How to Install Ceiling Grid

This is the same method we use to teach and show our crew how to start running grid for a drop ceiling. Please let us know if you have any questions!
Gear used to film this video:
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-Lens
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-Mic
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[@miltonmartinez6811]

I have a question. Where do you set the jetline, in the middle of the main or on the edge?

[@mitchellacoustical3119]

Milton Martinez personally I like the middle on 9/16” grid and either way on the 15/16” grid. I don’t think you can go wrong with either, just a preference. Just remember which side you set it so that you don’t go center one end and side on the other end. Sounds silly but it happens every so often. Thanks for the question.👍

[@gmanpastrana9526]

Side of main ts

[@gmanpastrana9526]

I use string sometimes a laser on floor

[@liarliar7770]

add half inch and go outside a line it for 15/16 but 9/16 add 1/4 inch

[@klevrah]

outside edge for best results, it takes the guess work out of it.

[@Assertiveman]

That was the most self explanatory video I've seen thank you sir

[@mitchellacoustical3119]

Glad we could help!

[@melvingray5707]

Great professional job, straight to the heart of this installation, you are a solid teacher.

[@kevinchase9484]

I’m a journeyman carpenter who specializes in acoustical ceilings and I will recommend this video to all of my apprentices that want to learn the basics of ceilings. Great video to learn the basic techniques.

[@mitchellacoustical3119]

I appreciate it! When I made it, I had apprentices in mind and what I would have had questions on. That’s how I attack most of my videos.

[@itzstone]

A week into my first year apprenticeship in commercial construction and they have me helping with installing dropped ceilings, 8 videos in and this is the first one that explains the process the 4th year journeyman uses to layout the grid. ( Is a joke, he has enough experience and hours to be journeymen, but he's still a 4th year)

[@amphitrichous]

Thumbs up in first 30 seconds! Thanks for showing the components. Helpful for us who have never done this.

[@mitchellacoustical3119]

Thank you! Yea we figured it be a good idea to break it down instead of just jumping into it.👍

[@ModestMountainBiker]

The robot legs are my biggest takeaway. So cool! Also a good video

[@ceciliapinera9386]

I’m glad I watched this whole video. I realize I can not do this myself 😢😂

[@mitchellacoustical3119]

Oh no! 😱

[@maverickmelton]

been a carpenter for 7 years, havent had a whole lot of experience in grid, this is lighting up how to install it a bit better, , thanks kevin!!!

[@mitchellacoustical3119]

Glad I could help!

[@wyoblacksmithtools3097]

I owned an acoustical company in California and installed ceilings for 40 years. Your video pretty much covers it all. A few minor tips: Put the jet line on the edge of the main. You don't have to eyeball the center of the main that way. Set the laser at ceiling level and lose the laser target. When you are cranking the wire down to level, put your free hand over the main as you have to anyway to pull it down as you level it. The laser will sweep across your hand so you can easily tell when to tie off the wire. The laser will also give you a sort of chalk line to set the wall angle to. The target is a major pain to use on wall angle. The target just adds steps and is always falling on the floor. Last tip is lay out your wires so they can be tied to the grid at the intersection of the main and cross tee and the wires will be plumb. It makes installing the tile much quicker. Time is money. Be glad that you don't have to install grid in California. Earthquake codes! Good video! Jerry

[@mitchellacoustical3119]

Jerry, I’m glad I don’t have to install for California either! I’ve heard those codes are nuts. I appreciate the feed back, only thing I’ll say on the jet line to the side is some times if the ceiling and line are at the same height the jetline can get caught in the cross T and snag it. So some days I’ll go center some days I’ll do it to the side of the main. I don’t have a hard stance on that. Appreciate the feedback👍

[@klevrah]

those are all things i was taught by a grumpy 40+ years in the game guy too :)

[@wyoblacksmithtools3097]

@@klevrah Grumpy???

[@jdallmyd]

Excellent advice . Thank you sir!

[@ThisIsWilliamPhelps]

Put the laser card on a long "necklace" around your neck. It's always in reach even if it comes off the grid.

[@russanderson7859]

Nice video it's been awhile since I did this, I needed a refresher. Reading other comments I don't understand why they are confused about this video, your instructions are plain and simple. Thank you

[@mitchellacoustical3119]

Glad we could help, I appreciate the feedback

[@KyleVance-mf3yb]

As an architect in training, love to see it!

[@suaveTech]

from seeing 2 different and big manufacturer videos to what an installer will do, you simplified it and made it easier to understand and the rules to follow to have a good square ceiling. thanks

[@mitchellacoustical3119]

Absolutely, glad we could help. Thanks for the comment👍

[@Koop89]

This is very well explained and demonstrated. I commend your hard work!

[@kalpathimurali9431]

Thanks for creating this learning video.Liked your passion behind this creation. I had learnt from your video to ensure the Level of the Ceiling using Laser card and bending the wire using the pliers. I also read in one of the comments whether the sting line to be positioned on the center of the Main Tee or side of the Main Tee. For me both will work, as far as the installer does the basics right. Another observation, the suspension wire used was directly cut from the coil. Probably Pre-straightened would be better for achieving quality installation.

[@Zergers]

Great video! I have to rehang a drop ceiling today for the first time. Your video and explanation make me feel like I can do it right the first time! Thanks for making this!

[@mitchellacoustical3119]

Glad we could help!

[@robertfish6617]

Excellent video. No fluff. Good teacher.

[@mitchellacoustical3119]

Thank you👍

[@ottewell9643]

we are planning to replace an original old tile ceiling with a suspended ceiling in basement of a 60 yr old home . this video was very helpful in learning how the project will unfold. We're having a contractor do the work however its useful to know what the installation process is all about. We have yet to decide on the lighting, as pot lights were too expensive.

[@pedrovelez5956]

I love the way that he explains detail for detail very good video he definitely knows what he's talking about thank you

[@mitchellacoustical3119]

Glad we could help.

[@kompshi]

this is a very simple and good video of learning the basics of installation of ACT grid......thanks a lot for sharing.

[@mitchellacoustical3119]

Thank you!

[@mikoyan2006]

Thanks man for taking the time to make the video.

[@mitchellacoustical3119]

You're welcome!

[@007HANDMAN]

Thank very much for your informative video. And most importantly, you have time to answer every question.. Go on thumb up

[@mitchellacoustical3119]

Thank you!

[@delanimoran9621]

U make it look so simple bro and u gave me some good tips more drop ceiling ideas plz!

[@mitchellacoustical3119]

Thank you! Yea we get to them when something tricky comes up, we’ll have more in the future👍

[@ai4px]

Thanks for explaining all of this.

[@santoseliodoropaz9894]

God bless you so much my dear friend. This is so great your English is so clear and you explained step by steps

[@mitchellacoustical3119]

Thank you👍

[@ajohnney22]

Well today, I will start my install. I am more confident that I watched this video 3 times. I can't wait to get off from work and start.

[@drantic3326]

You got it

[@scottstone1475]

Good luck. But this guy is more confusing than others I watched..let us know how you did

[@meandyou917]

@@scottstone1475 actually it was the most easiest explained.

[@AcuraJ32]

Wow, that is amazing how you put that ceiling up..Damm you are talented!

[@mitchellacoustical3119]

Thank you👍

[@bigdaddy7670]

Excellent video my friend!

[@based_yeoman9138]

Thanks man, very informative and easy to follow.

[@mitchellacoustical3119]

Glad we could help!

[@robertseaton6251]

Great video and straight to the point.

[@mitchellacoustical3119]

Thank you!

[@fexc2711]

Love this video , has helped me tons

[@boatingrayroberts4367]

Your video was very well done! Thank you.

[@mitchellacoustical3119]

Thank you - we appreciate it!

[@denzooo7745]

Nice video man keep up the good work !

[@mitchellacoustical3119]

Thank you!

[@MrLitosanchez]

Congratulations good job and teaching.

[@mitchellacoustical3119]

Thank you!

[@danielbuendia1214]

mike I like your video have anice day I do acoustical ceilings long time ago you are a good person

[@mitchellacoustical3119]

Thank you

[@rideauviewconstruction717]

Well done. Good explanation.

[@mitchellacoustical3119]

Thank you!

[@miguelvazquez6899]

Great explanation 👌🏽

[@jimmyreid6516]

Very informative thanks for the video

[@mitchellacoustical3119]

Glad we could help!

[@josemanuelgarcia2669]

thanks for your excellent video? a question how much is the range per square foot installation, labor only

[@nickosullivan1733]

Awesome thanks good to know u remind me of the Boss I had that taught me ceilings

[@tredogzs]

Excellent... Thank YOU!

[@chasecarter4760]

Little trick a ceiling guy taught me for layout is to count the number of fulls and multiply by two pull the number from the wall mark and measure the remainder from the other wall and divide by two pull that number from the wall and every four foot are your mains

[@i.m.Q.2]

Thank you so much for posting this! I have a building in which i want to redo the foyer. The only issues are the grid cieling has to come out and i wasnt sure if i could create a mechanism with a steel cable to hang things. After seeing this? Given my dimensions and plans, what i need is already there! 😊 This is so perfectly "inline" with what im hoping to do, its uncannily perfect. Other than 1 or 2 adjustnents in my engineering ive got to make that actually make life easier, youve just given me an ideal proof of concept! Between that and seeing where your located, ill take that as a good omen. 😊 thx!

[@mitchellacoustical3119]

Hey glad we could help! There is a drywall grid video as well that we did. You could do that for your foyer as well. 👍

[@i.m.Q.2]

@@mitchellacoustical3119 Thanks! I didn't think that was of any use to me till I was trying to figure something out. So I'm glad you mentioned it as that might solve an issue I'm trying to figure. When you hang that grid, you've got 18 or 20 gauge wire hanging from above. What exactly is that attached to? Secondly, how far apart are those things spaced? If I've got to add more hanger wire, so be it. I don't know what the standard distance is between hanger wires. The reason I ask? If I use dry wall, weight distribution to which doesn't look like it's going to be an issue given what you've said and I've found. Secondly, thats my nodes in structural terms. Thanks again! 👍

[@elguanatos13]

You make it look so easy 😅

[@danielb27]

Great video

[@fastorange6463]

I wish I had been smart enough to watch this video 3 years ago when I first entered the wall and ceiling trade. My first few weeks would have gone sooooo much better haha

[@mitchellacoustical3119]

Ha! Don't we all? I don't remember even thinking of using youtube when I was starting out. Glad we could help!

[@fastorange6463]

@@mitchellacoustical3119 it helped a lot I did a bit of t-bar at the beginning as a total greenhorn flash forward to now and just got a new job at a much higher rate by claiming that I could totally install t-bar when I really only have real experience with steel studs. Just had my first day today and thanks to your vid I threw up a bunch of grid and new boss was pleased. Thanks for making this video and explaining it all in a way that's easy to get. Seriously.

[@cizko84]

I'm in this situation today and I'm not gonna lie I'm nervous 😬

[@izzyc.4746]

Love it bro

[@user-xp9qj1jc8s]

Thanks for information

[@RLabbe508]

Excellent instructional video by a mechanic not a do it your selfer! My preferred way of fastening wall angle into dry wall is fence staples or tension pins.

[@mitchellacoustical3119]

My dad was the same way. I tried the staples back in my apprentice days and hated busting up my thumb.👍

[@mitchellacoustical3119]

My dad was the same way. I tried the staples back in my apprentice days and hated busting up my thumb.👍

[@RLabbe508]

How about nailing wall angle with 4d cut nails in cmu’s, now that’s a thumb buster! 😀

[@tootallreggie]

Much appreciated.

[@MrBillysaint]

Nice job.

[@mitchellacoustical3119]

Thank you

[@randytyson7728]

Hey, could you do a video on how to “jack up” or “jack down” your mains on the wire? It would help me ALOT...p.s. thanks for all of your videos they have helped me so much

[@mitchellacoustical3119]

We can absolutely do that! We can't guarantee that we'll get to it right away but hopefully in the very near future. Glad to hear the videos have helped you!

[@jeffthewhiff]

This is a very good video and I enjoyed watching it, but I am confused about how much to trim off of the main tees and centering everything. Years ago, my father and I installed two suspended ceilings in my home and they turned-out great, but I don't remember how we laid-out the grid work. The room I will be working on will be in a bathroom and the walls are concrete.

[@dalepearson9658]

Hey friend. Awesome video. Very informative. One common mispronounced word...taunt or tont for tight or stretched is actually spelled TAUT and pronounced taught. I used to mis pronounce it too. Lol.

[@mitchellacoustical3119]

Yes, that word trips me up all the time! Good catch👍

[@mialgri]

Thanks! Why I didn't see this video before my project?!

[@mitchellacoustical3119]

Alex Mykhailenko You’re welcome! Let us know if you have any other ceiling install questions👍

[@matthall7899]

Great video! I'd love to know what brand and model of laser you're using. The one I have is absolutely no where near as easy to use.

[@mitchellacoustical3119]

That laser I used was a dewalt 3 line laser. They’re about 500 or so. You can find decent ones around 300.

[@dogsareawomansbestfriend]

Thanks, so I will know what they are doing to my ceiling.

[@arsenalfc3716]

Good job.

[@mitchellacoustical3119]

Thank you

[@aitorbenavidez3238]

Great job teaching yho just save me

[@mitchellacoustical3119]

Glad we could help!

[@yeyintnge]

Thanks

[@vbujhawan]

Very informative video. You are a great teacher. Thanks for sharing your expertise.

[@kanestone4576]

Great video thank you , just a question , can u install a few tiles temporarily in the middle in order to square them easier ?

[@mitchellacoustical3119]

I wouldn’t suggest squaring this way. Tile has some play in them.

[@delonjaundoo8460]

Thanks!

[@mingtongtoh7701]

Hey! May I ask where did you get the leg extension equipment from?

[@enniomarticio3163]

nice video and straighforward. greetings from the Gods. 😊

[@AvidDIYer]

Kevin, how do you handle out-of-square rooms? I have a room about 11x12 but one wall is 4" longer.

[@mitchellacoustical3119]

I’m not sure what you mean by 4’ longer, but I can answer your out of sq question. When youre out of square, you have to square the 1st full tile off of the wall. So if you have a 12” border, the next tile in the room you will have to make square. I hope that makes sense. So run two mains and snap in the Ts then then square those Ts and you should be fine.

[@marialmaguet5256]

Man good job..bro

[@mitchellacoustical3119]

Thank you👍

[@diegovargas2585]

Great job thanks…….🤝🤝🤝🤝

[@stevehorvat69]

Thanks. This was an excellent explanation. I will be putting up about 1,000 sq ft of 2’x2’ panels in our basement. I’ve already chosen a USG panel I want to go with. Any recommendations for a grid manufacturer (USG vs Armstrong) or a generic and are there any differences in the quality, etc? Thanks.

[@mitchellacoustical3119]

Usg, Armstrong or Chicago metallic are the brands we usually use. They’ll all have the same install, the stab tabs may be a little different. I can’t speak on any off brands as they wouldn’t be spec’d on our projects.

[@generohernandez8729]

Great tutorial video,I only have one question I'm doing a repair and several of the hanging wires were cut in half, is it ok to splice wires allowed by code?

[@mitchellacoustical3119]

This is a great question! I would say you have to look at state code and what’s acceptable. We’ve never had an issue splicing and tying a square knot. We made a video on this on our channel called ‘using a slip knot to extend ceiling tile wire’

[@andrelandry695]

Hey, great video! Where did you get that red magnetic guide to help set your height?

[@mitchellacoustical3119]

I think they come with the lasers now. Should come with a dewalt laser, or any supply shop. I think I got my from PLS.

[@gerardohernandez8654]

Thanyou ticher very Good and cily acustic

[@niles006]

I’m looking for a good grid punch. Any suggestions? Thank you. Excellent video by the way

[@mitchellacoustical3119]

All the punches are similar. I’d go to a supply house rather than HD or menards. They’ll have better than homeowner quality

[@maxprime8314]

Hello friend, excellent all the explanation, consult, as it is called the tool with which it makes the drill

[@alaydaniel]

Eres grande caballero

[@muhammadusmanmoazzam6287]

Thanks for the informative video. Can you please tell how to remove a tee from already installed grid. I have tried but they seemed locked or something

[@mitchellacoustical3119]

I will make this video

[@jamesyin1133]

it would be highly appreciated if you can post your tools. such as puncher & rivets tools. for beginners like me, this is the first time in my life seeing someone use a puncher & rivets tools.

[@mitchellacoustical3119]

On vacation right now, I’ll list them out below next week for you sometime

[@jamesyin1133]

@@mitchellacoustical3119 thank u! enjoy ur vacation!

[@jerryrobinson958]

Good video

[@mitchellacoustical3119]

Thank you!

[@jacobcervantes4251]

Great video. Can you demostrate a diagonal Act grid?

[@mitchellacoustical3119]

Yea we can. Usually we wait till that scenario comes up. Might take a while unless one comes up here soon. I’ll put it on our request board for now.

[@jayspainting]

Question? I've removed a wall and now there is a width of wall missing from existing ceiling tile . I'd say about 9". How do join the two halves together? Thanks Jay.

[@emanuelcastellanos8280]

i whatchet many times i hope you can make another video of the same very good like those good movies 1 2 3 verciones

[@imakejokesatfunerals]

Can you explain how you personally set the jet line on to the wall angle? I have my own methods but sometimes they get in the way of settling the main where it needs to be

[@mitchellacoustical3119]

I tie my jetline to the rivet and then dig it in the drywall under the wall angle with my Klein’s. Sometimes it creates a mark on the wall, but were the tapers and hangers too so we fix it.

[@o.ggonzalez3470]

Man brother thanks

[@mitchellacoustical3119]

Glad we could help!

[@joseest9525]

Wow i learned alot, Thank you.

[@mitchellacoustical3119]

Glad to hear that - thank you!

[@sidney8586]

Is there any benefit to floating the ceiling vs. designing a room in 2'/4' increments so that the tiles end exactly aligned to the walls? Is there an efficiency or cost/material savings between one verses the other?

[@mitchellacoustical3119]

Hmm, I guess you could but that would be very constrictive to the architect drawing the layout. Most people don’t look at ceilings. Just as long as they have equal boarders, like say 6” around the perimeter or something.

[@razzik777]

Boss wants me to go up and start installing this. how do i put the jetline in when i put it in the mold?

[@mitchellacoustical3119]

I usually tie the jetline to a rivet(double knot it) then take pliers and put that rivet end in between the drywall and molding. Beware that it can scratch the drywall but we’re the tapers too so it doesn’t matter on our end. Hope this helps👍

[@plutoniusis]

Hi Mitchell , excellent video and presentation . I have installed few times before small suspended ceiling decade back with no any problems , but something strange happen right now , the installation of 24" x24 " USG drop in ceiling tiles , the Main T bar I can't divide equally in a room size 12'x24' , I have always 3 " on ether side off from equal from center where cross bar 24" suppose to be locked in to Main T bar 12' long , no matter how I divide main T bar I have always on one side 3" difference in size of tile . Could you please explain , does different T bar is required , how to equally divide tiles on a room 12'x 24' with a 12" main T Bar ? Thanks a lot , cheers :)

[@mitchellacoustical3119]

plutoniusis thank you for the question. Now if I reading it correctly all you would have to do if the room is truly 12’x24’ is cut the Main on the slot line. Those slot lines are 6” apart and we know that 2 of those slot lines would make 1’. So that being said cut on a slot line and you should have equal 24” boarder along the entire field and perimeter. You can start with your main being 24” c off the wall or 48” center and start with cutting the slot line and that should do it. Let me know if that works👍

[@plutoniusis]

@@mitchellacoustical3119 , salute Mitchell , , I went quick in basement again to check what's wrong with measurement , I can not establish that parameter , the beginning of the 12' main T bar has first interlocking spot at 3" and then every 6" , that means that first tile should be interlocked at 27" , so we continue to have that 3" difference and on the end tiles can not be equally sized , yes room is 12' wide and 24' long , , even if locking part are cut off , it does make any difference . Is there other T bar 12' long with all locking holes divided 6" from a start to end , so full tiles could be installed . Thanks a lot for your input , Good night :)

[@Chusch25]

Yes the 12’ long main comes with the slot starting 3” off each end. So take your snips and cut only from one end on the slot line. Then take that 3” piece you just cut off the one side and connect it to the un-cut side. (So now you have a main 12’ long, with the first slot starting at 6”) Hang the main and go. Real simple

[@chrisrosenthal1210]

@@Chusch25 Or better yet just run a 12" border and not worry about making full tiles hit, that is if the lights work out. it's a basement right?

[@Chusch25]

chris Rosenthal yeah exactly what I was getting at

[@1donmaypen274]

What did u use to bend the wire

[@amandhiman4997]

What you wear to high your height

[@Hug_life]

Are commercial units with ceilings like this fully separated by floor to ceiling walls or are they like cubicle style once you get above this tile roof you’re building? And I know commercial is a broad brush, I’m referring to strip malls where it’s a single grid.

[@mitchellacoustical3119]

This was for a concrete testing facility. Walls didn’t need to go to the deck. I think just 16’

[@kashmoni1085]

Starting off i was told to run mains the longest run or as you said; the least amount of material. Been getting lucky doing that for a long time until one day I ran around popping wire this way and ended up doing four huge rooms before my boss caught me. The mains actually goes across the short side of those four foot lights.

[@mitchellacoustical3119]

Sure but the wire can dictate how to run them as well. In this instance we had to work around some ductwork. So we try and get best use case.

[@danieljimenez5691]

Thanks for showing the video May I know what brand is your Stills

[@mitchellacoustical3119]

They’re marshalltown skywalker stilts. They’re awesome stilts but I’m not sure they make that kind anymore. Looks like you can find them on eBay still. -KL

[@23johnny562]

Hey, I have someone who wants to frame a wall with metal studs on a room with that type of ceiling. The room is finished already, they just got the idea to split it into two. So how can you anchor the top plate/rail if there's nothing really solid to anchor it to?

[@mitchellacoustical3119]

You should just be able to use steel studs and under pin it. Meaning take the track and screw it to the grid using mini screws

[@tantrummanshow]

My friend: the best video I watched Very informative, I'm a handyman and I'm about to take a job like this, never done it, I was a little nervous about it but you make it really easy, my question is pricing, can you give me a rough idea of how much to charge?

[@mitchellacoustical3119]

My estimator knows our pricing, but with ceilings it’s double your material. So if your material is 1000, then then your labor would be 1000 for a total of 2000. Or at least that how I used to estimate it. Hope that helps.

[@tantrummanshow]

@@mitchellacoustical3119 thanks for your reply 🙏

[@Danger71089123]

I am a little confused the screw in the wall angle have to be in the stocks or I have to avoid the stocks?

[@mitchellacoustical3119]

Gilberto Faria for the studs, I don’t put the screws in. You absolutely can, BUT sometimes when you suck the screw in the stud and wall angle it makes any of the surrounding screws pop. So I choose not too. Hope this answers your question.

[@JennaBryLynn]

Would raising an existing drop ceiling be similar? is there an "easy" way to bump it up? Is it possible to raise just part of a ceiling in a room, or do they always have to come straight across level?

[@mitchellacoustical3119]

4” to 6” maybe you got a chance but higher than that it’s tough

[@momojoable]

Hi bro. if you don't mind I got a concrete walls is there another way to glued wall holders. Please reply and thanks

[@mitchellacoustical3119]

You’d have to use tapcons or a type of nail for concrete

[@razzik777]

Another question I have. When you start riveting do you start 4 ft from the wall ? Then skip one and one ? Or can you start riveting anywhere ?

[@mitchellacoustical3119]

Well the mains are the pieces that have to be riveted starting out, then yes adjacent to the main I usually start somewhere around 4’ and then skip to the next T 4’ away. When you’re riveting Ts they will always be 2’ or 4’ apart but you only need to rivet them every 4’. Hope this makes sense.

[@razzik777]

@@mitchellacoustical3119 When you said around 4' does that mean 4' away from the wall? or just anywhere ?

[@tiffanygain4212]

I currently have a drop ceiling installed in my salon making the ceiling only 8/ 9 feet tall which we have high ceilings above so plenty of room to move it up by 2-4 feet. Is it possible to raise the grid or would we have to remove the entire grid to do so?

[@mitchellacoustical3119]

I’m not sure that would be cost effective? You can re use the tile. But grid is inexpensive.

[@coryeaton8536]

Nice instructions what’s up with the rivets? Use wire and tie back above ceiling height eliminates unsightly rivets. Used rivets only in tight corners were grid won’t lock. Local 1016 Muncie Indiana

[@mitchellacoustical3119]

We use rivets to lock in the ceiling. Or wag clips for 9/16. Local 250 Lake Co IL