How to Make a Bulletin Board from a Ceiling Tile

Co-authored by Lois Wade

Last Updated: January 14, 2021

Are you looking for a cheap, customizable alternative to rectangular cork boards? perhaps you just need a bulletin board and don't like black, white or brown that are available at local stores?

Here's a solution that may appeal!

Steps

1
Obtain drop ceiling tiles from your local hardware store. The type used in Drop Ceilings. The tiles need not be perfect cosmetically, since you will be covering them later.
2
Obtain the things you will need (listed below).
3
Determine what shape(s) you could cut from your rectangular ceiling tile. Some people will opt to leave it as a rectangle, but you may customize the shape easily by drawing the shape you want it to be and cutting along that line carefully with a box cutter or X-Acto type knife.
4
Smooth any rough or broken edges.
5
Lay your fabric out flat.
6
Iron the fabric smooth if needed.
7
Lay the ceiling tile on the fabric.
8
Gently pull the fabric up and over the edges and staple it to the back of the tile. It is best to staple within two inches of the edge.
9
Work your way around the tile, bunching or clipping to ease the fabric into or around any curves. Staple as you go.
10
Trim off any excess fabric.
11
Glue the edges of the fabric that extend past the staples down to the back of the board.
12
Lay the fabric covered tile on top of your poster board.
13
Trace the shape of the tile onto the poster-board.
14
Remove the tile.
15
Cut the poster-board to match the shape of the tile, but cut around half an inch INSIDE your traced line.
16
Flip your fabric covered tile face down on a flat surface.
17
Glue and staple the poster board to the back of your new bulletin board.
18
Attach your hanging hardware to the back of the bulletin board.
19
Decorate as desired.

Things You'll Need

Cheap or used Ceiling Tiles. (the fiberboard type used in Drop Ceilings)
Fabric, preferably NOT a thick one, at least 5 inches (12.7 cm) larger than your tile on all sides.
Stapler
Craft glue.
A sharp knife. Box cutters or X-ACTO type knives work well.
Hardware for hanging a pictures on the wall
Decorative items of your choice, pictures, ribbon, buttons, pins, etc.
A sheet of poster board, or even an old poster that you no longer care for.