I'm working on my unfinished basement in an older house and planning to set up a train display down there. To minimize dust and dirt from the floor joists, I'm considering covering about a 12x10 foot area with ceiling tiles. I initially thought about using a piece of 4x8' drywall, but I'm open to other inexpensive options that are easy to screw directly into the joists. I'm not interested in a drop ceiling due to the low clearance, especially near the ductwork. The drywall I found is about $3 per panel; is it worth just cutting these up, or are there better options?
2 Answers
You might want to check out ceiling systems designed for surface mounting. They're similar to drop ceilings but attach directly to the joists, keeping the height intact while providing good access to wiring and utilities above. Brands like Ceilingmax work well for this kind of setup. They hold the panels in place with T-shaped clips, but it does look a bit like a drop ceiling. Still, it’s super practical!
Surface mount ceiling tiles is the term you’re looking for! They can really help maximize your space.
I've seen a guy who made T-shaped joists in his basement. He cut pieces of drywall and placed them between the joists, then painted them for a neat finish. This way, he kept a polished look while still having easy access. If your joists aren’t T-shaped, you might consider modifying them if you’re up for a little extra work!
Oh, I think you're talking about this system! Here's a link: [Ceilingmax 100 sq ft Ceiling Grid Kit](https://www.homedepot.com/p/CEILINGMAX-100-sq-ft-Ceiling-Grid-Kit-White-18200/100521670). It says it hangs down about 2 inches, so keep low headroom in mind!