How to layout recessed lights?

Installing recessed lights is a great way to add character, style and light to any room. There are many different styles of recessed lighting that you can choose from, as well as different configurations for installing them in your ceiling. In this article we will discuss how to layout recessed lights and how to wire them up once they are installed.

How to layout recessed lights?

Recessed lights are a great way to add light and style to any room in the house. They can be used as task lighting, or even general illumination, and they’re usually quite stylish.

However, recessed lighting can be tricky to install yourself. It can seem like there’s always something that needs adjusting or fixing around the home, but if you’re not sure what you’re doing then it’s best left to the professionals.

Mark your ceiling

To ensure a perfect layout, you should use a chalk line, laser level or string line. The first two are common tools used by professionals and require no previous experience to use. A measuring tape can also be used but this method is less precise than the other two because you have to mark the end of the tape with something like a pencil instead of having an exact measurement.

Locate your ceiling joists

First, locate the joists. The easiest way to do this is by using a stud finder, which will show you where the horizontal beams run across your ceiling. If you don’t have one, it may be better to hire someone who does have one—not only will they be able to find the joists much quicker than you would on your own, but they’ll probably give you better advice on how best to proceed from there.

Calculate the placement of your can lights

Next, you need to calculate the placement of your can lights. The first step is to calculate the distance from the ceiling to the wall. For example, if your room has an 8′ ceiling and a 6′ wall, this would be 12 feet total height. Next, determine where on each wall you want your can lights by measuring down from that line until it reaches either another vertical line or a horizontal line. In our example, let’s say we wanted our first can light 8 inches from one corner of each wall (so there are two on each side). That would leave at least 10 inches between lights on one side and after calculating for length (5″ wide x 24″ long), we know that leaves us with about .5 square foot per recessed light box so instead of 5 boxes for each section I will be installing 6 recessed lighting cans!

Install the lights

Use a stud finder to locate the joists and mark each one. You can also use this tool to locate the center of each joist, which will help you properly space your lights.

Level your lights, using a level on top of them and adjusting them until they are all level with each other. The goal is for the tops of all three bulbs in each light fixture (and therefore any light fixtures side by side) to be at eye level when you’re standing directly beneath them. If they aren’t level yet, use shims or blocks under one or more corners until they’re aligned correctly.

Mark each ceiling around the perimeter where you want your recessed lighting fixtures installed, using painter’s tape and a pencil if necessary (some people prefer working without tape, but it does make things easier). You may need to go up into rooms above or down into closets below if there isn’t enough room for everything directly above where the recessed lights will go; just remember that all distances between fixtures should equal about 6 feet apart from one another—that way there won’t be any unsightly gaps between them!

Wire and trim the lights

Wire and trim the lights. Connect the light to its power supply and then attach it to the wall using an anchor and screw. Next, secure the trim with more screws or staples so that they are flush with one another on all sides of each light.

Install the trim. Attach your final piece of trim above each recessed light by attaching it to the edges (if possible) or using nails or screws as desired for additional support as needed for heavy pieces like crown molding.

Conclusion

Once you get the hang of it, recessed lighting is the easiest way to make your home a cozy place for relaxation. The best part about this type of lighting is that you can install it anywhere in your house or business without any wires showing up on the ceiling. This means there are no unsightly wires hanging down below as well! It also makes things easier when doing repairs because there won’t be wires in the way while repairing something else nearby.