LightingJuly 14, 20265 min read

Recessed Lighting Cost Per Can in DFW: Real Pricing for New & Retrofit Installs

"How much per can?" is the wrong question — the ceiling matters more than the fixture. Here's the honest per-can breakdown for DFW homes in 2026.

Real Per-Can Pricing by Ceiling Type

| Ceiling / Access | Cost Per Can (Installed) |

| --- | --- |

| New construction, open framing | $85 – $125 |

| Finished drywall, attic access above | $135 – $185 |

| Finished drywall, NO attic access (2nd floor of 2-story) | $200 – $275 |

| Plaster & lath (pre-1960 homes) | $250 – $350 |

| Vaulted / cathedral ceiling | $225 – $325 |

| With new dimmer + switch relocation | +$85 – $150 |

Fixture cost is included at these prices — we use quality LED canless fixtures (Halo, Lithonia, or EnviroLite) that ship with the driver integrated.

Canless LED recessed lighting fixture installed in kitchen ceiling

Why Canless LED Is Now Standard

2" of ceiling clearance needed (fits over most insulation)

IC-rated & airtight (no attic hot-air loss)

5CCT selectable (2700K–5000K) at the switch

30,000+ hour life, no bulb changes

Dimmable with any Lutron/Leviton LED dimmer

Where Homeowners Get Overcharged

"Trim upgrade" markups — canless kits already have the trim built in

Per-can permit fees — no permit is required for like-for-like replacements in Fort Worth or Burleson

3. "Attic access charge" if the tech never actually opens the attic

4. Charging for the switch as extra when they're already changing it

What A Typical Kitchen Layout Looks Like

10 × 4" cans on a 200 sq ft kitchen ceiling

3–4' spacing on center

24" off the walls (except over sink — center directly over)

Wired to one dimmer, one AFCI-protected circuit

Total install: $1,400 – $1,900 finished

Recessed lighting layout template for kitchen remodel

Timeline

Single room (6–10 cans, attic access): half day

Whole downstairs (20–30 cans): 1.5–2 days

2nd floor no attic access: add 1 day per room for drywall patching

Straight Bid, No Surprises

We give a fixed per-can price after a 15-min walk-through so you know exactly what your room costs. Call (817) 447-7141 or [request a recessed lighting quote](/get-a-quote).

Need Electrical Help?

Spillers Electric serves Burleson, Fort Worth, and the entire DFW metroplex. Licensed Master Electrician — fully bonded & insured.

(817) 447-7141 Get a Free Quote

Landscape lighting installation cost Dallas Fort Worth Burleson