I am rehabbing a 100+ year old townhouse. It will be a rental. We had to gut it as the leaking roof had pretty much destroyed everything inside. Anyway, last week we reframed the walls with metal studs. Now I need to do something with the ceilings to get them level for drywall. I could use furring strips across the joists but I am thinking about using hat track. I understand that I can hang the hat track from wire. How is the wire attached to the hat track? Is there a special clip for that? If the length is longer than the track, how do we join two pieces? Also, how will the boxes for ceiling lights be attached. The upstairs hallway will have recessed lighting and I am not sure how that lighting will attach there. Any pros and cons to this method?
Thanks
– Kevin
Replies
You would have to install studs and track for a splice first.Then go across with hat track. For get the hat track, use either chicago grid or metal studs on 16" centers.
Chicago grid is hung like accoustical grid, then the rock is screwed into it.What is the ceiling height now,what do you want to finish at? If you have room, I would go with metal studs for joists,usually 2 -1/2" wide and 16" centers. Screw a strongback to the top of studs ( now joists) and fasten to wood joists at 4-0 maximum centers.
This method is quite a bit stiffer than chicago grid, although the grid is fine after rock is on.If you haven't used the grid system, don't start on this house,more for experienced rockers.The lights are headed off the same as for wood, make cuts at ends and fold ear back for screws.
mike