A Drop Ceiling that Looks Better Than Drywall! (How to Install a Drop Ceiling in a Basement - DIY)

🧰 Free Basement Renovation Ebook! (with cost breakdown): view.flodesk.com/pages/64d581...
Learn how to install a drop ceiling in a basement with this DIY, step-by-step drop ceiling installation video. Specifically, you will learn how to install an Armstrong Ceilings Drop Ceiling in a basement. Personally, I believe that this drop ceiling looks better than a drywall ceiling!
To install a drop ceiling in a basement, you will need the following tools and materials:
Tin Snips: amzn.to/4057s02
Utility Knife: amzn.to/3QW7rY7
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Self-tapping screws: amzn.to/3Hgq70n
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Recessed Lights (similar - but not the same): amzn.to/3JmHkYM
Armstrong Drop Ceiling Products:
QuickHang Hardware: www.armstrongceilings.com/res...
Grid System: www.armstrongceilings.com/res...
Shallow Coffer Drop Ceiling Panels: www.armstrongceilings.com/res...
Flat White Drop Ceiling Panels:
www.armstrongceilings.com/res...
To install a drop ceiling in a basement, you will want to follow these general steps:
1. Plan out the Drop Ceiling Grid Layout
2. Install the Wall Moldings
3. Install Hanger Wire OR "Quickhang" Hardware
4. Prepare and Hang Main Beams
5. Prepare and Cut Border and Cross Tees
6. Square the Drop Ceiling Grid
7. Install the Remaining Grid and Level the Drop Ceiling
8. Install Drop Ceiling Panels
This video will also show you how to install recessed lighting in your drop ceiling panels.
For even more detailed information on how to install a drop ceiling, you can check out my blog article: atimprovements.com/drop-ceili...
Additionally, you can watch Armstrong Ceiling's installation video linked here: • How to Install a Drop ...
This is Episode 7 in my "How to Finish a Basement" KZbin Series. In this series, I will show you how to finish a basement (DIY) from start to finish. Below are the previous videos in the series:
Episode 1: How to Install Rigid Foam Insulation
• How to Install Rigid F...
Episode 2: How to Frame Basement Walls
• DIY Basement Wall Fram...
Episode 3: How to run electrical in a basement
• Tips for Adding Electr...
Episode 4: How to Frame around HVAC and Pipes in a basement
• How to Frame around HV...
Episode 5: How to Drywall a Basement
• Basement Drywall Tips ...
Episode 6: How to install LVP flooring in a basement
• LVP Flooring Installat...
Be sure to subscribe and hit the notification bell so you don't miss any future videos that are part of the Basement Renovation Series!
Follow me on Instagram: / atimprovements
Check out my Blog: Atimprovements.com
Subscribe to my KZbin Channel ⬇️ kzbin.info...
Check out my Website for additional DIY Content: atimprovements.com
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🎥 MY KZbin GEAR
Camera (Iphone Max): amzn.to/3d5HxSo
Microphone (Maono Condenser Mic): amzn.to/3RCAb7N
Tripod: amzn.to/3Rz5Gj3
Mini Tripod: amzn.to/3Rvt2WM
Lighting: amzn.to/3d4QdZ5
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🛠🧰 TOOLS THAT I USE
Carbide Tipped Drill Bit: amzn.to/3S0hdIM
Tapcon Screws: amzn.to/3OxEWxh
Drill: amzn.to/3JICKkk
Tape Measure: amzn.to/3HaTWgE
Circular Saw: amzn.to/3BFotC4
Masonry Drill: amzn.to/36yP1JW
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Hammer: amzn.to/35fIpiT
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Drill: amzn.to/3JICKkk
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Jig saw: amzn.to/3I6lcyd
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Thank you so much for watching!
*All content on the Andrew Thron Improvements KZbin channel reflects my own opinions. Please seek out guidance of professionally trained and licensed individuals before making any decisions. Links in the description may be affiliate links.

[@scoobtoober2975]

I did the exact same thing. Love it. Can get to wires, add what ever you want. I've added eye bolts to add climbing wall, hand holds, trx bands, hammocks and outdoor playground gear. On carabiners and move them around as needed. Add chase pipes for networking into other rooms, or up to the next floor. Then you have super easy access. Can lights can be added even with this type of ceiling too. Or use the wafer lights with no can.

[@shereemorgan1430]

I love the tiles, they needed them to look that good decades ago.

[@otakelblanchemanor0659]

I have really enjoyed watching this 'series'! The basement is really coming together! The ceiling panels are just beautiful! From drab and deary to absolutely fabulous. Looking forward to the final reveal! Lol you've give us tidbits along the way but it's not the same.

[@AndrewThronImprovements]

I appreciate you watching!! Final reveal will be coming soon! I also added a bathroom to the basement that I need to make a few videos on as well. Thanks for the support!

[@patricksmith3135]

Wow Andrew! Your talent, artistry and craftsmanship will pay off highly if you ever rent/sell this property. Your before/after views are the most dramatic and memorable. Everyone will want to do to their home what you have accomplished in yours. Thanks again for a great show.

[@AndrewThronImprovements]

Appreciate it, Patrick! Should hopefully be a rental soon...I am running out of projects haha. Thanks again for the continued support of the channel!

[@patricksmith3135]

@@AndrewThronImprovements Hmmm. I am thinking of all the great new projects, product upgrades since you started, and the greatest new series of videos. Also, the rental idea should provide you an income to finance the new house. Will you live there while you upgrade? Is all your equipment up to the task? Need upgrades (portable table saw)! 😇😊

[@cadayx]

Thanks for the video Andrew! I've been following your videos for the last year while refinishing my basement. Currently installing the drop ceiling and your video provided some clarity.

[@joyceflagler619]

Very nice, and easy to understand

[@flex_nyc9885]

I know finished ceilings look better but I’m so happy I went with drop ceiling. I’ve had 2 plumbing issues that resulted in me replaced 2 drop ceilings. That job would’ve been such a pain if it was sheet rock.

[@WeeBeastie007]

Great video! Short and to the point.

[@scso1502]

Absolutely awesome! I can't wait to do me basement ceiling with this! Thank you!!!!

[@KimPalmer-nt4sv]

Great video on installing drop ceiling, I'm going to attempt my kitchen and bath !

[@megachicago]

Nice job Andrew. Looks Great!

[@AndrewThronImprovements]

Thanks Diane! Appreciate it!

[@nikoswaynez6708]

the detail. i love it.

[@AndrewThronImprovements]

Appreciate it, Niko! Thanks for watching!

[@joelchrysler6238]

When you do your boarder, divide your demanding space by 2 then add back half the materials dimension to get the largest piece. It looks nicer in the end

[@stephancarroll7260]

Nice job the panels look classier than the flat ones

[@michaelcarley7016]

Fantastic video, I have a 1600 sqft Rec room, I will be doing and this helped greatly Thanks

[@yakubpatel1403]

Very well done 👍

[@AndrewThronImprovements]

Thanks Yakub! Appreciate it!

[@dinidavis5277]

I just came across this channel and just wanna say I wish I was as talented as you are!!

[@kevinneufeld5497]

I did the same to my basement 15 years ago. I love the easy access to the subfloor. I can’t tell how many times I was in there running Ethernet, speaker cables, or repairing broken water pipes over the years - all would have required major ceiling repair if it had been drywall.

[@JasonEllingsworth]

I would rather paint the open joists black, than put in an acoustical ceiling. Maybe it's because I have done commercial construction for 20+ years, but I can't stand seeing them in any home.

[@1Aplease]

Thank you

[@what6672]

Hello my fellow Andrew!! You are a freakin' God sent! Bless you brother

[@AndrewThronImprovements]

Glad the video helped!

[@gregmize01]

good choice going with rockwool.

[@waynegood9233]

1 did that 40 years ago the lower level of my split level house I also added coax cable and need it when adding electrical switches and outlets so I had a bathroom bedroom utility room washer and dryer and finally a recreation room

[@ceh329]

Definitely better than other drop ceilings but Drywall still looks better.

[@Botanical4038]

"I installed plastic plates on my ceiling! It definitely looks better than that stupid old drywall!" ffs

[@abacab87]

Yea, whenever I see suspended ceilings in a house, I wonder what they are hiding behind it. It's okay in a basement it's just that most can't afford to lose 3-4".

[@vincentjoly9230]

Looks like it’s coming straight from the 80s. No way I would put this in my $1M home that was worth $80k in the 80s.

[@ronnietruman7296]

Yeah, any drop ceiling that aligns with the top of the door jam is not ideal. I have a walkout with full height ceiling and am removing the existing tiles to reclaim the height.

[@danholtbk7008]

@@vincentjoly9230If my house was only worth $1M dollars I would bulldoze it.

[@alsteeves2044]

Like it and will be using it

[@virgil3241]

I would do this in a heartbeat if I had an unfinished basement. I wish I had one now, so many little HVAC and builder issues I could fix cheaply or just my time, if I didnt have a drywalled ceiling. Or if you need to pull wire for an upgrade, or get to plumbing etc. if we ever have something that requires tearing down the drywall, I will replace it with this for future access

[@reefgratos2035]

I always wanted to replace our rectangle panels (classroom/office style) with these but they cost alot more. Having a drop ceiling in general is so much better than drywall. I can't recall how many time in the last 15 years we had to remove the panels to pass some wires or make some changes to it ( new electric wires, new network cables, new tv cables, new this and that) . For our EV car we had to run a 50A wire and i can't image how expensive and time consuming it would have been to fish a 75 feet of 50A through a dry ceiling. I say for basement, always use panel.. not to mention water flooding above.. those panels can be replaced easily if wet. Not drywall. But the rectangle old dusty office style is alot cheaper..

[@IndyWentz]

Looks good

[@poopsmcgee2k6]

These panels are great! I applied them directly to an ugly popcorn ceiling using silicone.

[@Heli4213]

Omg awesome video

[@madjackgamingandfitness498]

I like the idea of it. Expensive sure, but compared to replacing sections of dry wall from water damage it beats that. Easier access for utilities and future utility installs would shave hours of time off and that time would add up to the cost of the whole ceiling all over again.

[@donwasinger6654]

Thanks for the video. I am working on a similar project and checked out the drop ceiling at Armstrong, but a lot of their options are out of stock. They seem to only have the standard tiles in stock while all the more interesting pattern ones are out of stock with no info of when they'll be back in stock.. guess I'll go check around for other drop ceiling brands. Would have bought from them after seeing your video if they had stock.

[@jamest5180]

You can actually buy corner fasteners for the outside edges for a nice clean finished look. Also, for inside corners, you can notch a single length of edging & bend one over the other onto 90 degrees.

[@YAWN....]

Thanks Dad...

[@infamousError]

Nice where do I get the recessed lights?

[@kerridaniels73]

What recessed lighting did you use?

[@dhh488]

Looks great. Does Armstrong have info on required minimum space between panels and joists? My ceiling is about 7' maybe +2", so I don't want to go too low. Thank you.

[@BStride]

Did you have any problems later tucking the wall molding in the corners? Good bud. 👍🏻

[@eros4570]

I can barely draw a straight line with a ruler. I have to appreciate your talent

[@thisis675]

Do you need to plan out and run the wires for the recessed lighting before you install your drywall?

[@stanleyvo5198]

Nice drop ceiling….❤😊

[@theeguyman]

thanks brotha we have a huge building to do all drop ceiling with cement walls 😮‍💨

[@AndrewThronImprovements]

Good luck!

[@dreamerpetra7860]

That is amazing! I can only hope to do as good of a job..lol Can you tell me what grid system/brand you used, and where purchased? I'm having so much trouble finding anything local that is PVC and "in store"...everything is online and there are so many options...SMH.. I just want to be able to do this semi-easily, if that is such a thing! That never happens..lol That said, are you in New York per chance? Do you do side jobs? I am planning on attempting myself, but if I can get someone who knows what they're doing, that would be a lot better of course! LOL! Thanks! I see that this was posted about 7 months ago so I doubt I'll get a reply, but here's hoping! Thanks!!!

[@patty109109]

It looks good for drop. But it still looks bad because it’s drop; drywall always looks better. I’m currently just spraying the ceiling of my basement with black paint and that’s the best way to go. Maximum height, maximum accessibility, least work and cost.

[@RADIO-FREE-AMERICA]

Andrew, the basement has turned out great! So where do you go from here? How about a new roof? HaHa! Cheers! Thomas!

[@AndrewThronImprovements]

Appreciate it, Thomas! And I think you nailed it - hopefully a new roof coming this spring 👍

[@WesterlyPrune99]

I live right beside a track track that shakes the house multiple times a day for the last 80 years when a train goes by… could I still do this or will it mess everything up from the shaking

[@slo232000]

Nice video. Installed a large drop ceiling in my previous home by myself. Would recommend putting pop rivets through the wall corners where drop ceiling aluminum track sections meet to hold them together. I also overlapped inside corner edges as well and pop riveted those so they had a nice finished appearance. While it's more work wire tying with installed eye lag screws is best and most secure way to have drop ceiling installed. Inspectors at my last house told me i needed to teach all the contractors in the area how to install a drop ceiling lol.

[@Jimmy_Cavallo]

💥 Thank you for all of this great info. I’ve never seen a ceiling that had two completely different styles of panels in it. Are those thin PVC panels strong enough to support recessed lighting for a length of time?

[@lordgarth1]

Those are flat led panels don’t weigh but a few ozs

[@meadehomeconcepts3222]

Thought it was "planned" properly using the armstrong website but when you have a can light in a drop ceiling and it ends up right on a wall, zero planning or forethought was involved. Did the panels end up evenly spaced in the room?

[@URB4NSKILLZ_]

My cross ts seem a little too long they don't connect into the 2x4 frame. Do I cut part of the end off the cross ts so they fit in? The frame is like 20 years old I just bought the ts, I wanted the 2x2 but ill go with a 2x4 if I have too but I don't think it looks as good.

[@shemondoublejack948]

I followed your instructions and ended up with a problem. You called for installing all the main beams and then check for square. That will be a problem if you don't have square walls which I didn't and I think that is not uncommon. After installing all the main beams and putting in the first cross "T's", I checked for square and was off 3/8" on the diagonals. Now I had a choice to make: redo all the main beams or go ahead and suffer the consequences. I chose to suffer rather than the expense of wasting the main beams that I already cut and installed. BIG MISTAKE! If I ever do a ceiling again, I will install 2 main beams and then attach 2 cross "T's" and check for square. That way, I only waste one main beam - hopefully! I didn't have a laser level - maybe that would have been better.

[@nicholaslandolina]

It's nice

[@AndrewThronImprovements]

Thanks!

[@megg7558]

How's gonna stop moisture from getting into the ceiling panels?

[@joeyrodriguez2809]

I have a ceiling that is angled from one side of the room to another, the drop is about 1' and the wide of the room is 12'. Overall the room is about 12'x28', Will this work where the ceiling will not be level?

[@jeffmilroy9345]

What is the STC rating of the drop ceiling panel system?

[@adamb2619]

How a simple piece of foam cost this much per SF is beyond me. But install is great!

[@silverbackag9790]

Pretty sure it’s mineral wool. Most are. Some are MDF or a mixture.

[@tituaaaa]

Looks great. What insulation do you used ?

[@AndrewThronImprovements]

Thanks! It’s “Safe N Sound” insulation

[@peterpulpitpounder]

gewd jaub on da sealing pannels. :)

[@AndrewThronImprovements]

Thanks!

[@ayokay123]

And now it's time to turn on the subwoofer to hear the beautiful music those panels make.

[@corderajones]

My ocd couldn’t handle the second title not being the exact same color or design of the main tiles. This is a no go for me

[@GiganticAntics]

Your OCD won't be able to handle holes in your drywall when you have a pipe leak and you have to bust it out instead of just remove 1 tile and replace.

[@Conradlovesjoy]

Could easily build a soffit around the edge instead of that small tile.

[@xenidus]

That's insane that they don't have a color matched option...

[@maglen69]

Drop ceilings allow easier access to any associated cabling / pipes instead of having to take a section of sheetrock out.

[@johnjohn8431]

how do you install a suspended ceiling around windows?

[@MB-re8fx]

How much headroom did you lose in your basement?

[@rylewx]

Cheers to the future renovators removing this ceiling.

[@jaggerboyer3251]

How much did this project cost you

[@matthewstich2842]

Why would you want to bend the wire and not cut it if you have an obstruction?

[@kadijadarkhalil9350]

Is it affordable?

[@jaysmith6013]

I don’t own a house with a basement but I watched this all the way through

[@AndrewThronImprovements]

I appreciate you, Jay 🙏

[@jaysmith6013]

@@AndrewThronImprovements And I appreciate your incredible talent and putting it out for us to learn from! I’m house shopping now and my mind is consumed with all the diy projects I’ll be taking on soon

[@seikb-9228]

Those panels seems a lot better than the one I have here which are the usual flat rectangle ones that makes tons of dust, especially when you dare moving one to look at anything.

[@AndrewThronImprovements]

These are PVC - most of the others are mineral fiber

[@fridayjoseph3859]

Curreact

[@fuffoon]

If its good for 60 years then its excellent.

[@greysunmoise]

Looks great, awesome video dude!

[@AndrewThronImprovements]

I appreciate it! Thanks for watching

[@TheTonkers]

My ocd can not handle no mitre to the internal corner 🙈🤔

[@ImperfectionistGaming]

Could you tell us how much you spent on doing the whole basement? And how much you potentially saved by doing it yourself

[@Eugene_Connor]

Can't beat the price of light sheetrock for the ceiling: right now at Home Depot it's $14 for a 1/2 inch x 4' x 8' (= 32-sq. ft.) USG sheetrock panel. That's $0.44 per sq ft.

[@scotttinkham7442]

What is your length of screws and size you used on the Border walls ?

[@AndrewThronImprovements]

I believe 1.25”

[@Cee_Dub]

What did you use to cut that?

[@theeguyman]

snips

[@tredogzs]

drywall looooks sooooo much better... this looks like a Honda covered in Vynil graphixs, sure looks great 😮

[@nancycampos3026]

How much lower than the joists are your tiles? Looking to do this with my basement but I don’t want to lose as much ceiling height as it looks like you were able to afford here.

[@Eugene_Connor]

Look at the video starting around 7:00 and you can see how far below the joists the bottom of the main beams lie. The panels will rest on the bottom of the main beams, and maybe come down below it a little bit. Looks like you'll lose 2.0 to 2.5 inches in ceiling height.

[@StevenPfeiffer]

I’m in the same boat. Most manufacturers say it should be 4” from the joist. I’m going to hug the ceiling as close as I can

[@BlackSheep380]

And it's probably way more expensive too! 😄

[@Southpaw-qc9gh]

It amazes me that this is cheaper to have done than drywall.

[@applesocks89]

Just because something is easier doesn’t mean it looks better. Drywall for the win

[@melvinbeboso1656]

What is your distance between joist and ceiling?

[@AndrewThronImprovements]

Around 4”

[@melvinbeboso1656]

Why did you choose drop instead of drywall?I'm finishing my basement I already did sidewall but I have extra drywall so I'm planning to use it for ceiling,but what I've read is that ceiling first before sidewall, you think can I still do drywall?

[@cdb989]

I will admit it looks nice in other homes😁 nothing beats drywall IMO

[@AndrewThronImprovements]

haha I hear ya. Thanks for watching!

[@zanesutherland406]

This has got to be the dummest comment section I’ve been to in a long time. I think the tiles look great for being a drop ceiling, and the whole point is to access things easily for repairs etc! I’m pretty handy so I think I would just go with drywall and deal with any water damage if that ever became an issue. I redid my camper with PEX, and though it didn’t leak without caulk, I did add it to all the pipe joints as an added layer of protection, because of the whole process to redo everything was a big project. Been using it since 2021 with no issues. I would do the same for any plumbing in a house for peace of mind, especially if it’s buried in a wall or ceiling

[@terrydougherty7078]

Those border pieces would be better if they were each 12” larger,

[@MS-gn4gl]

ya no. this just looks like slightly nicer drop grid ceiling. It still looks way cheaper that drywall wherever it's installed. BUT for access purposes especially in basements it's a better choice than drywall if you feel you will need access to what's up there.

[@ONWOTE]

Hey Andrew, We are ONWOTE, a manufacturer of PoE and Wireless Security Camera Systems. Do you plan to install a security camera to protect the safety around you? Now, we are looking for partners to install and review our camera system, so any chance for us? I had emailed you the details of the sponsorship. Hope can get your reply and move forward!

[@ihatewinter1445]

nice product but the borders kills it!!!!

[@freezerlunik]

beauty is in the eye of the beholder, indeed. Fake-ass beveled panels and suspended ceiling beams just don't do it for me unless I'm in a hospital, cheap office or some lame-ass basement.

[@g.b.5206]

I still prefer Drywall, is more uniform and modern, and you get the extra few inches of ceiling

[@OneTequilaTwoTequila]

Those busy tiles look ridiculous in a room with 7-foot ceilings.

[@chrissteiner3963]

What what warped ceiling tiles

[@FoRm4t123]

i don't like the border panels it totally ruins it for me.

[@smh6234]

Now drop the arm workout.

[@paulagardner3218]

The ceiling looks better than I expected, but I think I would still have preferred a drywall ceiling.

[@AndrewThronImprovements]

I hear ya! Thanks for watching!

[@VoodooViking]

Almost anything looks better than drywall. Even beadboard. I’ll take it any day over drywall.

[@JB28057]

I don’t understand all the negativity. The whole point of drop ceiling in a basement is to be able to access the wires and pipes. Which you can’t do with drywall…

[@AndrewThronImprovements]

Agreed!

[@blackbeanburger3357]

definitely rather have drywall

[@tredogzs]

Tuck inside corner BUT NOT outside corner????? uhhhhh

[@JasonEllingsworth]

No it doesn't look better than drywall. No matter what you do, drop ceilings look like garbage. It isn't difficult to do painted flat black open joists which look WAY better, or go with drywall and include a couple decorative access panels in key areas so you can still run cables where needed.

[@Noonelson]

looks nice, but WAY too much work, Id rather do drywall and put moulding on it for design

[@tonycoraccio3514]

Fuk what Armstrong recommends, I say cut the end of the panels to fit in those smaller space to make look like the coffer design continues