Cutting Ceiling Tile For Recessed Lighting

Now it was time to actually make those lights look pretty in the ceiling.

Cutting ceiling tile for recessed lighting.

First he took a ceiling tile and drew an x on the back of it using a yard stick to keep things straight. Cut out the hole using a utility knife or a keyhole saw. Carefully brush the opening. Place your knife at the side of the tile at the bottom of the cut you just made halfway through the tile.

Measure from all sides to find the exact center of the tile and trace the outline of the light in this spot. Because drop ceilings are not designed to hold a significant amount of weight people have concerns about whether or not the tiles can support the weight of the recessed lighting fixtures. Do this in the exact center of the tile and double check that the opening is sized according to your light s installation instructions. See how fast and easy it is to cut holes in ceiling panels for sprinklers and recessed lighting fixtures from armstrong ceiling solutions.

A hole saw or an adjustable ceiling hole cutter with its hood to catch dust makes short work of the job. Place your free hand flat on the tile s surface for support. Cutting holes in ceiling tiles for recessed lighting. Cut the side of the tile to finish making the shadow line.

On each ceiling tile where you re adding a recessed light trace the light s outline. Measure the size of the grid square or rectangle. Cut the first hole out using a keyhole saw or utility knife. How to cut recessed drop ceiling tiles straight cuts.

Ken created a template to make cutting process easier. Transfer those measurements to a recessed ceiling tile. Measure the location of holes required in the tiles such as those for lighting or air vents. Insert the keyhole saw by applying pressure into the ceiling tile and moving the saw from side to side.

That involved cutting holes in our ceiling tiles. For each ceiling tile where a light will be located remove the tile and place it on a work surface. Pull the knife down along the side to remove the edge of the tile and create a shadow line. Recessed lighting fixtures are among the most decorative looks for drop ceiling tiles.

That is the way i do it and get perfect results. Support the tile while you make the cut to reduce the chances that the tile will break. Run your hand around the cut to remove loose particles from the tile.