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Indirect lighting techniques for wood beams.

6/19/2006 9:46:57 PM
electech

6/19/2006 9:46:57 PM
Particular to log homes and their beautiful beam work. I have been challenged to provide lighting that will accentuate the beams and ceiling of this log home. The ceiling is approx. 30feet high with beautiful rafter beams and tongue and grove wood above that. I am able to install the lights either at the interior eave(wall/ceiling junction) or across the rafter beams 12feet off the floor. Uplighting is the goal, but the right light is crucial. This is also the goal on the exterior where the peaks and valleys on the roof need to be highlighted from the roofline instead of the ground where shadows would be created. Any expert advice?

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re: Cathedral Ceiling Lighting to accentuate beams

Posted: 6/20/2006 10:31:44 AM

EXPERT

6/20/2006 10:31:44 AM

The use on indirect or what is commonly called cove lighting on a wood ceiling in a excellent idea. It is a great way to provide a soft and subtle accent lighting source to any room.

Indirect lighting for a log cabins is a little tricky compared to other applications. This is because you have no void in the wall or ceiling to easily run the wires. So routing or channeling will need to be provided not only for the wiring, but for the cove lights.

You have two options for accomplishing your lighting objectives: Line voltage or low voltage cove lights. Rope lighting is your best bet for indirect cove lighting both in cost and installation techniques. Low voltage cove lighting will produce higher light levels and requires the use of remote transformers to reduce the voltage to 12 or 24 volts. Both lighting methods can be dimmed and I highly recommend that you do so for setting the mood! In either case, you will run romex wire sized to handle the total amperage of the load.

Have the carpenter provide you a "V" groove channel ( 2" wide x 2" deep) on top of every exposed beam to provide a niche for the cove lighting fixtures. In some cases, you might even want to go around the perimeter to continue the effect if the beams are not conducive to continuous indirect lighting. This groove can also act as a raceway for running wires from one side of the room to the other. Have you thought about speakers for the sound system? This is also a great time to run those wires!

I hope this information is helpfull and that we can be of assistance with product selection and/or transformer sizing. We look forward to earning your business here at Residential Landscape Lighting & Design.

http://www.residential-landscape-lighting-design.com



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