Let me preface by saying that I know diddly-squat about brands and types of fixed lighting for home use. I used to do some commercial lighting work, so I know where to get specs on recessed troffers and light poles, but this is different:
The electrician is spending a day here, a day there on wiring up my house. I call him when some walls are up, he works for a day and I start a new section. Anyway – this guy’s one of the best in the business in my area, has an impeccable reputation. We need to put various kinds of recessed cans, spot and track lights, wall sconces and some exterior fixtures around the house. So I ask him – where can my wife and I go to look at this kind of stuff, see what we like, get some prices, etc.
Home Depot, he says.
WHAT? I ain’t buying that garbage.
So can anybody tell me, what are some of the more common manufacturers for track and recessed lighting, fixtures that aren’t junk, and maybe a place in New England somewhere to see them (like a lighting showroom?)
Replies
Actually, Home Depot does sell some name brand light fixtures. A quick look at their website shows they have Halo recessed cans which are fine, I'm sure there are other examples.
There's nothing wrong with buying from HD-Lowes, as long as you can handle the item and judge the quality yourself. And as long as you can walk out with it that day. Special orders seem to be their weak suit.
Do a web search for "track lighting" and see who they list as retailers in your area. Chances are that you'll find a lighting store that way that stocks various brands and prices.
"When asked if you can do something, tell'em "Why certainly I can", then get busy and find a way to do it." T. Roosevelt
The Halo brand carried by HD is OK, just make sure the trims are correct for the light pattern you need and are compatable with the cans( size and IC vs non-IC). Some other common brands would be Lightolier and Progressive, same catalogs used for commercial work. HD also carries some Progressive and could order more, but check out local electrical supply houses also. Look for them in the yellow pages, maybe internet search also. The ones that carry a lot of fixtures have showrooms.
Frank DuVal
You can never make something foolproof because fools are so ingenious.
Juno has a huge selection of track stuff, not sure if they do cans. There's a lighting showroom in Milford NH, part of Milford Electric Supply, if you're out this way, but there has got to be a lighting showroom between here and wherever you are in VT.
I've had OK luck at HD, but selection is often limited, and my local HD has squat for expertise in that department.
Hey Jon:
I was just in Lowes last night and they now carry Juno brand.We just built a new home and I used Juno throughout for cans, low volt, track, etc. Bought some from a local lighting store and some from a local electrical supply wholesaler.
Do not forget the internet. We bought a ton of stuff (ceiling fixtures, etc.) on the web. Just search for what your after. Good prices, shipped to your door, don't have to follow mama around for days in the stores!!
Good Luck, Mark