DIY Do it Yourself or Not®

Want to cover up a maze of electrical wires, plumbing lines and heating duct in the basement? The best solution we know is a suspended or drop ceiling that incorporates 24-inch square or 24- by 48-inch panels in a metal grid. A suspended ceiling is also used to lower or level and existing ceiling often a concern in large older homes.

The metal grid is permanently fastened to an old ceiling or from exposed floor joists; the ceiling panels are then placed in the grid. That means a damaged panel can be quickly and easily replaced, and it's no trouble to access the lines and wires for repair work. Compared to a permanent drywall ceiling, this removability factor is a plus.

The limiting factor for installing a drop ceiling is the height of the room. At a minimum, a suspended ceiling must fall 3 inches below the lowest obstacle.

A contractor will charge $1,113 to install a drop ceiling in a 15-by-20-foot room using 24-inch square panels. If you have some carpentry experience you can buy the grid and panels for $650, the drop ceiling installation cost, saving 42 percent. The job will cost more if you incorporate recessed or surface-mounted lighting. You'll need the following tools and equipment: tape measure or measuring rule, straight edge, hammer, carpenter's level, utility knife, tin snips, line wire cutting pliers, string and chalk, safety glasses and a ladder (two, if you have a helper). You'll spend the most time planning the grid layout and installing it; inserting the tiles goes quickly, which completes the job.

At www.armstrong.com you'll find a material estimator to help you plan the job and how-to-install videos to give you an idea of what's involved.