Install A Tin Ceiling

Tools:

stepladder
pry bar
screwdriver
needle-nose pliers
hammer
nails
nail set
felt-tip pen
tin snips
heavy work gloves
chalk line
tape measure
chisel
dust mask
safety glasses
pressed-tin ceiling tiles and cornice pieces

1. Put on dust mask and safety glasses and remove old tiles using a pry bar (figure A). It's a good idea to have the tiles tested for asbestos first. If they contain asbestos, seek professional assistance to have them removed.

2. Remove any old staples using needle-nose pliers.

3. Measure the ceiling to determine the centerline for both width and length. Mark those lines using a chalk line (figure B).

4. Start installing tiles starting in the center and working your way out so that they're in a symmetrical pattern with the cut pieces on the sides being the same size.

5. Hold the panels in place and install using nails (figure C). Drive nails in at the joints where the instructions call for them.

6. If you have to fit tin panels around a light fixture box, make sure you turn the power off to the outlet. Press the tin panel against the fixture box to create an outline in the tin. Mark that outline with a felt-tip pin and cut out the opening using tin snips (figure D). Make sure you're wearing gloves when working with cut tin.

7. Continue installing tin sheets using a nail set to drive the nails in and avoid banging up your tin (figure E).

8. Now fit the cornice pieces. If existing molding interferes with the new pieces just remove a section using a hammer and chisel (figure F).

9. Trim the edges of the tin pieces to fit the corners (figure G). Tack up trim pieces along the perimeter of the room.