Use these components to design your own frame to support ceiling tiles.

Fiberglass-reinforced plastic frames are safe to use in food and dairy plants. Nonmagnetic, they’re also good to install in hospitals and labs that use MRI technology. These frames won’t conduct heat and electricity, unlike metal frames, reducing the risk of injury from electric hazards. All are approved for use in UL fire-rated ceiling assemblies. They also meet ICC-ES seismic standards. You can clean these frames with mild detergents—they won’t corrode.

Secure ceiling tiles or join ceiling tile frame components.

Clips for ceiling tiles keep ceiling tiles in place.

Clips for ceiling tile frames join ceiling tile frames and molding. Cross clips connect cross tees to main beams. For those with a 1” notch depth, use cross-lock clips to secure them in place. Both clips help you comply with ICC-ES seismic requirements when fastened with pop rivets. Use cross clips with a 1 9/32” notch depth to install lights or vents to beams where there isn’t a notch. Straight clips attach two main beams. When installed with pop rivets, these clips help you meet ICC-ES seismic standards. Tee clips join molding to main beams and cross tees.

PVC plastic clips must be used with fiberglass-reinforced plastic ceiling tile frames and molding.

Instead of painting or replacing ceiling tile frames when they’re rusted and discolored, put these flexible PVC covers onto them for a clean appearance. They’re sized to fit most framing systems. If you’re using them with ceiling tiles with recessed edges, make sure the width of the covers will fit the recess.

Rated ASTM E84 Class A, their ability to limit the spread of flames and generation of smoke conforms to the highest classification. They also meet UL 94 V-0, which means they’ll self-extinguish within 10 seconds and won’t spread fire by dripping.

To cover your framing’s perimeter, use wall covers. They slide onto framing where the ceiling and wall meet.

To cover your framing’s interior grid, you may need both standard and tee covers. Standard covers have a notch in the middle that covers the seams where two tee covers meet. They’re compatible with both 2' × 2' and 2' × 4' ceiling tiles. When used with 2' × 4' tiles, install them on the 2' side. Tee covers run perpendicular to standard covers to create a tee.

For a proper fit, choose covers for 1" wd. framing if your current 15/16" wd. framing already has a thick coating of paint.

Temporarily replace existing tiles to trap and divert water from overhead leaks.

Lenses disperse light to reduce glare and protect bulbs from damage. Cut to size using a band saw or shears.

Solid lenses keep bulbs hidden and distribute light evenly. Lenses with a prismatic or cracked ice pattern distribute light better than smooth lenses. Smooth lenses for LED lights scatter the directed light of an LED better than other solid lenses.

Egg crate and parabolic lenses have an open construction to allow more light through than solid lenses as well as more air circulation to cool bulbs. Parabolic lenses are reflective to direct light downward, which reduces glare.

Polystyrene lenses are the most economical, but they may yellow over time. Acrylic lenses won't turn yellow over time. Polycarbonate lenses are more impact-resistant than acrylic lenses, but they may yellow over time.