False ceiling advice

Hello there. My kitchen has a ceiling with one end higher than the other. I am putting up a false ceiling to level it out and install some downlighters.

The area to be covered is approximately 2m by 2m. I have screwed timber battens around the perimeter and then then hung two evenly-spaced cross timbers, and two lines of noggins going the other direction.

I have bought 6 sheets of 9.5mm gyproc.

My question is - Is my timber frame going to be strong enough to hold the new ceiling ?!? I am slightly worried that it won't be - although it seems quite sturdy - and I wonder if it is good practice to somehow support the middle of the frame from the existing ceiling joists.

The false ceiling is only about 8 inches below the existing one. Is it advisable to connect the timber frame to the ceilng joists, and if so how ?

Thanks for any help,
Regards,
Peter.

PeterAllan said:

The area to be covered is approximately 2m by 2m.

Click to expand...

Is this the total room size or the size for levelling it out ?

I have screwed timber battens around the perimeter and then then hung two evenly-spaced cross timbers, and two lines of noggins going the other direction.

Click to expand...

Best to use 4"x2" wallplate with rawlbolts or fischer screws plus joist hanger at 400mm centre or to pick up the plasterboards joint on the centre of the joists but depending on the total room span.
A photo would be great if you can.

Thanks for the reply, masona,

I think I had better try to explain better the set-up I currently have.

Is this the total room size or the size for levelling it out ?

Click to expand...

The total room is approx 4m by 2m. Half of it (2m by 2m) is higher than the rest by about 8 inches.

I've screwed 2" by 2" battens round the 4 sides of the area, and between them run 2" by 2" lengths in both directions. This seems hopelessly flimsy compared to what you suggest.

A photo would be great if you can.

Click to expand...

I will do my best ..



Hopefully that will work. Can you let me know your thoughts ?

Thanks again for your reply,

Cheers,
Peter.

may be a bit flimsy but to save taking it all down and as you dont care about the ceiling above get some galvanised straps and strap to the joists above in a few suitable places

how about the same way the do false ceilings?

its like an "eye" screwed into frame and also ceiling then galvanised wire between the two. (looks like straitened coat hanger wire)

sorry my description is a bit vague but you get the idea

Your best bet is to take it down Don't worry we've all been there before and doesn't look like you wasted too much money.

The problem is also the width of the timber which will be difficult to locate for the plasterboard screws and on the edge you have hardly any room at all. I would use 75mmx50mm (3"x2") using 150mm fischer screw into the wall then use your ex-timber that is on the wall side (thinner one) and screw that to the bottom edge of the 75mmx50mm timber forming a rebate then the ceiling joist with the notch cut out to rest on the rebate. Screw the ceiling joist at the side into the wallplate.

The other option is suspended ceiling tiles which will accept the downlighters but it won't match your exsisting ceiling.