What are the pros and cons of using 4",5" or 6" can lights, in a kitchen ceiling?

Mostly what the homeowner desires or can aford (although most are priced about the same - it's the trim that cost)

I'd say the smaller the can the more quanity of them you would need to reach your desired effect would be a con.

While the larger can would be fewer in number with aobut the same application of desired lighting effect and trim applications.

Just my two-bits worth.

Personally I like the look of R30's better than R40 lamps, so I put in the midsize. I also found that short neck halogens will screw up into the top of the trim so the lamps are not visible from accross the room. again, personal preference.

Radar

Sometimes we need to use two 4" cans or 5" cans over the sink to get the correct spacing around the ceiling joists. Then we use the 6" in the rest of the ceiling. It is more important to be aware of the height of the bulb. In the Lightolier cans, the non-IC sit higher up in the can than the IC fixtures. So the spread of light is less with the non-IC. We also try to put the cans 22" off the wall so they will be out of the way of the cabinet crown moulding and be over the work space of the countertops. Sometimes we need to go with the 5" cans to accomplish this.

If you are cutting in existing the 6" gives you a bigger hole to drill & fish with. The 5" will fit in tighter places like between joists & pipes but some are 1/2" taller. Have not found a 4" remodel IC yet. So it's new construction 4" or clear away if any insulation.

As for looks I don't know if most customers could spot the difference between a 5" & 6" can. Smaller cans look better in smaller places. Depending on the can & trim but some 5" will take the same bulb as a 6".

The 5" & 4" cost me more so it is passed on to the customer.

Tom

The orange and blue stores both carry 4" remodels and new-construction housings.

I agree with the 6" cans overall, with a matching pair of 4" cans over the sink.

(opinion): Emerald lighting sucks.

But I want IC 4" remodels. Who makes those?

Tom

Unfortunately Tom I think nobody makes that.

They make down to 2" recessed lights.
http://www.usalight.com/lighting/recessed.tpl

Dnk....

Another thing, I remmember seeing lights in the supply houses that the only difference between IC and non-IC was you taking the sticker off them.

I forget who makes them though.


Dnk...

Lithonia Ameri-Can had the sticker that you removed to make it IC. I don't quite understand why, it was basically an IC can which can always be used in non-IC situations. The new Lithonias don't have the sticker.

There is an alternative, if you have attic access: keep the insulation 3" away. We mad a wire-mesh cage to surround 4" non-IC cans.

They were 12" cubes, made from + shaped 1/2" wire mesh, sometimes called "rat wire" or "metal cloth". The inspector loved them.

Larry that is an alternative but it is also a violation of the energy codes in many places and also shoddy work in my veiw. I don't think I'd want my heat or a/c going into the attic.

Only shoddy if done in a shoddy manner. You have to get a little more insulation to "tuck" it all in, just like when you put your kid to bed. Make it all cozy.