Armstrong Easy Elegance Ceiling Panel Installation Manual

Quick Guide from the Manual

The Armstrong Easy Elegance ceiling system is designed for drop/suspended ceiling applications using a 15/16-in grid. Before starting, ensure you have the required clearance above the grid face: 6-in for deep coffer panels, 3-in for shallow coffer panels, and 2.5-in for flat panels. Do not install in areas exceeding 130°F. Always remove the protective film from PVC tiles before installation.

Materials and Tools

Materials Needed: 12-gauge hanger wires and fasteners (or QuickHang hooks/brackets), Prelude main beams and coordinating tees, UHDC universal clear hold down clips, Easy Elegance panels, wall moldings (7800R), and MBAC/DWAC clips for drywall perimeters.

Tools Needed: Safety glasses, cut-resistant gloves, chalk line, measuring tape, hammer, pencil, utility knife, metal snips, carpenter's or laser level, drill with driver bit, ball of string, and clamps.

Step 1: Plan Layout

Determine border panel sizes by measuring room dimensions. Armstrong recommends border panels be 1-ft or larger. Calculate by sectioning wall length into 2-ft increments until a remainder is found, then add 2-ft and divide by 2 to find the border size for opposite sides. Mains should run opposite to the joists.

Step 2: Install Wall Molding

Mark the desired ceiling height on the walls. Add the height of the wall molding and mark a level line around the room. Nail the molding to wall studs. If the wall is solid concrete or stone, hang a section of the main beam next to the wall as a substitute.

Step 3: Install Suspension Grid

Snap chalk lines for main beams 4-ft apart. Install wire fasteners and hanger wires. Pre-bend hanger wires by stretching a string from nail to nail along a row of wires, then bending each wire at 90° where it touches the string. Trim the first main beam so a cross tee slot aligns with the border panel distance. Hang the main beam, ensuring it is plumb. Cut border cross tees to length and insert them. Square the grid by measuring diagonals of the 2-ft x 4-ft openings; adjust mains until diagonals are equal.

Step 4: Install Panels

Cut panels to integrate with lighting, leaving a 1/8-in gap between the panel and recessed lighting. Use a sharp mat knife for cutting flat panels. Install lights, ensuring height extensions are used for deep coffer panels (2.5-in above grid line) and shallow coffer panels (7/16-in above grid line). Install UHDC hold down clips if panels shift, particularly near doors or windows.

QuickHang Hardware

QuickHang hardware is for residential use with solid wood or engineered wood joists. It allows for ceiling drops from 2.5-in to 12-in. Do not cut QuickHang hooks; bend the top portion if shortening is required. Align brackets with marks on joists, hammer in tabs, and nail securely. Insert grid hooks through the diamond-shaped holes in the brackets.

Maintenance and Safety

Wipe panels clean with a damp cloth. The product contains titanium dioxide and carbon black; ensure the work site is well-ventilated during installation. Wear protective gear and avoid breathing dust when cutting or machining. For additional information, visit ceilings.com/easyelegance or call 1 877 ARMSTRONG.