Dear Schimm,
I've done this a number of times and found that due to the process of installing the tiles in the ceiling, that 6" of space between the gridwork and joists will be about right. I tried an installation with a space of 1" and I looked like something out of a Tom & Jerry cartoon trying to get the tiles in.
Len

[This message has been edited by Iceman (edited January 03, 2002).]

I don't know if it's Ceiling Max but I saw a system at Home Depot that has grids that "snap" together, allowing you to install the panels flush with the joists (you merely unsnap the grids to take out the panels). Anybody with experience, positive or negative, with such a system?

I used CeilingMax (sold at Home Despot) on my basement project and it worked as well as advertised. I tore out a traditional drop ceiling which had consumed ~7" of headspace. The Ceiling Max is plastic and very easy to work with. Screw the top hangers perpendicular to the joists, snap in the cross braces, install tiles, lock in place with a runner. I did ~500sqft, by myself, in about 3 or 4 weeknights after work.

I am using the Ceilingmax on my basement. So far, so good. I am going to install track lighting. Any ideas on how/where to install the track lights. My present light fixtures are going to be right on the grid, so I need to move them. If I go to far right or left, my lights will not be centered in the room. How close can I be to the grid???

Help would be greatly appreciated!

Doug