Because CeilingLink is made of PVC plastic, it is also possible to nip or cut away 1/4" of the cross tee base that lays on the runner, so that the vertical legs of the cross tee lay on the bottom runner, and the base of the cross tee is then at the same level as the base of the bottom runner or L-Channel (see photos below).

Do you sell pre-cut cross tees?
We don't currently sell pre-cut cross tees. If you are cutting a large number of cross tees, a power mitre saw or table saw with a fine-tooth blade will help do the job quickly; also, there is less waste in custom cutting the shorter cross tees used at the perimeter.

What is the purpose of the 1/4" - 5/16" of play between the top track and bottom runner of CeilingLink?
The play between the top track and bottom runner of CeilingLink is used to self-level the bottom runner when the installation of the top track is not level. It is rare for joists or furring to be perfectly level, and this EXCLUSIVE feature of CeilingLink means that no shimming of the top track is necessary (up to 5/16" off-level) to achieve a level installation of ceiling panels.

What is the total thickness of a CeilingLink installation, including ceiling panels?
It's 1" from the top of the top track to the bottom of the fully extended bottom runner. Compare this to the 4" - 12" necessary for a suspended ceiling system.

What are the actual widths of CeilingLink, L-Channel, and C-Channel?
CeilingLink and L-Channel are 15/16" in actual width, the same as most standard suspended grid. C-Channel is 15/16" on the bottom, 17/16" on the vertical side, and 1 5/32" on the top horizontal side.

What can be done about pipes and ducts that are below the joists?
In many cases, furring (1x2s or 2x2s) can be installed to put the mounting point for CeilingLink below pipes and conduit, and ductwork can be covered with soffits. In some cases, pipes can be raised a little or relocated in order to free up a larger area of joists that can be directly attached to. Click here for drawings for soffits from Armstrong, a manufacturer of ceiling panels.

Can CeilingLink be used to support drywall?
No, CeilingLink cannot be used to support drywall, which is 3 - 4 times heavier than acoustic ceiling panels. Typical 2x4 acoustic ceiling panels weigh about 6 lbs, and 2x2 panels weigh about 3 pounds--these weights are equivalent to 3/4 lb per sq ft.

Can CeilingLink be used with light fixtures?
Yes, CeilingLink can be used with light fixtures. Fixtures must be mounted and supported independently of CeilingLink, and ceiling panels cutout to accommodate finish rims for cans, high hats, or other recessed lighting. Larger fixtures, such as 2x2 or 2x4 fluorescents, are designed to fill the space normally occupied by 2x2 or 2x4 ceiling panels. Light fixtures should be mounted so that the finish rim will be flush with ceiling panel bottoms, which are typically 1-inch below the mount point of the top track.

Is CeilingLink available in colors other than white and black?
CeilingLink and L-Channel are currently available in white and black, and they may be painted many other colors of your choice. Krylon makes a plastic spray paint-- Krylon Fusion--that comes in a variety of colors and is widely available at Ace Hardware, Do-It-Best, Kmart, Sears, True Value, Wal-Mart, etc.   Click here for the Krylon store locator.

Can CeilingLink be attached directly to metal joists, studs, or furring?
Yes, CeilingLink can be attached directly to metal joists, studs, or furring, using standard self-tapping sheet metal screws that are 1/2" - 5/8" in length. See "How is CeilingLink attached?" above for on-center attachment dimensions.

How does CeilingLink compare to CeilingMax?
CeilingLink competes with CeilingMax on price (about 40% cheaper) and simplicity:  the same piece is used for top track, bottom runner, and cross tee, compared to 3 separate CeilingMax pieces. Also, there is less flexibility in the CeilingMax grid system--every part snaps or fits to the others in required ways--compared to CeilingLink's grid system, which self-levels, is more forgiving, and allows more variation, especially around the perimeter of an installation where the ceiling panels and grid parts need to be cut to size. The flexibility of CeilingLink allows a more precise installation than CeilingMax, but the finished look is pretty much the same. Both products use white bottom runners that are 15/16" wide, which is the industry standard for most suspended ceiling systems.

Here is a price comparison of CeilingLink (purchased online) vs. CeilingMax (purchased at a Home Depot in the Chicago area):

                CeilingLink    CeilingMax    Difference
top track          3.90           5.97           53%
bottom runner      3.90           4.97           27%
cross tee           .98           1.24           27%
L/U channel        2.90           2.97            2%