How To Install Recessed Lighting In Plaster Ceiling?

Hi,
I’m wanting to install some recessed lights above my bathtub in my older home. I’m pretty confident about the actual install, but worried about cutting the hole through the plaster (and more specifically the lathe). It is open attic above, so I have easy access to either side. Any thoughts on getting the hole through without shattering the ceiling? Or is it a pipe dream to think I’m going to get a clean hole? Thanks!

Take a small peice of plywood, Cut your clean hole in that.
Put it above the ceiling where the light will be and screw throught the ceiling and lath. close to the hole, but not too close it’ll crack the plaster. Be sure you hit all the lath boards.
this will help hold the lath when cutting. and check the hole with the light before hand
Mark your circle. Cut the plaster with utility knife to start. then use old hacksaw blade , router with masonary bit etc
Don’t use recip. or circular power saws.

3 Responses to “How To Install Recessed Lighting In Plaster Ceiling?”

  1. Travis L, on October 10th, 2009 at 3:55 am Said:

    You can use a Dremel tool with a masonry cutting bit. There is also hole saw bits that you can use depending on the size of the hole you are cutting. Personnaly I would use the Dremel tool and buy some extra bits, because you will wear them out quickly.
    References :

  2. Stoner Customs, on October 10th, 2009 at 4:36 am Said:

    To answer your question is to make you work, I know because ive had to install all the lights, vents for hvac and the bathroom vent fans in my plaster cielings. What you will need is a right angle grinder, and a masonary cutting wheel (cost $10 dollars or so) dont spend alot on one. now this is very dusty so prepare for it. Now the wood lathe well thats why I didnt want you to spend alot on the wheel cause you can force it through the lathe. NOTE zaw saws, jig saws and circular saws can cause damage to the surrounding plaster. Remember just be careful and dont forget to prepare for the dust.
    References :

  3. ball, on October 10th, 2009 at 5:13 am Said:

    Take a small peice of plywood, Cut your clean hole in that.
    Put it above the ceiling where the light will be and screw throught the ceiling and lath. close to the hole, but not too close it’ll crack the plaster. Be sure you hit all the lath boards.
    this will help hold the lath when cutting. and check the hole with the light before hand
    Mark your circle. Cut the plaster with utility knife to start. then use old hacksaw blade , router with masonary bit etc
    Don’t use recip. or circular power saws.
    References :

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