For dream garage lighting

[NES]

For a 36x52x12 garage how many recessed lights would I need for it? I would like to work on projects in the garage and give the ceiling a nice clean look to it.

 

[Charles (in GA)]

What kind of recessed lighting? can lights, or fluorescent?

Charles

 

[NES]

can lights.

 

[2ManyProjects]

For a 36x52x12 garage how many recessed lights would I need for it?

A veritable sh*tload of them.

Typical recessed cans have VERY limited beam spreads. This goes double for the small "****" ones. Hence, each one will only cover a relatively small area at "working height". The 12-foot ceiling will help somewhat; but I still would not be surprised if (again, depending on the EXACT fixtures/lamps chosen, and the precise photometrics of same), you needed one fixture every 3-4 feet in both directions. In that size space, that adds up to more than 100 fixtures; and it could go as high as 200+ fixtures. If you manage to find fixtures which will let you stretch out the spacing to, say, every six feet, that's still more than fifty fixtures.

Alternate suggestion: If you want some "****" lighting for when the space is being used more for play than for work, consider using recessed cans around the perimeter as "wall washers", with maybe a few more scattered about in strategic spots to act as a sort of "walk-through" lighting. But use more conventional (read: "linear fluorescent") stuff for the main work lights.

 

[Charles (in GA)]

A veritable sh*tload of them.

I was going to say "thousands of them" but I think your description is better.

I would like to work on projects in the garage

You need lots and lots of light if you actually plan on working on stuff. Can lights won't give you what you need.

Yes, some people on here have installed them, and swear by them, but it all depends on the installation, and the use of the space.

Charles

 

[NES]

Thank you seems like the fluorescent lights would be a better choice.

 

[Ch3No2]

I assume you want the "clean" look with the recessed can...here is what I did to achieve that

 

[NES]

That looks awesome How big are the lights? What wattage are they? What type of ceiling did you use?

 

[NES]

I decided to have the garage be 6' wider. Instead of 36' wide make it 42' wide. It would give me more room.

 

[JoeFin]

As 2Many said fluorescents are by far a more efficient choice. A lot of lighting architects use a combination of fluorescent and downlights to make up the total requirements. Wall washers work in large open wall areas and wouldn't be effective in your typical garage lined by tool boxes, shelving, or welders and alike.

I prefer using a portion of direct downlighting in the total lighting load over inspection areas or areas dedicated to precision work.

As many here will explain a good well thought out floor plan in designing your lighting is critical as you are going to have to live with the results. Also a lot of guys doing critical precision work in their shops are designing for 100 ft candles at work height. Next time you are in the mall take a look around at the lighting schemes - most retail is designed at 100 ft candles too.


Switching schemes and dedicated work areas with lighting well suited to the task doesn't just happen - its planned

 

[Ch3No2]

That looks awesome How big are the lights? What wattage are they? What type of ceiling did you use?

Lights are 2' x 4' double ballast troffer lights set in a recessed frame with T8 32watt bulbs. Double ballast for double switching so you can have 2 or 4 tubes on. Ceiling is wood frame joist framed to accomodate the fixtures.

 

[ekraft84]

I used similar ceiling lights that were flush. You can see them in my build thread below.

 

[NES]

Thank you for letting me know.

 

[88BlackZ-51]

Lights are 2' x 4' double ballast troffer lights set in a recessed frame with T8 32watt bulbs. Double ballast for double switching so you can have 2 or 4 tubes on. Ceiling is wood frame joist framed to accomodate the fixtures.

Do u have a link to where you bought those??

 

[Delta74]

the lights he has can be picked up at just about any electrical wholesaler, or ordered off the net,there lights designed for T-bar ceiling, as he said, he just framed them in with 2x4 instead, hell the HD by me stocks 2 lamp single ballast versions. I am sure a few guys here can chime in on an online site for you, and now would be the time to go to T-5's anyway. keep us posted, and remember we like LOTS of pictures of the builds, installs and final product.

 

[coljar]

I assume you want the "clean" look with the recessed can...here is what I did to achieve that

That is very nice.

 

[jeff000]

I assume you want the "clean" look with the recessed can...here is what I did to achieve that

That's a super clean install. My only gripe is with the use of those flat plastic diffusers.

The ones like this

throw better light and make the space look more modern.

But of course that is just my opinion.