I want to change old 80’s style pot lights for more contemporary pot lights.
The old lights are large 8″ diameter hole in the drywall, while the new lights are much smaller.
Any suggestions as to the easiest way to replace the lights and fix the drywall?
Listeners write in about fireplaces and ask questions about sharpening hand tools, easier wiring upgrades, and fixing cedar siding.
"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.
Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.
Start Free Trial NowGet instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.
Start Free Trial Now
Replies
Fix the drywall, then install old work "pot" lights.
I'm assuming pot lights are recessed cans.
When I do something like that I usually cut out the hole for the new light in my repair piece of drywall. Then I install the new piece, mud, tape, sand.
It may also be a little more easy to do if you make square holes in the ceiling to patch as opposed to matching existing holes.
Family.....They're always there when they need you.
He may have to make a rectangular hole anyway if those are like the slightly older used-cans/pot that were a rectangular housing.
To the original poster-Depending on wire length and location and how many-sometimes it's "easier" to take the ceiling down, install new, than to patch 8 holes. You of course do the deciding.A Great Place for Information, Comraderie, and a Sucker Punch.
Remodeling Contractor just outside the Glass City.
http://www.quittintime.com/
Please describe the ceiling's finished texture. Even better, a photo would really help.
Worst case scenario would be 80s popcorn, followed by brush or trowel finished ceilings.
If this is a nice simple painted finish, then, that's not too bad--just count on likely needing to paint the entire ceiling afterwards (every time I've seen someone try to "feather in" new paint after old, it comes out badly).
Note that the suggestion to make rectangular holes is one I second. Mostly because the remodel fixtures are designed to use spring clips against flat drywall. So, Murphy being who he is, they always want to hit a seam, or won't fit over the patch or what have you. I'd figure on as long as the joist span is wide--but, that's me, and reading this over the internet, too. Might be easer to just make a nice big hole and use an IC-rated fixture, too--skip the rework fixture fussiness altogether.
some very good suggestions. No the ceiling is nice simple finish. The suggestion of cutting a square patch is what I was thinking of doing. I was wondering how big of a section of drywall I should cut out? Thank you all for your suggestions and help. Greatly appreciated.
I was wondering how big of a section of drywall I should cut out?
Square, unless you have a chunk a different size. So, since you need to hit the joists anyway, if they are 16"OC, then go 16" the other way, too.
Not a bad idea to have some scrap lumber, like a bit of 2x3 that can be toe-screwed on the flat between the joists to support the edges of the patch.
If you do wind up using a new-work box, since the joist bay will be wide open (also since IC-rated can be easier to find in new versus remodel fixtures). Then, you may want a longer-length patch to clear the work.Occupational hazard of my occupation not being around (sorry Bubba)
Now ya got two threads on this?https://store.straitflex.com/SearchResults.asp?Cat=4http://www.tvwsolar.com
I went down to the lobby
To make a small call out.
A pretty dancing girl was there,
And she began to shout,
"Go on back to see the gypsy.
He can move you from the rear,
Drive you from your fear,
Bring you through the mirror.
He did it in Las Vegas,
And he can do it here."
Thanks, had no idea.A Great Place for Information, Comraderie, and a Sucker Punch.
Remodeling Contractor just outside the Glass City.
http://www.quittintime.com/
Where's the hall monitor when ya need 'em?http://www.tvwsolar.com
I went down to the lobby
To make a small call out.
A pretty dancing girl was there,
And she began to shout,
"Go on back to see the gypsy.
He can move you from the rear,
Drive you from your fear,
Bring you through the mirror.
He did it in Las Vegas,
And he can do it here."
Tending to his crop...
Pot lights?
http://www.usdoj.gov/dea/pubs/pressrel/pr101906.html
Where's your operation? Going hydroponic or planted. Watch out for the fuzz!