Basement Lighting Levittown PA

For starters basements typically have a lower ceiling height than the main floors. Most modern construction today results in the ceiling joists (1st floor joists) being 7'-6" above the concrete slab in the basement. So the first consideration will be head room if you install surface mount lights.

Local Companies

Brightlight Co
(215) 425-3443
2544 E Cambria St
Philadelphia, PA
Crystal Chandelier Service
(215) 423-2234
2148 E Tucker St
Philadelphia, PA
Biello Studio
(215) 923-8737
148 N 3rd St
Philadelphia, PA
Home Lighting
(610) 647-2325
520 Lancaster Ave
Frazer, PA
Young B E Electric
(215) 752-2165
871 Brownsville Rd
Langhorne, PA
Miller Lighting & Energy
(215) 354-0700
12 Penns Trl
Newtown, PA
Illuminations Inc
(610) 325-2214
5062 W Chester Park
Edgemont, PA
Suburban Wholesale Lighting Inc
(610) 993-0470
30 Industrial Blvd
Paoli, PA
Sterling Lite Co
(724) 772-7474
20800 Route 19
Cranberry Twp, PA
Lighting by Design
(610) 524-0107
8 Dowlin Forge Rd
Exton, PA

Provided By:

picture of finished basementLast week one of my readers asked a question: Which is better? Recessed lights or surface mount ceiling lights for basement lighting?

For starters basements typically have a lower ceiling height than the main floors. Most modern construction today results in the ceiling joists (1st floor joists) being 7'-6" above the concrete slab in the basement. So the first consideration will be head room if you install surface mount lights. Obviously a chandelier won't fit in your basement.

The following is my list of issues to consider when choosing between recessed and surface mount lights in your basement:
  • Cost - Most projects end up being governed by your budget so it's important to talk about the cost comparison between recessed lights and surface mounted lights. For talking purposes let's assume you're finishing a 10' x 10' basement room. In this example you could install one surface mounted light fixture or a minimum of four recessed lights (I think you'd probably want five or six to make it really bright). With this example it's very easy to see that recessed lights are going to cost quite a bit more. In fact, you're going to spend 4 to 5 times a much with the recessed light option.
  • Aesthetics - Obviously aesthetics is in the eye of the beholder. My wife and I completely disagree about recessed lights. I really like them and find them to be a much cleaner, modern look. She on the other hand thinks they are tacky and cheap. The real issue here depends on the look you're going for. Are you looking for a clean look or a decorative one. Recessed lights disappear within the room while surface mounted lights can become a focal point.
  • Installation Difficulty - This category is fairly straight forward also. Recessed lights take much more time to install and it can be quite challenging to come up with a layout that works well aesthetically while not interfering with the structure. When you install recessed lights, whether new construction or remodel, the fixtures must be installed between floor joists. This makes it quite challenging sometimes to get the light laid out symmetrically and effectively. Obviously the recessed lights require more labor to run the wire from junction box to junction box.
  • Flexibility - Recessed lights obviously pose many challenges. The fixtures must be laid out to avoid plumbing pipes, joists, and other mechanical systems. However, recessed lights allow you to utilize a room with lower ceiling heights and make the room feel much more spacious.
  • Remodel Vs New Construction - Installing surface mounted light fixtures in a remodel situation is certainly easier for a couple of reasons. First off you'll be fishing quite a lot less wire with the surface mount lights. Secondly, the junction box can be installed using a "old work" box. Recessed lights require a precise circular hole to be cut in the ceiling and then wires to be daisy chained from fixture to fixture.
Summary - Obviously both types of light fixtures can be used in a number of really nice ways for finished basements. Both types of lights also offer pros and cons so it's important to plan ahead and understand all the pitfalls before you make a decision. If you're doing the work yourself make sure you're not tackling a job that's outside your comfort level. If you're going to hire an electrician be prepared to pay $100 to $200 for each recessed light fixture installed.

Do any of you have an opinion or advice to other readers trying to make this decision?

Tags: home improvement, home improvement blog, home improvement advice, lighting, basement lighting

Click here to read article at HomeConstructionImprovement.Com

Featured Local Company

Brightlight Co

(215) 425-3443
2544 E Cambria St
Philadelphia, PA

Related Articles
- Brick Basement Walls Levittown PA
Can brick masonry walls be used for foundation or basement walls? Should these walls be coated? Although not commonly used for this purpose, brick masonry can be used for foundation or basement walls, but it should be covered with a waterproof or dampproof coating to prevent groundwater penetration and rising damp.
- How to Protect a Basement from Flooding Levittown PA
- Basement Storage Room Levittown PA
- Walkout Basements Levittown PA
- Refinishing a Flood Damaged Basement Levittown PA
- How to Make a Windowless Room Appear Light Levittown PA
- Insulating a Basement with Cellulose Levittown PA
- Basement Remodeling Contractors Levittown PA
- Reverse Privacy Lock Sets Levittown PA
- How To Choose Garden Lighting Levittown PA
Related Articles
- Brick Basement Walls Levittown PA
Can brick masonry walls be used for foundation or basement walls? Should these walls be coated? Although not commonly used for this purpose, brick masonry can be used for foundation or basement walls, but it should be covered with a waterproof or dampproof coating to prevent groundwater penetration and rising damp.
- How to Protect a Basement from Flooding Levittown PA
- Basement Storage Room Levittown PA
- Walkout Basements Levittown PA
- Refinishing a Flood Damaged Basement Levittown PA
- How to Make a Windowless Room Appear Light Levittown PA
- Insulating a Basement with Cellulose Levittown PA
- Basement Remodeling Contractors Levittown PA
- Reverse Privacy Lock Sets Levittown PA
- How To Choose Garden Lighting Levittown PA
Related Local Event
Community Caroling & Tree Lighting Ceremony
Dates: 12/5/2009 - 12/5/2009
Location: Railroad Plaza
Lansdale, PA
View Details

Rss   Delicious   Digg   Add To My Yahoo   Add To My Google   Bookmark   Search Plugin

Topics:
Advertising Family Home Services Real Estate Resources
Business Services Fashion Industrial Goods & Services Retail & Consumer Services
Career Financial Services Insurance Software
Cars Food & Beverage Internet Technology
Computer Hardware Franchise Legal Telecommunications
Construction Health Miscellaneous Trade Shows
Education Holidays Nightlife Travel
Entertainment Home Appliances Online Database Weddings
Environmental Home Electronics Pets World History