what lighting would be best?

[naturalgas]

I'm having a 36x40 garage built. I'm trying to figure all my needs when it is ready for me to finish inside.Any ideas on what would be my best option for lighting? I want to do it right. Not trying to break the bank, don't want to scrimp either. This will be all open area 36x40x12. Thanks in advance. Jim

 

[Stuart in MN]

T8 fluorescent fixtures are probably the best bang for the buck. Take a look at this thread for some good suggestions on the number of fixtures and arrangements: http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=289441

 

[cybrdyke]

Finally.....someone who doesn't want the cheapest POS that he can find!!
Since you're not scrimping, you have more options and will end up with an overall better lighting experience.
I'd highly recommend that you look into LED fixtures. Thousands of styles, more cost up front, but big energy savings, long life = less maintenance, cooler operation, better in cold weather, lots of controllability options, etc...

 

[dirtyboots]

cybrdyke what LEDs are you running?

 

[cybrdyke]

I'm running Philips Fluxstream EZ strips on a 10' white ceiling. They're tiny, bright, simple and affordable. And they're made by a name brand company with a good reputation.
Since then, there has been alot of super slim surface mount panels coming out. These are pretty cool, too.
CD

 

[bczygan]

T8's are the sweet spot right now, with LED's coming on strong.

 

[JTMotorwerks]

Is there any formula to figure out how many of those Phillips Fluxstream EZ strip lights you would use per floor square foot?

 

[bedn0009]

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[cybrdyke]

Is there any formula to figure out how many of those Phillips Fluxstream EZ strip lights you would use per floor square foot?

No formula, unfortunately. Lighting folks use computers to figure this out.
CD

 

[marksland]

I ended up going with recessed LED's in my garage, similiar in size to your garage. Can't comment on them yet as they are only rough wired at this point. My electrician said it would be the most bang for my money.