I have a bathroom that has a cathedral ceiling in it. I would like to put in a normal ceiling and use the wasted space above then for storage. The ceiling will be about 10' x 6'. The question I have is can I use 2x6 for the joist? I want to install canned lights and I'm not sure if this will provide enough clearance for them.


Thanks,

Jim

On Tuesday, October 7, 2014 6:24:26 AM UTC-4, wrote:
I have a bathroom that has a cathedral ceiling in it. I would like to put in a normal ceiling and use the wasted space above then for storage. The ceiling will be about 10' x 6'. The question I have is can I use 2x6 for the joist? I want to install canned lights and I'm not sure if this will provide enough clearance for them.





Thanks,



Jim

2 x 6 for a ceiling isn't unusual, so I'd be surprised if there aren't
recessed lights that will work. You can pull up data sheets online
for the products of interest.

The other issue is loading. If the joists run is in the 6ft direction,
you're good to go. If it's in the 10 ft section, you can probably do
it, don't know what spacing, you'd have to look into code for that. At
10ft, the simpler, better solution might be 2x8. The incremental cost
isn't that much, especially if you have to space 2x6 closer.

On Tue, 7 Oct 2014 08:16:11 -0700 (PDT), trader_4
wrote:

2 x 6 for a ceiling isn't unusual, so I'd be surprised if there aren't
recessed lights that will work. You can pull up data sheets online
for the products of interest.

The other issue is loading. If the joists run is in the 6ft direction,
you're good to go. If it's in the 10 ft section, you can probably do
it, don't know what spacing, you'd have to look into code for that. At
10ft, the simpler, better solution might be 2x8. The incremental cost
isn't that much, especially if you have to space 2x6 closer.

I'll toss a wrench in the cog. Would the OP consider use of a track
light unit? I closed a cathedral ceiling space over a living room to
build a floor area ~12 X 21 at the second floor level. Ledger boards
on four sides - Simpson ties for joist, etc. Added electric for
ceiling fan/light below. Granted these were 2 X 10 lumber, T&G 5/8"
(?) ply flooring.

The rafters would be running the shorter distance (6'). It sounds like 2 x 6's would be fine and I should be able to use some brands of canned lights.. Or like Oren mentioned I could go with a different type of light. I like the canned light idea, but I shouldn't let that stop me from going with 2 x 6.

Thanks for the input.

Jim

On Tuesday, October 7, 2014 6:24:26 AM UTC-4, wrote:
I have a bathroom that has a cathedral ceiling in it. I would like to put in a normal ceiling and use the wasted space above then for storage. The ceiling will be about 10' x 6'. The question I have is can I use 2x6 for the joist? I want to install canned lights and I'm not sure if this will provide enough clearance for them.





Thanks,



Jim

*If the space is above a tub or shower or within 3' of a tub or shower, you would need to use shower trims on the recessed lights. I know that they are available for 6" diameter recessed lights, but those require almost 8" of clearance. A 4" recessed light might fit within the 2" x 6" joist, but I don't know if there are shower trims in that size. There are compact recessed lights, however your trim and bulb options can be limited. You could go to a lighting store to learn more about choices available or at the very least go to Home Depot with a measuring tape and measure the cans that they have. I suggest that you fully plan your project before implementation.

John Grabowski
http://www.MrElectrician.TV