The Golden State: Where & How to Live, Secure, Visit, Enjoy and Thrive in California

How To Remodel Basements And Attics

Once the tile layout is complete, the positions of the furring strips (see Fig. 19) can be planned as indicated in part B of Fig. 20. Note that strips a and b must be spaced to suit the needs of the half tile next to the end wall.

When such sketches have been drawn the actual quantity of tile and furring strips can be counted. It is best to buy furring strips in 12-ft. lengths so that it is not necessary to use short lengths anywhere.

The starter strip (see part B of Fig. 20) can be purchased where the tile are purchased.

A couple of pounds of 4d and 6d nails should be sufficient.

The necessary tools include a saw and hammer.

As shown in Fig. 19, the furring strips are fastened to the joists. Use the 6d nails. Space the furring as indicated in Part B of Fig. 20. When all strips have been fastened in place, hold a long straightedge (piece of furring, etc.) against and at right angles to them. If any of them do not touch the straightedge, drive shims under them until they touch the straightedge (see Fig. 19).

Nail the starter strip so that its center point is directly over the mid-point of the ceiling.

Place the first piece of tile (see part B of Fig. 20) so that its groove engages the tongue of the starter strip (see part A of Fig. 21). Make sure that the corner of the tile touches the furring strip above the point L. This is the same L as shown in Fig. 20. Use four 4d nails, as indicated by dots in part B of Fig. 21. Apply the first row of tile as indicated in part B of the illustration. Install the second row so that the flanges are facing in the opposite direction. After two rows have been applied, adjacent rows should be laid, beginning at the ends of the rows already applied. Saw the tile to fit at the walls. These will have to be face nailed.

A cove can be nailed in place, where the ceiling meets the walls, as the final part of the job. Acoustical tile can be painted as desired.