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Ceilings Suspended Ceilings Q's and A's Can't find a solution to your problem? Post a question in our Forums. Suspended ceilings Is there a simple, fool-proof way of putting up the wall moldings for a suspended ceiling-I'm having a hard time matching up level lines to install the ceiling properly-I've tried using a level and also measuring from the basement floor which is concrete and quite level. The approach that I have used it to measure down from the floor in each corner. Then snap a line from corner to corner. The floor above is liable to be the most level and consistent elevation and marking in the corners means the sides WILL line up even if the corners are not EXACTLY the same elevation. Thanks for your quick response but I'm confused-do you suggest that I measure down from the floor above (I'm in the basement) the height that I need the ceiling to be at then snap a line between these marks in each corner? Yes measure down from the floor above (or the tops of the joists.) The floor above is reasonably the most level constant to measure from. Suspended Ceiling Installation I'm planning to install a suspended ceiling in my basement and would like to maximize the ceiling height as much as possible. There are a few obstructions (ducts) in one part of the room that I'd like to box-in rather than lower the height of the entire ceiling. I haven't seen much info on how to box in ducts or other obstructions in suspended ceilings. I can't visualize how to attach the hardware and panels once the frame is built. Can anyone help me out? Yes, I do not think you will find much on this... Usually the ceilings are installed at one level below any obstruction. You can box it in using a sheetrock wall attached to the ceiling and then suspend the ceiling from that part as you would the wall. Don't try to box it in with suspended ceiling framework and panels. Frame it in conventionally and sheetrock it. We recently ripped out a lathe and plaster ceiling. The ceiling joists are now bare 1x6s. I need to drop them 2"to accommodate recessed lighting, then put up gypsum wallboard. Are 2" furring strips (fashioned from plywood)screwed in perpendicular to the joists strong enough to hold the new ceiling or is there a better way? You can screw them on directly onto the joists and not go perpendicular. But rather than plywood (which would work) why not use 2x4's ripped to 2 inches. Or have you checked on cost ... 2x4's do leave a bit of waste....

Are there different materials for a suspended ceiling?

I have recently purchased a 30 year home with a family room in the basement. The previous owners had built a drop ceiling with large pieces of particle board. I want an elegant ceiling. What new materials are available to me? I need to update this room, but I also want ease to get into the utilities above the ceiling. I was hoping to find some type of "bronzy, or copper-type of panels. Help! I need elegance.

There are some gorgeous ceilings out now and they are all made of the same composite but they look different with some with designs. Visit Armstrongs site under ceilings for some wonderful ideas. * http//www.armstrong.com

You can do tin ceilings or fake ones...more Outwater plastics also sells fake and REAL tin ceilings. Order their catalogue. http//www.outwater.com

Ceiling tiles

I have 12" square ceiling tiles that are interlocked together and are starting to come loose and sag. Can you tell me the best way to repair them without taking them all down? The best way to fasten them back up?

That are tongue and grooved together so it is hard to attach them back up without ripping them apart they are so fragile. It sounds like they were glue up only and it sounds like the glue has powdered and let go. You can TRY some syringe glue and see if that MAY work otherwise for .50 a piece I would think of replacing them.

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