Step 1: Search for the Joists
If you want to install downlights in your ceiling, you need to know where the joists are in it. A stud finder will surely prove useful for this task! You just need to turn it on and keep it flat against the surface you want to search. Move the tool slowly on the ceiling up to the point when you see it lighting up or hear it beeping. To know where the edge of a joist was detected, mark this spot with a pencil. Do it all across the surface to be aware of which areas you should omit while installing the lights.
If you do not have a stud finder, you can simply knock on the ceiling to check if it results in a hollow noise. If an echoing sound can be clearly heard, it means there is no joist behind it. However, in the case of a solid thumping sound, the probability of hitting a joist is high.
Step 2: Locate the Piping and Wiring
Apart from the joists, you should locate the piping and wiring in your ceiling not to harm them. When you choose a place to install a recessed light, first move a wire and pipe detector back and forth over the surface and check if the tool notifies you in any way. If not, mark the spot with a pencil. If you cannot do it on your own, ask a home inspector, electrician, or plumber to do that for you.
Step 3: Mark the Spots for the Lights
When you already know where not to install downlights, you need to select the spots where you actually will mount them. Mark suitable locations between the joists – it is best to draw a dot where you want the centre of the light to be inserted. Remember to keep around 3-4 inches on either side of the dot to correctly fit the downlight in your ceiling.
Step 4: Space the Additional Lights
While adding additional lights, bear in mind that they should be spaced 4-5 ft apart. Mark all the spots where your downlights will be installed. If they are properly distanced from each other, they will provide your interior with an appropriate light amount without making it too bright at the same time.
