How to Install Faux Tin Ceiling Tiles Like a Pro
Written by Milan Jara on 24th Aug 2022
Installing faux tin ceiling tiles isn’t hard if you know what to do and have the tools and materials. Here’s how to install faux tin ceiling tiles like a pro.
Installing faux tin ceiling tiles can make a huge difference in your space by transforming an old and boring ceiling with brand new faux tin ceiling tiles
The good news is that the installation isn't complicated if you know what to do, and you can install the tiles yourself in a simple DIY ceiling transformation project over the weekend or when you have some spare time.
Even if you don't have much experience with faux tin ceiling tiles, you can follow our installation guide to install them using the glue-up or drop-in method easily.
Let's start with the basics.
Quick Questions Before You Start
Before installing the tiles, estimate how big the project is, how easy it will be to do, and how much you can expect to spend.
- How Difficult Is It to Install Faux Tin Ceiling Tiles?
- How Long Will it Take?
- How Much Will I Spend?
Installing faux tin tiles on a ceiling isn't tricky once you have the proper instructions and all the necessary materials and tools. Any handy person can install the tiles alone or with a helping hand.
The time it will take you to do a ceiling with faux tin tiles depends on the size of your ceiling.
These projects take anywhere from a few hours to days. If your ceiling is big, you can expect to do the installation in a few days.
There's no correct answer to how much you will spend installing faux tin ceiling tiles. The only significant cost is buying the tiles if you already have the tools and materials.
You can use our handy Ceiling Tile Project Estimator to calculate the number of ceiling tiles you need.
Start by measuring the length and width of the ceiling and multiplying them to find the area. Next, enter the obtained square footage into the calculator and use the "Calculate" button to get the number of required tiles.
Add a 15% markup to make room for errors or damages during installation.
The cost of faux tin ceiling tiles via our online shop starts at $13.99 for size 2ft by 2ft and from $21.98 for tiles of size 2ft by 4ft.
If you are still unsure if faux tin tiles are the best option for your ceiling or if you'll be able to install them, you can start the process by buying our faux tin ceiling tiles samples to try out.
The cost of three faux tin ceiling tiles samples from Decorative Ceiling Tiles starts at $9.99.
How to Install Faux Tin Ceiling Tile Using Glue-up Method
As mentioned earlier, you can install faux tin tiles on a ceiling with two methods. Below we explain the glue-up installation process and the tools and materials you'll need.
Tools and Materials Required:
- Faux tin glue-up ceiling tiles in your preferred color, design, size, style, and effects (such as pearl, wooden grains, velvet, or metallic effects.)
- Measuring tape
- Pencil and chalk line for marking
- Water-based adhesive, preferably Instant Grab #310
- Scissors or tin snips for cutting tiles (if necessary)
- Stepladder
- Carpenter's square
- Caulking gun
- Masking tape
- Hammer
- Small nails
- Utility knife
- Geometry compass
Installation Steps
Follow the steps below to install the tiles.
1. Surface Preparation
Clean the ceiling by removing grease, dust, dampness, and loose material, like wallpaper, paint, or plaster.
Ensure the surface is smooth and even. Detach any objects like lighting systems you'll need to make room for.
2. Draw an Outline
- Use masking tape to temporarily attach as many whole tiles as possible across the room's width.
- Where the tiles end and no other full tile can be attached, measure the distance between the last faux tile and the wall. Divide this distance by two to get the width of the border tiles. .
- Measure the width of the border tile from the wall at opposite ends of the ceiling. Make a mark of that distance on the ceiling.
- Drive in a small nail at each mark, then stretch out a smooth chalk line from nail to nail and snap the line. The line becomes a straight starting edge for installing the tiles even if the wall has distortions or waves.
3. Start Installing the Tiles
- Remove the temporary tiles and start installing. Begin at one corner. To cut the tiles, use a carpenter's square to mark a straight line on the back face of the tile, then use heavy-duty scissors or tin snips to cut along the line.
- Apply small-sized adhesive spots to different places on the back of each faux tile and a continuous straight line of glue along the edges. Press the tile against the ceiling to attach it.
For the perimeter tiles, ensure the cut edge sits against the wall and the factory edge along the previously made chalk line.
- Once you install the perimeter tiles along two walls in an L-shape, start placing the field tiles. Apply adhesive on the field tiles and use the overlapping edge design of the tiles.
The factory edge lies on top of the lip or tab of the adjacent tile already installed.
- Once you position all the whole tiles, measure the distance between the full tiles to the wall, and transfer the measurements to make a line along the back of each tile. Cut the tile to the required size and follow the prior installation process.
- When you get near the center of the ceiling, measure the distance between the nearest whole tiles and the center of the lighting box. Transfer the measurements to the back face of the tile and mark where they intersect.
Use a compass to draw a circle from the intersection and cut out the opening using a sharp utility knife.
Cut out other openings by measuring their size and distance from adjacent tiles.
- Complete the ceiling by installing our styrofoam crown moldings if preferred.
How to Install Faux Tin Ceiling Tile Using Drop-in Method
It's easier to install faux tin ceiling tiles using the drop-in method than the glue-up method.
- Faux tin drop-in ceiling tiles of your choice
- Step ladder
- Measuring tape
- Moldings, if preferred
- Adhesive, if preferred
Installation Steps
Follow these steps to complete the installation.
1. Remove the old drop-in ceiling tiles. Alternatively, you can leave the old tiles in place and install the new ones over them.
2. Use the existing grid system to guide you in installing each tile by dropping it in and gently pushing its ends.
3. Once you have dropped in all the whole tiles, take the measurements of the tiles that need cutting. Transfer the measurements to each tile and cut from the back.
If necessary, apply some adhesive to the cut tiles to hold them in place since they won't hold onto the existing grid system from all four corners. You can skip the glue if you manage to cut the tiles, so they fit tightly to the wall. Install crown molding if you prefer.
Wrapping Up
If the installation process proves challenging or you don't have ample time to complete it, you can always use our professional ceiling tiles installers.