How to Install Ceiling Speakers In New Construction?

Ceiling-installed speakers sure make you feel all bougie. And for audiophiles, ceiling speakers are must-haves if you have the capacity. 

And it’s always better to install the ceiling speaker during the construction phase of a house. 

Now you’re eager to know about “how to install ceiling speakers in new construction?”

To install ceiling speakers, first, make sure to install the wires behind the sheetrock. Take a two-conductor cable that is certified for installation behind the wall. Run the cable from the central area to every speaker location. On the ceiling use tools to make places for speakers. And install the speakers on the ceiling.

That’s the summary of how the ceiling speaker installation should go. Keep reading for an easy-to-follow step-by-step guide for ceiling speakers installation. 

Are Ceiling Speakers Really Worth It? 

For those who love low-key speakers, installing ceiling speakers can be totally worth it. The speakers utilize and optimize the space of the interior. 

Ceiling speakers also give you a more surround sound experience. It heightens the immersive sound experience when the audio is played from ceiling speakers. 

Ceiling speakers produce magnificent sound quality at a low cost. In fact, most low-cost speakers will give you high-quality audio output. 

So, yes, installing ceiling speakers is absolutely worth it. 

And if you have bought a house with built-in speakers, take care of them well. You won’t regret it.

However, if you don’t wanna go that way, you should know about the ceiling speakers installation cost.

Cost to Install Ceiling Speakers

The installation cost for ceiling speakers is around $200-$350 depending on your speaker setup.

Compared to other high-quality speakers, ceiling speakers are quite cheap. Even the ones from good brands. 

For example, Micca M-8C 8-Inch Ceiling Speaker is one of the most affordable choices you’ll find right now. Compared to floor-standing speakers, Klipsch CDT-3650 or Klipsch CDT-5650-C II is more aggressively priced. 

However, there are ceiling speakers like the Polk Audio RC80i which are quite costly. So, the cost of the speakers can vary depending on the brand and quality. 

How to Install Ceiling Speakers In New Construction: Step-By-Step Guide

Installing ceiling speakers in a newly built construction is fairly easy. Here is the simple instruction for installing ceiling speakers in new construction. 

The first step is to gather all the tools you need for the installation. So here you go- 

Step 1: Tools You Need For Installing Ceiling Speakers

Here are the tools you need for installing ceiling speakers in your new construction – 

• Self-leveling laser level
• Basic Box Cutter to score the sheetrock for easy cut
• Keyhole or Drywall Saw for cutting the drywall
• Stud Finder or Detector to make sure there’s no wire
• Speaker Template (Will be given with the speakers)
• Pencil/Marker
• Ladder
• Hammer for removing the nails of the junction if there are any.
• Basic screwdriver set and wire cutting tool. 

Prepare these tools before you proceed to set up speakers on the ceiling. Keeping them close will make the process convenient. Also, keep in mind that there are huge differences between wall and in-ceiling speakers. So, don’t get confused about these!

Step 2: Use the Speaker Template to Trace on the Ceiling

Before you proceed to the installation, remove the grill and dust cover. To remove the grill, use the small hook-like tool that came with the speaker.

With the template that came with the speaker. Use a ladder to reach the ceiling, with a pencil or a marker, trace the place you need to cut. 

Be careful of the stud behind the ceiling and avoid cutting into it. Make sure to keep the outlet in the marked area. 

Step 3: Score Inside the Area You Traced

Take a box cutter or razor blade and score the drywall or sheetrock. Score over the area you traced with the marker. It will make it easier for your keyhole saw to go in. And cut through the drywall or sheetrock.

Start scoring from the top. Don’t go over the line, it’s best if you score just under the tracing. Because your keyhole saw will have a thicker blade. It’ll end up cutting over the line, crossing the scored area. 

Press the box cutter or razor blade down hard. Otherwise, it won’t penetrate the drywall or sheetrock. Continue all the way down the circle. 

Step 4: Use Keyhole Saw to Remove the Drywall

Now it’s time to take the keyhole saw to remove the drywall to remove the junction box. Insert the keyhole saw into the drywall, where the junction box is situated. Insert it into the drywall and you’d want to cut all the way around in a circular shape.

As much as you can in one direction. Do it again the second time and go in another direction. 

Step 5: Remove the Junction Box With a Hammer

Take out the circular drywall/sheetrock you’ve cut. It will expose the junction box. With the help of a hammer, you’ll have to remove the junction box.   

Take the hammer and remove these nails and the junction box. 

Step 6: Connect the Speaker Cable to the Posts

Pull out the two-conductor cable you installed in the new construction. Strip a half inch of the positive and negative cable to expose the copper conductor. 

Take the speaker, there are two posts in the back. One positive and one negative. Press the positive post down to find the hole in the post. Run the cable through. Repeat the same with the negative posts. 

Step 7: Install the Ceiling Speaker

After you’ve connected the wires to the speaker, insert the speaker into the hole. 

Removing the grill and dust cover has revealed 4 screws around the speaker. With a screwdriver, screw them in. What it will do is, rotate the 4 feet around the speaker. The feet will grab the sheetrock/ drywall. And hold itself in place.

After you’re done, aim the tweeter in whatever direction you want. Now put the dust cover on the grill. And pop the grill into the speaker. 

Congratulations, you have installed ceiling speakers in the new construction! And if you want to remove the in-wall speakers, the process is also fairly easy. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Do Ceiling Speakers Need an Enclosure?

Yes. ceiling speakers require a backbox for sound insulation. If you fail to install a backbox for your ceiling speakers, noise pollution will occur. The sound quality of the speakers will be diluted. And you’ll hear the noise from places you don’t want any disturbance, like your bedroom. 

How Do You Hook Up Speakers To A New House?

Run a two-conductor speaker cable from the central area directly to each speaker location. 16 gauge is suitable for runs less than 80’. Use a 14 gauge cable for a longer run. And make sure the cable is certified for behind-the-wall installation. Mostly the volume will be controlled with an app.

Can Drywall Support Ceiling Speakers?

Yes, drywalls can support ceiling speakers with adequate installation. For the speakers to be supported, the center of the joist has to be 16”. Make sure to keep a distance of 2.5” between the joist and the drywall. That way, your ceiling speakers will be well-supported even with drywall.

Conclusion

That concludes my guide on how to install ceiling speakers in new construction. As scary as it sounds, I showed in the article that installing ceiling speakers is really easy.

Did my installation guide help you out? Be sure to let me know.

Until next time!