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How much does it cost to install a drop ceiling in a basement?
Average Cost to Put a Drop Ceiling in a Basement Putting a drop ceiling in a 400-square-foot basement could run you $2,000 to $11,200. You need $1,200 to $9,200 in materials for that larger space. Labor also increases with the square footage and lands in the $800 to $2,000 range.
Is it hard to install a suspended 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 clearance is needed for a suspended 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.
What can I use instead of a drop ceiling?
Ceiling Tiles. Drywall. Beadboard. Wooden Planks. Plywood. Stained glass. Corrugated metal.
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.
Is drop ceiling expensive?
Costs of a Drop Ceiling The drop ceiling cost will range from around $4 a square foot for materials and installation. Labor can be more, and if you want to do fancier tiles like darker for certain rooms in the house or better sound muffling, then your price goes way up.
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 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.
How much does it cost to put in a drop ceiling?
The cost to install a drop ceiling is around $5.50/sq. ft. when a contractor is hired to handle the installation, or about $2,750 for 500 square feet. DIY installation costs an average of $2.75 per square foot.
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.
What is the minimum ceiling height?
According the the IRC, all habitable rooms must have a minimum ceiling height of 7 feet. Habitable rooms include bedrooms, living spaces and kitchens but exclude bathrooms, hallways, utility spaces and closets.
What is the minimum ceiling height in a basement?
Building to Code The International Residential Code (IRC) says a basement living space must have a clear, floor-to-ceiling height of at least 7 feet (6 feet for bathrooms).
Can you hang things from a concrete ceiling?
If you need to hang something from a cement ceiling, you cannot simply drive a nail or screw into the cement. You must take steps to safely secure the fastener or it will quickly tear out of the ceiling. With a cement wall anchor, you can secure heavier items to the ceiling without fear of the anchors coming out.
Can I drill into my apartment ceiling?
The bracket therefore needs to act as an horizontal anchor only. For a landlord, drilling holes in a ceiling is FAR WORSE than drilling holes in a wall. This sounds like a question for your landlord. For a landlord, drilling holes in a ceiling is FAR WORSE than drilling holes in a wall.
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.
Can you replace a drop ceiling with drywall?
If your drop ceiling is looking a little shabby and you’re ready for a change, the first step is to remove the suspended ceiling in the opposite order it was originally installed: tiles, lights and metal grid. Once removed, you can repair the original ceiling, if possible, or add new sheets of 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.
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.
How much does it cost per square foot to install suspended ceiling?
The square foot cost to install a drop ceiling (also known as a suspended ceiling) ranges between $5 and $35 for your labor and materials. On average, just labor costs between $2 and $5 per square foot.
Does drop ceiling reduce noise?
Acoustical drop ceilings can help provide soundproofing in two different ways: either by absorbing sound waves, thus preventing sounds from bouncing around the room, or by blocking sound from traveling to an adjacent room. NRC tells you how much sound a ceiling panel will absorb to lessen noise within a room.
