Cut Ceiling Tiles
Suspended ceilings are a popular choice when finishing an existing basement. Even if you leave the entire installation to a professional, it's a good idea to learn how to make small repairs to the ceiling tiles. The tiles can easily be cracked, and they are susceptible to mold damage in the wrong conditions. Replacing suspended ceiling tiles along the border of your rooms will often require you to cut the ceiling tiles to size. Fortunately, the process requires only a few simple tools.
Steps
- Purchase the ceiling tiles if necessary. If you are conducting a replacement job on an existing ceiling, you will want to match the ceiling tile style to the existing tiles. The easiest way to do this is to order much more than you need during the initial installation and store them for later use. If you are buying new tiles, start by removing them from their package and letting them rest inside overnight. The tiles need time to adjust to temperature and humidity conditions, as they can expand or contract a bit.
- Take all the necessary measurements. Use a tape measure to measure the dimensions of every opening in the ceiling grid that will need a tile cut to size. Write these measurements down for later reference. If your ceiling grid has been installed properly, most tiles will only need to be cut along 1 dimension.
- Lay each tile out on a smooth, clean surface for cutting. A wood tabletop provides an ideal surface. You will be cutting the tiles with a utility knife, so make sure your work surface will not be damaged by the knife blade.
- Use a straightedge to measure out the cuts needed on each tile. Place the straightedge along 1 side of the tile, line the markings up with the tile's edge, and then make a small mark with a pencil denoting the location of the cut. Repeat this process on the other side of the tile. Then, place the straightedge across the tile, joining the 2 pencil marks. Trace your pencil lightly along the straightedge to mark the line along which you will cut.
- Cut the tile with a sharp utility knife. Leaving the straightedge in place as a guide, score the surface of the tile lightly by running the utility knife along the straightedge (following your pencil line). Make sure that you replace the razor blade in the knife before beginning, as a dull blade will tear your tile. After the initial pass, make a second cut along the same line, this time cutting all the way through the tile. Cut in a smooth, continuous motion; using a sawing motion will rip the tile.
- Remove the excess tile. After making the cut, pull gently on the excess tile. It should pull away cleanly, but if it does not, you can go over the cut once more with the utility knife. Discard the unused portion of the tile.
- Clean up the tile's edge if necessary. If the cut leaves a ragged edge on your tile, you can use your utility knife to cut away some of the material and clean up the tile's appearance. Note that a small portion of the tile will be concealed behind the ceiling grid, so this step is only necessary if the ragged portion extends into the tile past this point.
- Cut the remaining tiles in the same manner. After testing your first tile for a proper fit, continue cutting the remaining tiles with the same method. Be sure to regularly wipe down your work surface to keep the tiles clean. You may also want to replace your razor blade if it begins to dull.
Tips
- You may want to cut your tiles about 1/8 inch (3 mm) shorter than the measurements taken from your ceiling grid. This will ensure that the tile does not fit so tightly that it is hard to install.
Things You'll Need
- Ceiling tiles
- Tape measure
- Pencil
- Paper
- Smooth work surface
- Straightedge
- Utility knife
Related Articles
- Remove a Ceiling Tile
- Install a Suspended Ceiling
