Replies

1. 
   GregGibson | Jun 03, 2008 04:42am | #1

   Well, I'm 6'7", and so, too, might be your best prospect as a buyer when you decide to sell. I would hope you could squeeze 7'6" out of it.

   Greg

2. 
   BUIC | Jun 03, 2008 04:57am | #2

     Are you referring to the drop between the bottom of the floor joists and the top of the grid?

     With most hard tiles you need 7".  Vinyl coated flexible fiberglass, 2".      buic

3. 
   Bing187 | Jun 03, 2008 05:01am | #3

   I've got a good friend who does it for a living, but he's not around.

    I think the minimum ( if I'm understanding your question ) is around 2", but he's done systems that were "built in" that are closer. Problem with that ( he hates doing them that way) is that you have to take it apart from one side to get a tile out on the other. Not bad, tho, if the only built in part is where it's tight to a duct or a beam, tho

   Hope that helps.

   Bing

4. 
   calvin | Jun 03, 2008 05:13am | #4

   4'' from joists with other lower obstructions that you can lay around is no problem.  3'' I might do, but would hate every minute of it.

   edit:  and that would be with 2x2 tiles.

   A Great Place for Information, Comraderie, and a Sucker Punch.

   Remodeling Contractor just outside the Glass City.

   http://www.quittintime.com/

    

   
   

   ---

   Edited 6/2/2008 10:14 pm ET by calvin

1. 
   purplerays | Jun 04, 2008 05:05am | #5

   Hey guys,

   Thanks for all your help.  I will try the 3 or 4 inch drop.  Keep on learning new things.

1. 
   DanH | Jun 04, 2008 05:57am | #6

   There are special zero-clearance grids.
   It is an ironic habit of human beings to run faster when we have lost our way. --Rollo May

5. 
   Jim_Allen | Jun 04, 2008 06:32am | #7

   I've done a lot of basement ceiling systems, with 2' x 2' tiles and only dropped 2" below the bottom of the joists.

   Others have mentioned that 4" is minimum and I'd agree if it was a solid ceiling (perhaps you were covering up a cracked plaster ceiling) and 2 x 4 tiles. In that case, a 4" drop would be minimum.

   The reason you can get closer on an open joist system is that you have the open space between the joists to shove the tile up into as you are getting above the grid. The open space between the joists are the "relief" area that is needed that wouldn't otherwise be available on a solid ceiling.

   One of the biggest challenges about a system so tight is the hangers. If you attempt to hang the grid with 2" wire, you'll learn some very hard lessons. I always fix my anchors much higher up on the side of the joist. The extra "swing" makes the job of leveling it much easier.

   Bob's next test date: 12/10/07