How do I lower my ceiling for LED recessed spotlights?

Are you renovating? Then you know better than anyone what all is involved. From an extension, dormer to lowering the ceiling, for the do-it-yourselfer, a lot is involved. Preliminary research and reading up can therefore be very useful during a renovation. For this reason, we hope that by means of this blog we can provide extra support to the do-it-yourselfer when lowering the ceiling for LED recessed spotlights.

 

Install framework/battening

After you have demolished the old ceiling, removed the debris and possibly applied insulation, you start by installing the framework. The framework is nothing more than a wooden frame to which you can attach the plasterboard or stucco boards. The wood used for this is generally spruce beams. Before you start, you must first check whether the ceiling is level. The framework is made by using wooden battens that are applied crosswise against the ceiling beams/foundation. A good distance between these battens is approximately 30 cm, this also depends on the width of the plasterboard you use.

 

Please note! If you plan to install recessed spotlights, make sure that the power supply has been considered. This can be done by laying a PVC track through which these cables run or by pulling a flexible tube from the central box across the ceiling. It should be carefully considered in advance where the recessed spotlights will be placed so that the power can be "laid out" in the right places. With most recessed spotlights, it is possible to loop the cable. So instead of bringing a cable from the power point to each recessed spotlight, it is also possible to bring the cable to the nearest spotlight and from there to the next spotlight, and so on.

 

The installation depth of the recessed spotlights must also be considered.

Via our configurator 'find the right recessed spotlight' you can easily find LED recessed spotlights that meet your wishes and are suitable for your situation. You can select recessed spotlights based on:

 

• Installation depth including GU10 and fitting
• Colour of recessed spotlight
• Outer size of recessed spotlight
• Hole size of recessed spotlight

 

 

Install plasterboards

The DIY store sells plasterboards in different sizes, different variants and for different applications. For example, there are separate plasterboards for paint, stucco and especially for the bathroom. In addition, there are plasterboards especially for the ceiling, internal wall and floor.

Calculate carefully how many plasterboards are needed so that as little sawing waste or cutting waste remains as possible. To finish the seams of the plasterboards properly, it is advisable to shave a slanted edge off the boards with a rasp.

Then place the plasterboards with 35mm screws crosswise over the framework. It is advisable to use so-called plasterboard screws. Plasterboard screws are coated with a black coating so that they do not rust when stucco or latex is applied.

 

 

Plastering or painting plasterboards

After the ceiling has been lowered, it is time for the finishing touches. Often, the choice is made to have the ceiling plastered.

If you choose to paint the ceiling yourself, it is important to first fill the seams and screw holes with plasterboard filler and to prime the wall. Plasterboards have a considerable absorbent effect. You can use latex wall paint for painting the plasterboards.

If you ultimately want white recessed spotlights and you want them to stand out as little as possible in the ceiling, it is advisable to choose a RAL colour that is similar to that of our white recessed spotlights.

 

 

Installing recessed spotlights

After the ceiling has been plastered or painted, it's time to make holes in the ceiling with a hole saw and then install the recessed spotlights. The desired spacing between the recessed spotlights is personal, but we generally maintain a distance of 80 to 150 cm. However, we have also encountered situations where customers maintained a spacing of 20 to 30 cm. This also depends on the choice of a single or double LED recessed spotlight.

 

Prefer not to lower the ceiling but still looking for a good and modern lighting solution?

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