Installing Spotlights in Artexed Lath & Plaster Bathroom Ceiling

mrobsessed

Hi All,

I'm getting a complete bathroom refit and am thinking of getting spotlights put in for a nice modern look. The existing ceiling is the original 1910 lath and plaster and has also been badly artexed, but I wanted it returned to a flat finish. The builder said he would board over this but at the time I had not anticipated installing spotlights, so had not discussed this or the ramifications of time and cost. Its a small Bathroom (approx 2.64 M x 1.52M) so I anticipate needing about 6 spotlights.

I intend to use low voltage fluorescent lights or an LED equivalent. What would be the best type and how much trouble will this be to install? I know the lights need a certain amount of space behind the ceiling, so will cutting a hole through the double thickness of the new plasterboard and old ceiling be a major problem? Will it be easier to take the old ceiling out altogether and re board from scratch, or just fit a simple single light?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

Many thanks,
Mr O

olias

Most recessed spots are fitted in place with a spring clip. I have fitted them before in a lathe and plaster ceiling and it was a nightmare - first of all to cut an accurate and neat hole with a padsaw, and then, because the thickness of the lathe and plaster was too much for the spring clips to hold so I had to bodge it. I guess with overboarding, the thickness problem will be even worse.

Olias

Jonesya

Depending on the age of the Artex there might be some asbestos present so you may want consider some precautions to minimise dust generation/exposure.

MX5huggy

Taking down a L&P ceiling is probably the messiest job you can do. You come out looking like a coal miner, I would only do it in an empty house.

Firstly I would use a hole saw on a drill to cut perfect holes. But thinking about it you could just remove the L&P in say 1 foot squares where you plan the lights then board and skim, then cut the holes so the lights fit where there is only the thickness of plaster board.

phill99

It is the devils own job to fit spot lights in a lathe and plaster ceiling.

Bite the bullet now and remove it. It will pay dividends in the long run.

mrobsessed

Thanks for all your help.

It's an old house and the ceilings are high, so would it be feasible to put the board ceiling a few inches below the Lath & plaster and fit the lights in the gap?

olias

Can't see why not as long as the specs are adhered to as far as distance from combustables etc, but if you are willing to go to the effort of installing a false ceiling, then I would personally just rip down the l&p and re board.

Olias