Hi folks!

I need to embark on a DIY that I hadn't counted on: replacing the drop ceiling in our basement. The long and short of it is that a couple of our cats keep climbing up the bookshelves, pushing up a tile and then embarking on an adventure before realizing they can't get out because the tile they used as an entrance has slipped back in place! They have also broken a fair number of those ugly tiles, and the resulting crumbly debris makes a real mess.

We've already had a record number of unexpected expenses this year, so we can't afford to hire a professional to replace the ceiling with drywall....and after a good look at DIY sites, I think I will attempt to replace it with beadboard. Beadboard not only looks nice, but t has the added benefit of being a bit harder for the cats to shove up. I have not yet determined if I will be replacing the beadboard tile-for-tile, or if I will have some beams that I can attach the boards with screws. I hope to have the assistance of a local neighorhood handyman, so there would be two sets of hands for this project- and hopefully I can get his help in changing out the light fixtures because I hate those fluorescent tube things.

Has anyone ever done this? Does anyone have any expertise in this, and would you please dispense any and all advice that would be helpful in this endeavor? (Caveat: no suggestions as to what to do about the cats, please. They're staying, and have proved to be champion spider-hunters. That means their place in the house is quite secure. )

Thanks in advance!