“Are there complete drop ceiling kits available for a 1000 square foot basement?”
Asked by Amanda Robertson 
3 months ago
Last Updated: September 1, 2024
I’m considering putting in a drop ceiling in my basement, which is about 1000 square feet. Do you know if there are ready-to-go kits available for this kind of project?
Have you looked into the Snapclip system or the embassy ceiling system?
Oh my goodness that would still be over $5000 if I’m doing the math correctly
They should come up with spray-on ceilings. You just spray it on and a ceiling magically appears.
My expertise lies in dropped ceilings, so when we purchase materials we typically base it on the total square footage. It’s also wise to factor in some extra for potential waste.
I don’t believe there is a complete kit to my knowledge
Can we do this for less than $5000, Ian? Just thinking out loud.
I believe it can likely be done for a lower cost. The Tbar main runners usually come in 500sqft cartons, while the cross tees are typically in 250sqft cartons. The total price will vary based on the material you choose for the grid framing and the type of ceiling tiles you prefer. Also, depending on the location, there may be specific building codes to consider. I’m based in California and often work on ceilings in schools and hospitals, where we need to adhere to strict seismic codes for earthquakes. You’ll also need wires to hang the grid and a way to install them. If you have wood joists, you’ll likely need some type of wire, whether pre-tied or if you need to use a wire jig.
https://images.app.goo.gl/ZtJfG7B69QN7gd1f6
That’s really cool, !
Head over to the Armstrong website, they offer a tool that allows you to input your ceiling dimensions and it will create a list of parts that you can use for shopping.
Why not go with drywall? It could save you some money
I need to make sure I have access to my pipes and electrical so I can’t completely cover them up.
If your ceiling is 8 feet high, you could opt for a traditional drop ceiling. But if you’re dealing with a 6’6″ ceiling like me, consider snapclip or ceiling max. These options attach directly to your joists, so you won’t sacrifice much height. Avoid drywall ceilings in a basement where access to pipes or electrical may be necessary and cause a big mess.
Personally, I chose ceiling max for my space. You have the flexibility to select your preferred tiles. Snapclip, on the other hand, uses mdf tiles which I’m not too keen on.
I’ve come across DIY videos on YouTube where individuals have created their own drop ceiling solutions that turned out quite well.
It really depends on how you want to set it up. Just lay down the main tracks either 2ft or 4ft apart, then add smaller cross tracks. The panels are typically 2×2 or 4×2 ft. It’s actually quite straightforward once you figure out the pieces. The track easily connects to the main tracks. I hope this explanation clears things up for you! If you were looking for a simple answer, then yes, you can definitely do it.
Oh man, the cost is the main thing holding me back. It looks like most of these setups will cost me around $5000 to cover the area I have in mind. That’s way out of my budget.
So basically, if you do it yourself, it might be cheaper especially if you compare prices and think about plastic versus metal panels and different sizes/styles.
I covered my ceiling with a really large roll of underlayment I bought at a building materials store..got a good deal on it …that was years ago..and I stapled it to the joists..it held up for quite a while..until my cats discovered how to get inside it and a lot of it fell down..most of it is gone now…I couldn’t afford a drop ceiling either back then ..but it served its purpose at that time..prices nowadays are just outrageous
Remove all the insulation and paint it black. This seems to be a popular choice among many, myself included. By adding some puck lights, any imperfections will be hidden.
Grab the sprayer and give it a fresh coat of black paint
I’m all set to tackle drywall installation, taping, and painting