Recommendation for Recessed lighting

[75gmck25]

My basement workshop has a low ceiling (84"), so I want to get the lights up and out of the way as much as possible. I also want to use LED lights to take advantage of the power savings, low heat output, etc.

I already installed some HD 4" Halo housings and retrofit trim kits in the bathroom, but the housings were about $10 each and the trim kit with LED bulb combination was about $40. However, I need about 10 more lights for my work area, and don't want to pay $50 each just to get good light.

Any suggestions on a good brand and source for recessed new work housings and LED light and trim kits that would be cheaper than $50/light? I plan to finish most of the ceiling to get a nice reflective white surface, so at least 8 of the lights will need a trim kit.

Thanks,

Bruce

 

[frankush]

The only way to get cheap LED is with the conversion kits. The Halo's are good cans. I think for what you're getting, $50 is a decent number and you'll have a tough time beating it.

 

[bzinsky]

My basement workshop has a low ceiling (84"), so I want to get the lights up and out of the way as much as possible. I also want to use LED lights to take advantage of the power savings, low heat output, etc.

I already installed some HD 4" Halo housings and retrofit trim kits in the bathroom, but the housings were about $10 each and the trim kit with LED bulb combination was about $40. However, I need about 10 more lights for my work area, and don't want to pay $50 each just to get good light.

Any suggestions on a good brand and source for recessed new work housings and LED light and trim kits that would be cheaper than $50/light? I plan to finish most of the ceiling to get a nice reflective white surface, so at least 8 of the lights will need a trim kit.

Thanks,

Bruce

$20
http://www.homedepot.com/p/Commercial-Electric-4-in-White-LED-Recessed-Trim-CER4730BWH27/205116567

 

[simpler=better]

I have 76" ceilings in my basement and have been happy with retrofit cans + HD store brand 6" LED retrofits. I believe the cans were $10 and the lights $30ish.

 

[ishiboo]

Go with 6" cans, buy the cans by the box. HD EcoSmart 6" LEDs are GREAT and down to $15.

 

[jdsac]

These are way better than the price suggests- case of 6

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Commerci...rtight-Housing-6-Pack-CAT7ICATA-6PK/202256649

If you have a COSTCO near you- pack of 4 1200 + lumens- much brighter than most retrofit leds

http://www.costco.com/Feit-5”-6”-LE...-50,000-Hours-|-4-Pack.product.100116152.html

 

[75gmck25]

Thanks for all the suggestions. It looks like Halo or Commercial Electric 6" cans and LED retrofit kits are the the most reasonable prices, especially if I get a discount by purchasing them in bulk. Now I just have to plan the layout and start installing.

Thanks again.

Bruce

 

[arnoldcp]

This will be my first post since joining so take it for what it's worth. I just recently added some of those commercial electric retrofits to our master bedroom. A few of them say on the box, junction box compatible. If you get those it's as simple as putting a blue plastic j-box where you want it and putting in the fixture. Saved me a lot of time and the cost of the cans I thought I needed.

 

[Radix2]

With low ceilings I find can type lights to be poor for getting a good overall illumination for working (ok for Tv watching ect.) You need a zillion because they don't light up the ceiling and the spread downwards is poor. Small bright ones create glare. I did a test in my basemment and found 9 - 65W R30 bulbs in 6" cans gave an overall room appearance not all that much brighter than the single 60W bulb did in the old ceramic holder.

Personally I would go with flourescent tubes of some type if it is a work area to get bigger and softer light than you get from cans. YMMV