If you want to cover an unsightly ceiling or add a bit of character to your space, learn how to install ceiling tiles and get an upgraded look. You can install surface-mount ceiling tiles with adhesive directly to the ceiling or use a track-and-clip system from the manufacturer. Either way, you’re just a few days away from a brand-new look. Follow this guide for seven steps to a new ceiling.
Prepping to Install Ceiling Tiles
Before installing your decorative ceiling tiles, choose your ceiling tile material and place an order. Ordering the correct number of ceiling tiles can help the project run more smoothly, and you won’t be left with a half-tiled ceiling as you wait for more to come. To determine how many ceiling tiles you’ll need, calculate the square footage of your ceiling (multiply the length by the width).
How to Install Ceiling Tiles
Installing ceiling tiles can be a weekend project, but some prep work is involved. Once you’re prepped and ready, you’ll start by getting the first tile in the proper position, and the installation will move a little more quickly after that.
Remove Fixtures and Other Obstructions
Photo: Rafael Ben-Ari / Photodisc / Getty Images
Remove any light fixtures, ceiling fans, vents, or other obstructions to ensure the easiest working environment possible and that the tiles get to where they need to go. This will give you a clean slate on which to install the ceiling tiles.
Clean and Prep the Ceiling
Dirt, dust, or grime on the ceiling can prevent the tile adhesive from sticking, so clean the ceiling thoroughly. If you’re doing a direct-mount application with adhesive, you’ll need to remove a popcorn ceiling by scraping all the “kernels” off and sanding it. If you prefer, you can ask a ceiling repair pro for a quote to remove the popcorn ceiling.
You’ll also need to patch any holes or cracks to make sure the surface is smooth. If you choose track-mounted tiles, you may be able to install them over a popcorn ceiling or without patching the existing ceiling.
Mark Your Starting Point
Before you attach a tile to the ceiling, you need to figure out where to start. An easy place to begin is in the center of the ceiling, but this may not be possible if you have a light fixture there or if the room is irregularly shaped. Regardless of where you want to begin, you’ll need to choose a spot and mark it with perpendicular chalk lines that intersect at the starting point.
Install the First Tile
The first tile guides the rest of the ceiling tile installation. The installation method will depend on the type of ceiling tiles you use.
Using Adhesive
If you’re using ceiling tiles with adhesive, apply the adhesive to the back of the tile in a thin bead along all the edges and a cross or an “X” across the back. Depending on the adhesive, you can use a roller brush to apply it to the entire back of the tile.
If the tiles have a deep pattern, you can add additional adhesive to the places that will touch the ceiling. Use less adhesive on tiles with shallower patterns because it will spread when you press the tile to the ceiling.
When you’re ready, locate the point you marked with your chalk line and place the tile on the ceiling slightly away from where you want it to end up. Press it firmly to the ceiling and gently slide it into place.
Using Track-Mounted Tiles
If you use a track-mounted tile system, follow the manufacturer’s instructions to install the tracks through the drywall and directly into the ceiling joists. The size of the ceiling tile determines the spacing. Locate your starting point and install the first tile.
Using Furring Strips
Another way to install ceiling tiles is to attach furring strips to the ceiling joists and then staple or nail the tiles to the furring strips. Secure the furring strips to the joists with staples or nails, checking to make sure they're level and at even intervals that will support the tiles. Then, choose your starting point and install the first tile.
Continue Installing Tiles
Photo: Ekaterina / Adobe Stock
After you’re satisfied with the first tile’s installation, you can install the rest of the tiles by placing adhesive on the back of each tile and fitting them into place or attaching them to the furring strips or the track system (according to the manufacturer’s directions). Continue installing the tiles until you come to a border.
Cut and Install the Border Tiles
As nice as it would be to have all the tiles fit onto the ceiling perfectly, this is very rarely the case. So you’ll have to cut the border tiles according to the manufacturer’s recommendations so they fit along the edges of the ceiling to complete the coverage. You’ll also have to cut tiles to fit around obstructions like light fixtures and skylights.
Install the Finishing Touches
After installing the ceiling tiles, it’s time for the finishing touches. If your ceiling tile system comes with adhesive strips that cover the joints where the tiles meet, make sure the tiles are clean and dry, and then apply the strips. You can also install crown molding around the perimeter of the ceiling and replace any fixtures or vents you removed before installation.
DIY vs. Hiring a Pro
Installing ceiling tiles is a relatively easy DIY project, especially if the existing ceiling is in good shape and you’re installing them for decorative purposes. If the ceiling is in poor condition and there’s a lot of patchwork needed, or if you want to remove a popcorn ceiling before installing tiles, consider hiring a ceiling contractor near you to tackle the job. You can also compare the cost of installing decorative or drop ceiling tiles as a DIY job to hiring a pro to see which makes sense with your budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
You can attach ceiling tiles directly to your ceiling with a manufacturer-recommended adhesive. You can also use furring strips attached to the ceiling joists and then nail or staple ceiling tiles to them. Some manufacturers offer a track-mounted ceiling tile system that uses clips to attach the tiles to the tracks, similar to the furring strip method.
Ceiling tiles themselves are relatively easy to install, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t work involved. You’ll need to clean the ceiling, patch damaged areas, find the starting point, and install the tiles in straight lines. You’ll also need to cut the tiles around the perimeter, which involves accurate measurements and cuts.
Stephanie Mickelson is a freelance writer covering home improvement, real estate, design, and personal finance. Before beginning her freelance career, she worked in residential construction, specifically remodeling kitchens, installing cabinets, flooring, countertops, trim, and more.
Stephanie Mickelson is a freelance writer covering home improvement, real estate, design, and personal finance. Before beginning her freelance career, she worked in residential construction, specifically remodeling kitchens, installing cabinets, flooring, countertops, trim, and more.
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