Kitchen Ideas Faqs

Is it difficult to install pot lights (recessed lights) in your kitchen if you don't have attic space above it

My kitchen c.1978. It's got a light above the sink and another that's not quite in the middle of the room. If I install the lights, can it be done without wrecking the whole ceiling? Is it something that can be done by a DIY'er? I've installed new fixtures before and have basic knowledge of wiring.

Public Comments

1. this is too big a job for a do it yourselfer, I fear. you may be better off putting track lighting or new, updated light fixtures in the outlets you already have!
2. probably best to hire out. there could be a lot of thing in a kitcken ceiling that could cut if your not careful. if you are really handy it maybe a possibllity but you really need to know what yur getting into.
3. they make the lights so that they can mount to the ceiling and has a very nice trim . but I like the look as it is . just hang it from a chain and run the wire through some metal flexy pipe into a nice cover over the original light outlet . I recommend the cover to be the one with bid open squares in aluminum . has a great look
4. I too suggest trac lighting for the do-it-yourself er. If you have a second story above the kitchen you will not be able to get a feed to a different joist space
5. You could possibly do this if there is NO insulation above the kitchen area. Most pot lights require space around them to dissipate the heat. Just something to think about.
6. can lights are made in a remodel type also. they are very easy to install. the two hardest parts of this are cutting the round holes in without hitting a wood joist and fishing the wire around to all the openings. if you can patch a few minor drywall holes and paint the entire ceiling it looks great when your done. first use a stud finder and in pencil mark where the studs are located. decide where you want the lights. try to put them in the center between the studs. keep in mind your going to have to get a wire between them so not too far apart. use the template that comes with the remodel type can and mark the ceiling. cut the holes out of the drywall . you now need to fish a wire from your feed to all the holes. install the lights per instructions for the lights. if you have insulation get a recessed light marked IC . if no insulation go with the cheaper light not marked IC . blank off the old lights, paint the ceiling, install the trims on the lights and enjoy.
7. Sure you could do it. It's not rocket science. It's quite simple. You've installed fixtures before and you have a basic knowledge of wiring. That's all you really need to do a small job like this.