• Ceiling tiles can be installed with caulk guns and tile cutters.staircase image by bayu harsa from Fotolia.com
  
  Ceiling tiles, made from mineral fibers and similar materials, are not installed like ceramic tiles or other types of heavy flooring tile. Instead, ceiling tiles are much more lightweight, and require molding, nails and adhesives instead of grout to keep the tiles firmly held together. With the right tools to help, homeowners can often cut and install ceiling tile themselves.
  
  

Measurement Tools/Chalk Line

• Before the tile is installed, the homeowner (or professional worker) must carefully measure the ceiling space and all the tiles. This allows the worker to determine how well the tiles are going to fit and if any tiles need to be cut to make room for corners and light fixtures. In most rooms, the tiles must be cut, so workers measure the angles and draw lines in the tiles for future reference.
  
  

Basic Ladders

• When installing ceiling tile, ladders are necessary. Workers will generally need more than one ladder, since installing tile often requires two people to hold the ceiling tile in place and properly fit it. Ladders are also very useful for cleaning the ceiling to make sure it is suitable for tile installation.
  
  

Cutters

• Many different types of cutters are used to cut ceiling tile. Workers typically choose between box cutters, small saws, and specifically designed razor-blade ceiling tile cutters. All these tools allow workers to quickly cut ceiling tiles at an angle, following the chalk lines previously drawn on the tile.
  
  

Caulking Gun

• A caulking gun is used to hold and apply the tubes of adhesive that bond the tile to the ceiling. In most cases, this is the primary installation tool for the tile. If the ceiling is in disrepair, installers may also use ceiling tile nails to hold the tile in place more firmly.
  
  

Hole Saws

• Most ceiling tiles are installed around fixtures in the ceiling, such as light sockets. To help speed up the installation process, many worker use a simple hole saw, a hand held saw or large drill bit that cuts a small circle into the tile. This creates an immediate opening for the light fixture without damaging the rest of the tile.