Downlights through two layers of plasterboard ??

[Heatslave]

Hi ,

Hope someone can help a DIY'er with this one please ??

Can you fit downlights through two layers of plasterboard, i.e. - will the clips clip in properly ??

I will be having a full rewire when I get my house extension sorted next year and I want downlights all the way through. Every ceiling has plasterboard squares from however many years ago, and they are all cracked along the joints. A plasterer recommended I just put new plasterboard on top of it and give it a skim to reduce the mess from taking the old stuff down.

If I do that, will I be able to get downlights in ok, or will I have to drill out a bigger hole in the first layer of plasterboard to get the clips to clip in to the second layer ??

Many thanks in advance,
Graeme.

 

[Iamchamps]

Yes shouldn’t be a problem the downlights I recently fitted the clips were on the base would of easily gone through 3 layers. Some are not so deep I would just look at the spec of the light for depth.

 

[Heatslave]

Thanks for that, it'll make my life a little easier trying to keep my ceilings "crack" free !!

 

[securespark]

Might be better to keep them hole-free and not have downlighters at all.

 

[333rocky333]

Some downlighters have two slots for the clips each side that allow you to fit the clips higher or lower.
Ones i got recently supplied 2 types of clip, one type that just sprung onto the top face of the ceiling and the other the sort of "L" type that tends to cut into the side of the hole often damaging the plaster when fitting and removing.
So you will likely find something you like that will be fine

Last resort if needed you can trim the inner board where the clips go with a padsaw through the hole

 

[sparkwright]

If you can, it's better IMO to make larger holes in the old ceiling before re-boarding - then any recessed light will fit without any doubt.