Finishing Basement Ceiling

[rossco_2004]

Hello.

I've been working on finishing my basement up for some time. But am confused on how to do the ceiling and pot lights.

Right now we have all the walls done with drywall we just need to put in the lgihting and the celing drywall then we can mud and paint.

So how is the ceiling attached? special scews or the normal wall screws? i understand that we need some 2x2 joists to go across teh ceiling...is that right? that seems easy enough to do...

but what about pot lights. they attach to the joists that were already there...so when the drywall is put on wont the pot lights be 2inches too high. :confused:


please explain this all to me.

[Doug Aleshire]

rossco_2004,

Drywall can be hung using the same screws as you did for the walls.

2x2's for furring strips can be installed in preparation for your drywall.

I will copy your post to lighting as they can provide good answers for you.

Hope this helps!

[John Nelson]

If your joists are relatively flat, I see no reason not to install the drywall directly to the bottom of the joists without strapping. New construction cans are mounted on brackets which are attached to the joists or strapping. You can buy them in six packs to save money. Install them where you want them, at a level where they will be flush with the drywall (i.e., they will stick down 1/2" or 5/8", depending on type of drywall, below the level of the joists or strapping). Because the junction boxes for the cans are above the ceiling, the cans should be fully wired before the drywalling is done. When the drywall is installed on the ceiling, a tool such as a Rotozip makes quick work out of cutting the required circular opening.

If you are doing the drywalling yourself, I recommend you rent a drywall lift from your local rental center.

Too late for you, but I will note that the ceiling drywall should be installed prior to the wall drywall. The wall drywall helps hold up the edges of the ceiling drywall and helps guard against cracks in the joint compound in the corner.

[rossco_2004]

so how does the pot part attach to the housing, how far away from the housing can it hang, etc.

[John Nelson]

The can and bracket are sold already connected to each other. I encourage you to go to your home center and look at them. I'm sure you'll feel a lot more comfortable after that.