood is the cheapest alternative to drywall on this list and allows you to finish a room with a certain flair without taking on the expenses of wood planks, veneer or drywall.
Why is drop ceiling so expensive?
Cost of a Drop Ceiling If you’re thinking of going with a drop ceiling to save money… Because the real cost of drywalling a ceiling in a basement deals is in framing around the pipes and wires that were installed below the joists.
What is the difference between a drop ceiling and a suspended ceiling?
Glossary. A suspended ceiling is the exact same thing as a drop ceiling, also called a dropped 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.
Is drop ceiling good for basement?
Many homeowners prefer to have a drop ceiling in their basement because plumping and wiring is typically installed in the space above and getting to it is easy. In the event of a plumbing leak, the damage to the basement ceiling may be limited to only a few basement ceiling tiles.
What are the benefits of a drop ceiling?
Advantages of Drop Down Ceilings A Wide Variety Of Design Choices And Easy Installation. Convenient Access To Important Wiring And Systems. A High Energy Efficiency. Strong, Resistant, And Safe. Consider Drop Down Ceilings For Your Next Remodeling Project.
How much height do you lose when finishing a basement?
Finishing the ceiling and floor will subtract at least a few inches of headroom. So to achieve a seven-foot, nine-inch finished height, the unfinished space would need to be at least eight feet high.
Is drop ceiling expensive?
Your drop ceiling costs range from $900 up to $3,000. On average, you’ll pay around $1,400 for 130-square feet of suspended plastic ceiling and trim. You can also opt to have a fiberboard ceiling installed if you’re worried about budgeting for your drop ceiling cost, and this will run you around $850.
What is the cheapest way to redo a ceiling?
Here are some affordable ways to beautify your home’s ceilings: Paint. It’s a great way to change the perception of your space. Tin Tiles. Hide damage and uneven surfaces with tin ceiling tiles that introduce a vintage vibe. Moldings and More. Tiles or Planks.
How much would it cost to drywall a $1500 sq ft house?
Average Cost to Drywall a House by House Size Cost to Drywall a 1000 sq ft House Total Cost Cost to Drywall a 1500 sq ft House Low x 5500 square feet $7,975 Average x 6325 $12,100.
How do you deal with low basement ceilings?
In order to maintain an open feeling in your basement with low ceilings, skip the plywood subfloor and opt for a smooth, durable style of flooring. Use solid colors or very subtle patterns to avoid a busy look and stick with the same type of flooring throughout the space.
What is the cheapest way to cover a popcorn ceiling?
Wooden ceiling planks (or tongue and groove paneling) are another stylish and affordable option for covering up the popcorn ceiling in your home and are quite simple to install, as well.
