How to Install Recessed Lights to Metal Studs

Recessed lights add dramatic lighting to a room without the large fixtures associated with hanging fluorescent lights. The recessed light bulb sits in a light fixture that sits even or below the finished ceiling material. A recessed housing installs either to the ceiling material or directly to the studs supporting the ceiling. During extensive renovations that require removal of the ceiling or during new construction, the housing attaches directly to the stud framing. The same process is used to install a housing to either wood or metal studs, but the fasteners for metal studs are specially designed to provide the most strength while easing the installation process.

Stepladder
Permanent marker
Tape measure
Stud-mounted light housing
No.6 pan head self-tapping screws
Screw gun with #3 Phillips adapter
Phillips screwdriver

Instructions

- 1
  Set up a stepladder in the area receiving the recessed light. Mark the distance required for the light on two consecutive metal studs with a dark-colored permanent marker.
- 2
  Hold the end of a tape measure against one stud face aiming into the cavity. Stretch the tape across the cavity to the other inside stud face. Note the measurement.
- 3
  Slide the adjustable arms of a stud-mounted light housing to the inside dimension of the stud cavity plus 1 1/2 inches. Hold the housing between the metal studs with the flanges attached to the end of the mounting arms sitting flat on the bottom of each stud.
- 4
  Set the clutch on a screw gun to a middle number – between eight and 11. Run one No. 6 pan head screw through each flange hole – generally two per flange – with a screw gun equipped with a #3 Phillips adapter.
- 5
  Slide the center housing left and right until it sits in the required position. Tighten each mounting arm screw, turning clockwise with a Phillips screwdriver until tight.

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