Installing recessed lights into a finished textured ceiling
#1
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: usa
Posts: 95
Received 0 Votes
on
0 Posts
Installing recessed lights into a finished textured ceiling
I'll be installing 4 recessed lights into a room that has a finished popcorn-style ceiling. Cutting holes and pulling wire thru parallel joists should be fine. However, in order to daisy chain them to an existing set of lights (same wall dimmer switch), I'll need to run wires perpendicular to the joists.
Is my only option would be to cut holes at every joist in order to thread the wire from section to section?
Also, the current setup runs off of 2 3-way switches (one of them being a dimmer). The new set-up would be to disconnect one of the 3-ways (from the cans) and install 2 sconce lights to the other 3-way.
One other concern is how to pull wire from the ceiling down thru the wall for the sconces.
Any thoughts?
Is my only option would be to cut holes at every joist in order to thread the wire from section to section?
Also, the current setup runs off of 2 3-way switches (one of them being a dimmer). The new set-up would be to disconnect one of the 3-ways (from the cans) and install 2 sconce lights to the other 3-way.
One other concern is how to pull wire from the ceiling down thru the wall for the sconces.
Any thoughts?
#2
I'll be installing 4 recessed lights into a room that has a finished popcorn-style ceiling. Cutting holes and pulling wire thru parallel joists should be fine. However, in order to daisy chain them to an existing set of lights (same wall dimmer switch), I'll need to run wires perpendicular to the joists.
Is my only option would be to cut holes at every joist in order to thread the wire from section to section?
Is my only option would be to cut holes at every joist in order to thread the wire from section to section?
You are going to have to open the wall and drill through the top plate in order to get the wire down in the wall.
#3
Examine the wiring at the switches before you even start this project. You probably won't have a power source at one of the switches to power the new sconces. You may need to run wiring to bring power over also along with the wiring to the fixtures.
#4
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: usa
Posts: 95
Received 0 Votes
on
0 Posts
Thank you to both replies....great ideas. I totally agreed about the cutting too. And I am also in agreement about inspecting both switches prior to beginning any work. I'll need to determine which switch has the power.
I'm also going to determine that installing more lights won't exceed the amperage capacity (80% of 15A).
As a side note, the room with the majority of the work has paneled walls. Worst case, I could always pull the paneling and drop the wire for the sconces and not worry about any (more) drilling. The room also has crown molding, which I could also pull, drill a couple holes and replace the crown...and hiding any drilling work.
I've tried to patch popcorn ceiling in the past with some of that spray that is found at Home Depot/Lowes, but it's never matched quite right. That'll be my biggest challenge.
I also have a call into the homeowner to see if there's an unfinished basement...I could always go down instead of up.

Thanks!
I'm also going to determine that installing more lights won't exceed the amperage capacity (80% of 15A).
As a side note, the room with the majority of the work has paneled walls. Worst case, I could always pull the paneling and drop the wire for the sconces and not worry about any (more) drilling. The room also has crown molding, which I could also pull, drill a couple holes and replace the crown...and hiding any drilling work.
I've tried to patch popcorn ceiling in the past with some of that spray that is found at Home Depot/Lowes, but it's never matched quite right. That'll be my biggest challenge.
I also have a call into the homeowner to see if there's an unfinished basement...I could always go down instead of up.

Thanks!
#5
Member
Join Date: Sep 2000
Location: United States
Posts: 18,497
Received 0 Votes
on
0 Posts
I'll need to determine which switch has the power.
I've tried to patch popcorn ceiling in the past with some of that spray that is found at Home Depot/Lowes, but it's never matched quite right. That'll be my biggest challenge.
I also have a call into the homeowner to see if there's an unfinished basement
#6
Member
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: NE Wis / Paris France{ In France for now }
Posts: 4,807
Received 0 Votes
on
0 Posts
That will raise red flag here pretty fast if you are not qualifed to work on someone else home and this is pretty serious matter here.
Merci,Marc