30'w x 26'd Garage Makeover - Looking for Lighting Recommendations

[justnutsandbolts]

UPDATE POST #9


Hello,

I am working on a garage project and I am at a point where I am going insane trying to decide which lights setup to go with.
I've read through the stickied threads but my setup is a bit unusual.
Also, the 90-100 fc preference seems like a lot. I would need 70+ of the 6in 15w (100w equivalent) recessed lights to achieve this.
I plan to add 4 floor mounted LEDs for under the lift and some under cabinet lights for the workbenches in the right corner.

Garage Before:

I raised the center bay height to 14' (more info on that in a different thread later). I am coming from four 8' fluorescent lights so any options that I present below should be better.

Info:
Side Bays Height: 10'
Center Bay Height: 14'
I definitely want recessed lights and don't want surface mounted fixtures.
I need to be careful with the placement so that the beams don't create too much shadow.
I would like to buy easy to install fixtures to avoid boxing them out with 2x4s. Since the troffers are made for drop-in ceiling type, I would have to buy trim kits.



Option 1: Flush Mount 6in Disk 15W, 1050LM
$240 for 48 of them from Amazon
I am not sure if I believe the 1050LM output on these. The boxes required to install these are only about $1 from Lowes and with the Qty 40 that I present below, I should not have any issues with shadows. Based on 15W per light, total wattage would be 600W when they're all on.

Option 2: Lithonia Lighting 2x4 GTL Series Recessed LED Troffer
These give me better LC output based on the DIALUX software. They are 3x more expensive than Option 1 at $584.82 for 10 of them. They are more efficient at 350W when all 10 are on.

 

[Platonic Solid]

I definitely want recessed lights and don't want surface mounted fixtures.

Why?

 

[justnutsandbolts]

Why?

I was hoping you'd chime in. The model isnt perfect, i only spent about 2 hours to try to learn the software.

I would say mainly personal preference based on the looks.
I like the "flush" look

 

[Platonic Solid]

I was hoping you'd chime in. The model isnt perfect, i only spent about 2 hours to try to learn the software.

I would say mainly personal preference based on the looks.
I like the "flush" look

Typical cost estimate for surface mounted light fixtures in a garage = $1/sq.ft. Price will be much higher to get the same light output with recessed fixtures.

 

[nadogail]

Are you building a shelter or a showroom?

After setting your priorities you can begin to select your options.

Life is not perfect, we compromise between dreams and reality.

 

[justnutsandbolts]

Ok so I took your advise to go with T8 LEDs and found a way to recess the older Troffer type 4 bulb GT8 fixtures in between joists. I did the LED conversion (double end - ballast bypass).

I have a question about Frosted vs Clear bulbs:
Since there is a lens cover on the Troffers, which would be the better option ?

 

[Jakemedic]

While I haven't personally purchased my lights yet, I was told that frosted lenses are better than clear. Less glare. Is your lens cover frosted? If so, then I would say clear bulbs. Best of luck with your project!

 

[Platonic Solid]

Frosted = Even light distribution. Slightly reduced lumen output over clear, but well worth it.

 

[justnutsandbolts]

Minimal shadows.
Don't have all the bulbs in the fixtures because a row of Greentek bulbs got damaged.

I added 6 boxes for recessed 6" 1050 lumen ones for above the workspace in right corner as well (will install after finished ceiling). Each bay is on Kasa light switches with Wifi control. Workbench lights are controlled separately as well.

Cutting the floor next to recess the lift, I'm going to add floor lights (not sure which ones) to the platform below.

Better pics later.