Instructions / Assembly

STEP : 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, ater 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.
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 str
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
How to Install Your Armstrong
®
Suspended Ceiling