Description
Install and finish suspended acoustical ceilings and wall systems, including tiles, panels, baffles, and clouds, to control sound and enhance interiors. Lay out and suspend grid frameworks; cut and fit tiles around fixtures; mount specialty acoustic treatments; and ensure alignment, code compliance, and specified acoustic performance. May remove existing ceilings and coordinate with other trades.
- • Read blueprints, reflected ceiling plans, and specs to determine layout, materials, and methods.
- • Measure and mark layout lines for main runners, tees, and perimeter molding.
- • Hang control lines to wall moldings to guide runner alignment.
- • Assemble and install suspended ceiling grids, including main runners and cross tees.
- • Suspend grids from structure using wire, clips, hangers, and seismic bracing.
- • Inspect substrates and hangers for level and plumb; adjust to meet tolerances.
- • Measure, cut, and fit tiles around lights, diffusers, sprinklers, and vents.
- • Install acoustical tiles, clouds, and baffles with adhesives or mechanical systems.
- • Scribe and trim border tiles for tight fits at walls and irregular surfaces.
- • Seal perimeters and penetrations with acoustical sealant where specified.
- • Mount acoustical wall panels using furring, Z-clips, or adhesives.
- • Install sound-attenuation insulation and vapor barriers behind assemblies, when required.
- • Coordinate fixture locations with electrical, HVAC, sprinkler, and low-voltage trades.
- • Install access panels and specialty trims at transitions and openings.
- • Cut and fabricate perimeter angle, trim, and light-gauge framing to size.
- • Use lifts, scaffolds, and ladders to set grid and panels safely at height.
- • Remove existing acoustical ceilings, grid, or panels during renovations.
- • Verify acoustic performance and finish standards per plans and specifications.
- • Maintain clean work areas and dispose of scrap and packaging.
- • Follow safety procedures and building and fire codes for suspended ceilings.
- • Prepare quantity takeoffs and order tiles, grid, wire, hangers, and adhesives.
- • Perform punch-list corrections and tile replacements.
- • Install resilient or hat channels for acoustical wall systems when specified.
- • Level and square grids using lasers, levels, and tensioned lines.
Related specializations
Interview options
Interview options
Interviewee gender
Interviewee accent
Interview time
Related Pathways
Construction
View
Source
Tasks & skills:
O*NET occupational data (work activities, skills, knowledge).
Learn more
Sources & Standards:
This site includes information from O*NET by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license. Career Clutch has modified some of this information for student readability. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.
Last reviewed: Jan 2026
