New Drop Ceiling

There are several reasons to consider drop ceilings for your basement remodeling project.  Drop ceilings, also called false ceilings or suspended ceilings, have sound dampening characteristics that vary by the style of ceiling tile that you use when remodeling.  They also provide access to the plenum space for future remodeling.  The plenum space is the area between the ceiling tiles and the upstairs floor.  Individual tiles can also be replaced if they become damaged.  Most people choose this type of ceiling for a basement remodeling project.

Basement remodeling exposes ceilings that generally have a myriad of plumbing and electrical work running through the joists.  Some of the plumbing and especially heating ductwork, even hangs below the floor joists, which makes a standard sheetrock ceiling difficult, ugly, or impossible.

When installing a drop ceiling, you have the flexibility to work around existing plumbing or ductwork.  Most importantly of all, you can easily access electrical, plumbing, and heating lines when you need to without tearing out the entire ceiling.  Instead of remodeling again, just remove a few tiles to find what you need and place them back when you’re done.

The most important thing to remember when you get ready to install your drop ceiling, as in all remodeling work, is to plan ahead.  Measure your area carefully and order the right amount of materials.  Plan your ceiling grid on paper, including any light fixtures that you want.  When you are installing the grid system, be sure to use a level and measure over and over again to ensure that you don’t end up with a sloping ceiling.  Then get creative with your light fixtures and enjoy your finished basement remodeling project.

(Photo Credit:  http://www.flickr.com/photos/22723308@N07/3302025496/)