When pros cut the ceiling tile reveal, which is that little offset in suspended ceiling tiles that enables the tile to sit just below the grid, they go fast, like drywall guys. It takes skill to know how to cut ceiling tiles properly, but a DIYer with skills can be successful with a little practice. Here’s the best way to cut ceiling tiles.
What you need to know about how to cut ceiling tiles like a pro.
Professionals who work with suspended ceilings and drywall use their tape measure, utility knife, and hands as a cut guide. They extend the blade to whatever the measurement is, then with the other hand hold the tape on the edge of the tile. In the other hand they hold the end of the tape blade and the knife. Then they drag both down the tile at once, getting a straight cut.
It is awesome to watch a suspended ceiling pro in action like this. But the problem is, I can’t do it because I don’t install ceilings every day. In this article, I share what we do that any experienced DIYer can do, too.
What’s in this article on how to cut ceiling tiles
Here’s how I can still get straight, even cuts with nice reveals.
1. How to cut ceiling tiles to size.
The best way to cut ceiling tiles can actually be tricky since you can’t really see what you’re measuring. Typically, I measure from the inside edge of each grid piece. Whatever that number is, I add 1/2-inch (different tiles will have different off-sets; this is an Armstrong ceiling). Then on the tile, I hook my tape on the edge of the reveal and mark the tile using my knife blade instead of a pencil.*
2. Next, I use a 2-foot cross-T.
Us it as a straight edge guide then score the tile 2 to 3 times with my knife. Sometimes it cuts through, and then sometimes you need to break the tile off. It’s easy.
3. Make the side cut.
With the tile cut to dimension, I lay my knife on my work table and make the side cut for the reveal. Note: If there has been a place having an OLFA utility knife has saved me time and aggravation, then this is it. Reason is, I can extend the blade further than a typical knife and change the angle the knife blade cuts the ceiling tile as needed.
This minimizes any granule build-up between the tile and the knife and optimizes what pros call the ‘angle of attack’. In short, it kicks a++ for this cut.
4. Make the down cut.
For the rest of the reveal, I then back the cross-T off 1/2-inch from the un-chamfered edge and make the down cut. One pass usually takes care of it. Again, being able to extend the blade a little sometimes helps here. As does a rippin’ sharp blade, which the OLFAs have (the black ones especially hold an edge). You can’t execute the best way to cut ceiling tiles without a sharp blade.
5. Test fit.
Ceiling pros measure a different way. Much like the proficiency ace drywallers have, these guys are fast. And so they can deal with the inevitable imperfections of out-of-square, lumpy walls with nary a second thought. But for those of us who don’t do this every day, we need to be a little more deliberate. So once I’ve cut the tile, I test fit it. If adjustments are required, then they’re required. If not, great. And I know that I’ve got a cleanly cut reveal that I don’t have to mess with.
Check out the how-to cut ceiling tiles steps in photos below.
Here’s a look at the best way to cut ceiling tiles, especially if you don’t cut them everyday.
*This post is sponsored by OLFA. The how-to is all MyFixitUpLife. In other words, this article on how to cut ceiling tiles is really how we really cut suspended ceiling tiles.
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