Replies

1. 
   Mike_Guertin | Dec 01, 2000 11:53pm | #1

   *
   I've installed recessed cans just as you propose. I've used sloped cans and regular. Trouble with sloped cans is their size - they're very bulky; you may not have enough space between ceiling and stair treads.

   Another way to get more light is to install a glass or half glass door at the top of the stairs. I've done it on several projects and it works nicely to lighten up the basement stairway. Of course, you'll have to stop hanging brooms on the stairwell wall and dust the cobwebs from time to time.

   mike guertin

1. 
   JohnD_ | Dec 02, 2000 12:18am | #2

   *There are some very low profile flat fluorescent fixtures available. With a frosted glass front, they should light things adequately. Another option is louvered lights on the wall that shine downward.If beauty is not a requirement, keep in mind that it is the treads that need lighting, and a ceiling light or something at the bottom will usually light the stairs adequately.

1. 
   Frank_DuVal | Dec 02, 2000 07:26am | #3

   *If there is room, a wall sconce type fixture can go over the door. They come in fancy or cheap fluorescents as mentioned.Frank DuVal

1. 
   Bill_Brennen | Dec 02, 2000 08:57am | #4

   *Kinsley,There MAY be a code issue with cans over your stairs. In many two story houses the staircases from the basement and to the upper floor are stacked one above the other to save space. The UBC requires a one-hour fire rated ceiling under a set of stairs so that they remain a safe egress from the second floor, say, while the fire consumes the basement. I believe that the typical recessed housing fails to preserve the integrity of the ceiling as a fire barrier. Of course, one could box off an area to hold the housing, and pre-rock it with 5/8" type x before setting the housing, but that is even a pain if you do it from the start, and becomes a royal pain in a retrofit situation. The rock needs to be taped, too. Somebody please correct me if I have this wrong.Bill

1. 
   Francis_Voignier | Dec 02, 2000 05:54pm | #5

   *I seem to remember a case similar to this one where a light had to be fitted underneath a stairwell (sloped ceiling). Because the integrity of the fire barrier would have been jeopardized, we had to abandon the idea. A sconce fixture is a good alternative.fv

2. 
   Kinsley_Sykes | Dec 02, 2000 07:24pm | #6

   *Thanks for all of the replies. I hadn't thought about the fire integrity. I guess the sconce above upper door makes sense. Thanks for all of the feedback, I wish I had found this board about 3 years ago when I began the never ending basement finishing project.

2. 
   Kinsley_Sykes | Dec 02, 2000 07:24pm | #7

   *
   I have enclosed an indoor stairway that only has a light on the landing. It is a basement stair with a door at the top. I need to add more light.
   Can I just put a recessed can or two in the sloped ceiling above the stairs? Any safety/code reasons not to? Also, would a ceiling can specifically designed for a sloped ceiling be the right choice?