Plaster-board ceilings, or drop ceilings, are not applied directly to the surface of an original ceiling. Applying plaster-board panels to a support frame creates a gap between the new ceiling and the old. Installing a plaster-board ceiling isn't as complicated as it might seem. The hardest part is the time you have to spend atop a ladder, raising the panels above your head. As long as you have the arm strength, it's a straightforward project.
Instructions
1. Measure the floor with a measuring tape to determine the room's perimeter.
2. Cut pieces of lumber to fit the room dimensions, using a table saw. A length of lumber will run along each wall.
3. Secure the lumber to wall with screws and a power drill while standing on a ladder. Place the lumber just below the ceiling. This is the frame for the plaster-board ceiling.
4. Install support joists running the width of the room made from lumber. The length of the joist should be as long as the width of the room. The supports should be attached to the lumber of the frame at 2-foot intervals.
5. Attach the plaster board panels to the frame and joists, using plaster-board screws and a power drill. The panels should be positioned so every other panel's seams are aligned.
6. Stagger the plaster board so odd-numbered rows will have even seams. Even-numbered rows' seams should be aligned and set in the middle the seams of neighboring panels.
7. Seal the seams of the panels with perforated plaster-board tape. Tape should be applied to each every join between panels.
8. Apply joint filler to the joints between panels and the dips made by the screw heads.
9. Spread the filler down with a wide-blade applicator so it smooth and feathers out and away from the joints toward the rest of the panels. Let the filler dry for 24 hours.
10. Sand down any ridges in the filler until the surface is smooth and even. Use fine-grit sandpaper.
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