Cutting Ceiling Tile For Recessed Lighting

Ken created a template to make cutting process easier.

Cutting ceiling tile for recessed lighting.

Measure the location of holes required in the tiles such as those for lighting or air vents. That involved cutting holes in our ceiling tiles. Insert the keyhole saw by applying pressure into the ceiling tile and moving the saw from side to side. After that increase the length of your blade by another notch and then hold the knife on the ground sideways and then cut along the side of the tile cutting out your recessed.

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. Now it was time to actually make those lights look pretty in the ceiling. Place your free hand flat on the tile s surface for support. First he took a ceiling tile and drew an x on the back of it using a yard stick to keep things straight.

Run your hand around the cut to remove loose particles from the tile. Cut the side of the tile to finish making the shadow line. Recessed lighting fixtures are among the most decorative looks for drop ceiling tiles. Measure from all sides to find the exact center of the tile and trace the outline of the light in this spot.

Measure the size of the grid square or rectangle. On each ceiling tile where you re adding a recessed light trace the light s outline. That is the way i do it and get perfect results. Carefully brush the opening.

Do this in the exact center of the tile and double check that the opening is sized according to your light s installation instructions. For each ceiling tile where a light will be located remove the tile and place it on a work surface. Place your knife at the side of the tile at the bottom of the cut you just made halfway through the tile. Cut out the hole using a utility knife or a keyhole saw.

Lightly move the keyhole saw back and forth with light pressure to cut the hole. Transfer those measurements to a recessed ceiling tile. Cutting holes in ceiling tiles for recessed lighting. How to cut recessed drop ceiling tiles straight cuts.

See how fast and easy it is to cut holes in ceiling panels for sprinklers and recessed lighting fixtures from armstrong ceiling solutions. Support the tile while you make the cut to reduce the chances that the tile will break. Cut the first hole out using a keyhole saw or utility knife.