If you’ve decided to renovate your home with new metal ceiling tiles, one of the first steps you’ll need to take is to remove your existing ceiling tiles. These ornate, opulent designs will add a lot of value, style, and class to your home. This style of ceiling was extremely popular in Europe, but has recently seen a surge of use in the United States. While there are various ways to install a ceiling such as drop-ins or nail-ups, the procedures for removing existing tiles is usually a standard one.

Step 1 – Prepare the Room

By preparing the room for the removal of metal ceiling tiles, you not only create a safer work environment, but also protect your other belongings in the room. Since you’ll be working with the ceiling and around light fixtures, it might be a good idea to turn off the electricity just in case you snag a wire with a metal tool.

Step 2 – Remove the Cornices

When removing metal ceiling tiles for a new display, you’ll want to start on the outside then work your way inward. Removing the cornices means that you’ll be removing the crown molding around the edges of the room. Use a tool such as a crowbar to ensure that you have the ability to pop the cornice out of its spot. You’ll want to work the perimeter of the room to ensure that you can continue working from the outside in.

Step 3 – Remove the Tin Tiles

Now that you can begin removing the tin tiles, use the crowbar to give you leverage as you pop tin tiles out across the ceiling. The nails should pop out like they did for the cornices. Once the tins are out, consider strapping them with tape to keep them together before throwing them away.

Aside from these three steps, there are other considerations you’ll want to keep in mind to keep the process safe and effective. For instance, since you’re dealing with nails, consider using eye-ware to protect yourself from any injury. Also, some tins are recyclable, so you might want to research whether you can recycle your tins or must simply throw them away.