How To Install Wall Angle For A Drop Ceiling

How to install wall angle for a drop ceiling
POSTED ON MARCH 4, 2018 BY ADMIN
HOW TO INSTALL WALL ANGLE FOR A DROP

CEILING
By Timothy Chapel
Installing the perimeter wall angle for a drop ceiling is probably the easiest part of a
suspended ceiling installation. The most important aspect of this installation is to keep the
wall angle level and tight up against the wall as it will determine the overall sharpness of
the ceiling.
The wall angle for a drop ceiling is usually L-shaped and its size is approximately 1” x 1”.
It’s very important that the angle be installed securely so that it can properly support the
main runners and cross tees that sit on the perimeter of the ceiling.
The wall angle is the first step in the drop ceiling grid installation process. As professionals
we typically install the wall angle before installing the wires so that the wires don’t
potentially stab us as we are moving around the perimeter of the room. However, you can
choose to install the wires or the wall angle first, it’s your choice.
Step 1 Determining the drop ceiling height

First… determine the height of the ceiling. If you are installing in a basement you will want
to have no less than 3” of clearance below the joist or 2” below the lowest obstruction. An
obstruction could be ductwork, piping or an electrical component.
The main runners and cross tees for a drop ceiling

are approximately two inches in height so if you choose 3” below the joist, this will leave
you with only one inch of clearance to install the tile. This is not very much and for
someone with little experience it would be difficult to install the ceiling tile. Although 3”
would be the minimum, if you could do 4” you would be much better off. The more
clearance you allow, the easier it is to install the grid and tile. 6” of clearance in a
basement is optimal.
After verifying for obstructions be sure to factor in the depth of light fixtures when
considering the height of the ceiling.
Once you have determined the height add 1” to that height and place two marks on the
wall about 18” away from each other.
These marks will be the top of the wall angle. Don’t place the marks at the ceiling height
because the wall may be painted and would then require touch up.
Step 2 Installing the first piece of wall angle

Determine whether the wall you are starting your
installation on is longer or shorter than 12’. Most wall angle only come in 12’ lengths so if
it’s shorter than 12’ you would need to measure and cut the piece to the proper length.
Place the angle on the wall up to the marks you made and secure with 2 or 3 fasteners no
more than 4” apart.
Step 3 Fastening the wall angle

Wall angle for drop ceilings can be fastened many different ways but what fastener to use
is determined by what type of wall you are fastening to. We generally use a cordless
staple gun, but not everyone will have access to one of these.
If you have wood studs you can use a hardened 1”

nail or drywall screws and fasten the wall angle to the stud every 16”
If you have steel studs you’ll need screws or fence staples.
If your walls are block you’ll need a either a 1” hardened nail which you will fasten into the
mortar joint or you can use a small ¾”hardened nail which will penetrate right into the
block.
For poured concrete walls and block you will need to use a hammer drill with a ¼” drill bit
and mushroom anchor. You could also use a cordless Trak-it gun with a ¾” nail if you
happen to have access to one
Step 4 Continuing the wall angle installation

Once the wall angle is temporarily fastened you can install your Laser if you have one.
Simply hang the laser on the wall angle and turn it
on. Make sure that the beam is running just below the ceiling height. If you don’t have a
laser than you simple measure the ceiling height in every inside and outside corner, place
your mark 1” above the height and snap a chalk line to the marks you made on the wall.
Here’s a tip for you.
When you don’t have a laser there are two ways of setting your ceiling height.
 You can measure off the floor; but just make sure that your floors are relatively
level and flat.
 If your floors are not flat you can measure down off the ceiling joists or
subflooring on the floor above you.
After you have verified the height, follow the line you snapped or the laser line and secure
the first length of wall angle by placing a fastener every 12 to 16”. If you’re using a staple
gun you’ll want to space your fasteners about 6” apart.
Step 5 Making an inside and outside corner
Once you have the first wall completed, if the

adjacent wall you’re working on is an inside corner simply lay the wall angle on top of the
existing piece you already installed.
It should look something like the picture to the right. You could also miter this corner if
you’d like. At some point along your install, you may encounter an outside corner.
Here’s a fast and easy way to miter a 45-degree angle on an outside corner that will look
great.
1. Measure the wall to the corner and add 1 ¼” and cut the length of the wall angle.
Place the angle on the wall and with a pencil, mark the wall angle at the corner.
There should be 1 ¼” of the wall angle going past the corner.
2. Cut only the top of the angle off on the mark, leaving an L shaped ending.
3. Install the piece and secure it to the wall.
4. Repeat the same steps on the other side of the wall and place the wall angle
against the wall.
5. Allow the angle pieces to overlap and with your tin snips, make a crease at the
point where the angle meets.
6. Lift up the loose angle and using a tin snips cut the secured piece on a 45-degree
angle towards the point of the wall.
7. Place the loose piece back on the wall and secure.

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How to install wall angle for a drop ceiling

POSTED ON MARCH 4, 2018 BY ADMIN

HOW TO INSTALL WALL ANGLE FOR A DROP

Step 1 Determining the drop ceiling height

The main runners and cross tees for a drop ceiling

Step 2 Installing the first piece of wall angle

Step 3 Fastening the wall angle

If you have wood studs you can use a hardened 1”

If you have steel studs you’ll need screws or fence staples.

Step 4 Continuing the wall angle installation

Here’s a tip for you.

Step 5 Making an inside and outside corner

Once you have the first wall completed, if the

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