A drop ceiling might be the thing you need to add some glam to your space. Unlike the conventional ceiling, tray ceiling, or coffered ceilings, these beauties come in a host of textures, styles, and intricate detailing.

If you are looking to direct visuals upward and outward in your home, then a drop ceiling might be the thing for you.

When you think about installing these tiles, it is essential to ask yourself just how big a drop ceiling tile is?

Drop ceiling tiles come in sizes from 24 by 24 inches to 5 by 85 inches. The tiles come in a great variety of sizes and are easily customizable to suit your specific needs. Drop ceilings are trendy because of the acoustic properties that enable them to absorb external noise. They also have numerous aesthetic benefits.

Tile sizing is crucial to enhance the look and feel of any space. Different tile sizes have varying impacts on the overall look you intend to give the space. The proportion is critical here.

Choose a tile size relative to the size of the ceiling you intend to have installed.

Large tiles are suited to the ceiling with great square footage. On the other hand, if you are working on a small ceiling, it is best to consider using smaller tiles.

Large tiles won’t allow you as much flexibility as small tiles, especially if you are working on a complex roof with multiple overhangs like light fixtures and other decorative ornaments on the ceiling.

Drop Ceiling Tile Sizing

Drop ceiling tiles come in many different standard sizes. Small tiles are usually about 24 by 24 inches,  while large tiles measure 24 by 48 inches.

Remember, these tile types are easily customizable, so these are not the only available sizes. There is a wide array of sizes available. Others range from 6 by 48 inches to  5 by 85 inches. It will depend on the company that will sell it to you.

Mixing up tile sizes can be a great way to add some sleekness and streamline to your ceiling because different sizes on the tile have varying impacts on the general look of a space.

Longer tiles add an elongated look to the room. The long dimension of a rectangle will give an illusion of broadened space. Plus, longer tiles will mean fewer grout lines hence a cleaner finish.

However, long tile won’t have an elongating effect on a more confined area like the bathroom or mudroom. Here the tiles may have an opposite effect and make the room look too overwhelmed.

Advantage of a drop ceiling

Drop ceilings are a popular type of ceiling because they come with so many advantages. Here are a few advantages of having drop ceiling tiles

Coast Effective

Drop ceiling tiles are relatively cheaper as compared to other ceiling options. On top of that, they have a straightforward installation process that you can easily DIY and get done in an afternoon.

No need to hire a sheetrocker and deal with days of an unfinished project.

A wide variety of designs is available.

One of the main reasons why you will love drop ceiling is the unimaginable number of varieties available. Drop ceiling used to be bland, but now they come in assorted compositions thanks to the proliferation in designs.

There are so many options, from texture to color to intricate detailing, wood finishing, different metal finishes.

High Energy Efficiency

With drop ceiling tile, you can easily add insulating materials above them to increase home insulation, saving you some cash on cooling and heating bills.

Moreover, with finishes such as metal or all white, you can quickly reduce the amount of light you need because both these surfaces reflect light to your home.

Camouflaging an Ugly Ceiling

Plumbing pipes, venting, duck work, and wires are some of the fixtures used to enhance a home’s functionality. But they are pretty atrocious, to be honest.

Drop ceiling tiles are a great way to hide all these unsightly components in an excellent stylish way.

Easy Accesses to What is Above

It would be painstaking to demolish a ceiling to fix a leaking pipe.  It is costly, not to mention the inconvenience incurred. With a drop ceiling tile, you can easily slide several ceilings out of the way to take a lookup and do the repairs.

Furthermore, You can return the removed ceiling. No extra cost is required for new ones.

Mounting Light Fixtures is Possible.

You do need a concrete ceiling to mount your light fixtures. You can easily install the light fixture housing in the framing of the drop ceiling, and it will entirely hold the weight of the housing and the light inside.

Soundproofing

A great way to keep your house free from external noise pollution is to install drop ceiling tile. The tiles have excellent acoustic properties. 

The property provides for sound absorption from external sources, promoting a quiet and relaxed internal environment.

How to Install Drop Ceiling Tiles

One of the reasons you should opt for a drop ceiling tile is that it is a fun DIY project that you can do with the family.

The tools are readily available. Some of the other materials you will need to buy are L-Channels, T-Channels, Cross Ts, wires, and wire hanging eyelets.

Here are the steps to follow for a flawless finish

1 Map out The Ceiling

Measure the length and width you need to cover and decide on the amount of tile you will need for this area. You will need to grid out the area to approximate the number of tiles required.

Remember to factor in overhangs and other unique features that you will need to workaround.

2 Install the L channels

These are simply metals shaped like an L. After deciding how high from the ground your ceiling will hang, mark the location of your wall stud and adhere the L-Channels to the wall using self-tapping drywall screws.

On the interior wall, either overlap two pieces or butt them together. On exterior walls, overlapped them and cut at a 45-degree angle.

3 Install the T- Channels

Install the central T-Channel perpendicular to the floor joint spaced away from the wall. L-channels will support the T- Channel on either side and eyelets and wires in the middle.

Run a straight taut in line with the L-Channel, then pull the wire tight to bring the T-Channel inline. Then wrap the wire tight to ensure it does not sag. 

Repeat the process according to how you mapped out the ceiling with the T-Channels spaced 4 feet.

4 Install the Cross Ts

If you are using 24 by 24-inch tile, you have to use the 24 by 24-inch cross Ts and so on. After installing the Ts, drop in the whole tiles. Remember, for the edges. You will need a bit of customization since a whole tile might not be feet.

The best way to cut a tile while customizing is to approximate the size you will need by placing it in the corner and making a marking.

Score the tile a bit along the marked line and cut. It is easy to do by hand while eyeballing the depth of the cut.