fdl

How do you determine where to put recessed lights? Lets say you had a rectangular room, 12x15 (or whatever dimensions you want). How do you detrmine a) the ideal number of lights to use (is it 4, or 6, in my example?) and b) where do you position the lights?

So in my example 12x15 room, I would probably go with 2 rows of 3 lights, as follows, but I have no clue if its the best way:

|------------------------------------------------------------ -|
| /\
| 3'
| \/
|<-3'3"->X<-----7'6'---->X<-----7'6"----->X<-3'3"->|
| /\
| |
| 6'
| |
| \/
|<-3'3"->X<-----7'6'---->X<-----7'6"----->X<-3'3"->|
| /\
| 3'
| \/
---------------------------------------------------------------|

soopa

It depends on the size/wattage.

I'm using 50-watt mini-lights (trendwhore, I know) and I was told to position them every 3.5-4 ft.

soopa

oh, and, my room is probably about the same width... bit longer. with the minilights, i did 2 rows, like you plan... but just alot more lights in the roow...

fdl

what are minilights. From what I have seen 50 watts / 4 inches is pretty standard. THats probably what I'll go with

TXXXX

Depend on application / light output.

Mostly on application/intended purpose of the recessed lighting--primary, mood lighting, etc...

soopa

Those are minilights. 50 watt, 4 in ring, 3 in housing.

"Standard" is 6in pots.

Mini are the current trend though.

fdl

I was thinking primary, but with some lamps in the rooms as well.

soopa

if you're going with mini, it looks to me like you'll need to add another 2 lights to each of your rows. (around 4 feet between each)

soopa

and try to get them with a gimbal ring so you can focus the light if necessary

fdl

ahh, ok. Well im def getting the mini's. The bigger ones looked very dated IMO.

soopa

oh, and are you doing remodel or new construction?

be wary, those fucking minis are VERY unforgiving for remodel. the trim rings have a 1/4 coverage from the housing... if you make the slightest mistake you will have a crooked housing and an unsightly scar visible outside the trim.

I, despite having the opportunity to install them on hangar bars, thought I would use the remodel clips to allow for the most accurate placement... what a fucking mistake. I'm still strugglign trying to get them all in perfect.

Be wary is all. Even the new construction method, the hangar bars are a PITA too.

fdl

1/4 inch coverage from the housing?

soopa

The trim is 4", the housing is 3". 1/4" of the trim is left around the sides of the housing. So, you have 1/4 of "mistake" before your mistake is visible outside the trim.

The biggest problem is the paper face on your sheet rock, which likes to bunch/tear around the edges...

The second problem is the remodel clips on the housings which like to dig into the rock.

The third problem is if you cut your hole large enough to accomodate the remodel clips without damaging your rock, you're left with only 1/8" of trim covering the hole.

You'll find out.

TXXXX

Primary lighting would probalby dictate no Lens for the recessed lights, right?


You can try those square ones, much more forgiving than most of the round ones.


And if you are into energy saving, try to get light housing that can accomodate these small florescent lamps (12-19W), 1/3 or less energy use when compared w/the 60W, 75W incandestant light bulbs; same or better light output.

soopa

yeah, i've heard the same about the square ones. if i have any more trouble with these mini ones (i've about 6 more to put in) i may just say fuck it and grab the squares.

TXXXX

I always foil tape the drywall edges.

But the tearing issue can be some what solved by using a Dremel type cutting tool.

soopa

The tearing wasnt actually caused by cutting the holes though, its the stupid fucking remodel clips that put too much pressure on the edges of the rock.

I tried 3 brands of lights, all have the same issue. Annoying.

fdl

soopa, any recent pics of your progress with the place?

soopa

not really, been avoiding bringing my cam down due to dust from floors and sanding mud... may get down there today though...

zeroday

don't forget to take into account where the studs in the cieling are. mine were actually angled which made calculating placement really difficult. i basically drilled holes where i thought the lights should go, shoved a long screwdriver through them and went into the attic to make sure there was enough room around the screwdriver for the can. I'm sure there's a better way but i'm a hack when it comes to this stuff.

soopa

yeah, make sure you leave a good 2-3 inches of clearance from a stud too for the remodel clips...

I made the mistake of thinking i could put the housings pretty close to the studs, well, if the remodel clips hit them it pushes your housings all crooked like...

soopa

put another 8 lights in tonight, wasn't so bad actually. this final brand i went with (forgot name) isn't as bad.

main thing is to make sure you're no where near a stud or any other obstruction (in my case, firring strips) in the ceiling. if the springs aren't on level ground they'll pull one side of the light up into the ceiling and with the shallow trim, nothing will hide it.