Instructions / Assembly

How to Install Your Armstrong
®
Suspended Ceiling
INSTALL GRID
Prepare and Hang Main Beams
• To prepare the first main beam, trim the end of the
main beam so that a cross tee slot on the main beam
is the border panel distance from the wall (B).
(This creates the proper border tile opening.)
TIP: Cut the top of the grid first with tin snips and then
bend the grid open and cut the face of the grid (A).
• Place the cut end of the first main beam on the wall
molding and using the round holes in the grid, hang
main beams on the hanger wire or hook perpendicular
to joists. For installations using traditional hanger wire,
after inserting the wire through the round hole, bend it
up and wrap the wire around wrap the hanger wire
around itself three times. Do this same step with the
next main beam running parallel 4' away along the wall.
Prepare and Cut Border Cross Tees
• Stretch a string line from one end of the room to the
other below the wall molding and along the edge
furthest from the wall of the main beams (A). (illus. A)
• Install your first cross tee in the main beam cross tee
slot that is your border panel distance from the wall.
• Hold the end of your border cross tee against the wall
(B). (illus. A) Mark and cut the cross tee where it crosses
the string line.
• Insert the uncut end of the cross tee into the main beam through the
rectangular hole and rest the cut end of the tee on the wall molding.
• Cut the second border cross tee to length and insert it.
• Temporarily fasten the cross tees to the wall molding with a clamp or
tape so they do not move.
Squaring the Grid
To achieve the best end results, it is important to make sure your grid is square
at this point in the installation. This will allow you to adjust if changes are required.
NOTE: When connecting two cross tees in the same rectangular hole of a main
beam, insert the second tee into the slot by passing on the right side of the
already installed cross tee.
TIP: Installing cross tees is easier if the tee is inserted into the rectangular
slot at a downward angle from above the grid plane. Listen for an audible
click to ensure a good connection.
• Install two 4' cross tees between the two main beams in line with the first
two border tees (C). (illus. B)
LA294998-1219
A–Step 1 A–Step 2
Set trimmed end of main
beam on wall molding
Place
grid hooks or
hanger wire
in round
holes
Border panel distance
B
Cross tee slot
Wall molding
A
B
illus. A
Border tees
cut and
clipped to
molding so
main aligns
with string
First main
beam
Second
main beam
Guide string
Insert cross
tee here
Insert
grid hook
Main beam
Existing
cross tee
Insert to
the RIGHT side
of existing tee
Align
center
of bracket
with vertical
mark
1" long
vertical
mark
Bracket
Hammer
tabs
Joist
Insert
grid hook
Main beam
Existing
cross tee
Insert to
the RIGHT side
of existing tee
Align
center
of bracket
with vertical
mark
1" long
vertical
mark
Bracket
Hammer
tabs
Joist
Insert at a
downward angle
STEP
3