2 ceiling-related questions

[Scoot]

When I finished the basement in my old home I had a pretty large floor joist to work with- I'd guess from the top of the opening to the bottom was about 18" (give or take). I put in recessed lighting in there and was very happy with it. I moved into a new home not too long ago and it's a different situation- there really is no floor joists in there, at least not like the house I moved from. This house, which was built in 1975, simply has a bunch of 2x6s running the length of the basement. So, I've got about 5" to work with. Can I put in recessed lights in this small space? Even if I can find ones that fit, do I need to worry about the lack of space and it getting too hot? If I can't use recessed lights, are there other options I can use? I don't care to put lights below the ceiling if I can help it- it's a low ceiling to begin with.

Related to the question above, what options do I have for a ceiling? The ceiling that was in there was a cheap tile that was stapled to 1x2s that ran perpendicular to the 2x6s. Although this was cheap looking, I like the fact that it was very thin and didn't require much space, because the ceiling is so low. So, what options do I have for a ceiling? I know I can sheet rock it or hang a ceiling. I'm wondering if there are tile-like options similar to hat was in there that don't look so cheap? What I'd really like is this: 1) something that'd allow me access to above the ceiling, 2) something that doesn't use up much space, and 3) something that doesn't look as junky as what was in there. Suggestions?

[delcecchi]

2 by 6 floor joists? I put cans up but had like 2 by 10 floor joists.

I have a hard time figuring out how the floor joists could be 2x6.

[CAMAN]

Unless the floor above has a very short span I can't see how a 2x6 floor joist would work either. Is it really bouncy?

They make smaller cans but am unsure of their exact height. As far as the heat I would definitely go with LED bulbs.

[Scoot]

2 by 6 floor joists? I put cans up but had like 2 by 10 floor joists.

I have a hard time figuring out how the floor joists could be 2x6.

Hmmm... maybe I'm full of bull. I'll have to look at them again when I get home- I thought they were 2x6's. Maybe 2x8's? I'll look when I get home.

[JohnMickish]

They are 2X10s and there are lots of recessed can and ceiling options. A normal height can should fit, but they do make shorties as well as 4 inch cans for MR16 style lamps.

As far as the ceiling goes, you can rock it which looks good but kills accessibility, or you can put in an acoustic tile with either the standard grid which will eat up some headroom or you can use one of the max headroom style grids.

[low277]

There should be a few options available for recessed lights, I believe that just about all of the new recessed lights have a thermal cut off switch that will turn the light off in the event of over heating. Usually on standard incandescent style units. The sensor is usually black and sticks out of the wiring box, maybe 1/2" in diameter x 1" long. There are multiple conversion kits to replace incandescent lamps with LEDs, there are compact florescent, lots of options.

As for the ceiling, I have seen a product that is like a cross between suspended ceiling tile and the old staple up squares. The system uses a plastic grid / rail that attaches perpendicular to the bottom of the floor joists. The tiles then snap in the rails and a cover is snapped over the joints. It is removable and only drops down maybe 1 inch from the floor joist bottom.

The product that I saw came form a big box lumber place, the one with the M on the front, although HD and L must have the same thing or similar.

[Scoot]

Thanks for the info, fellas- I really appreciate it! I checked when I got home and you're right- 2x10's. I'm not sure how I decided they were 2x6's, but I was wrong for sure.

I'll look into those ceiling options- they sound like they might work well for me.

Thanks again,

Scott