Planning new construction and wondering which LED recessed lights actually work best? Pros lean on a few go‑to setups that keep projects bright, efficient, and code-friendly.
For larger builds, Amico’s 6‑inch ultra‑thin 5CCT downlights in a 36‑pack kit pair well with Sunco’s 6‑inch IC‑rated airtight cans. Add HALO HL6RSMF frames and 24‑pack steel mounting plates for tidy layouts, and use 4‑inch IC cans from Sunco or similar brands in smaller rooms to keep everything consistent and simple.
| Amico 24-Pack 6″ 5CCT Ultra-Thin LED Downlights |
| Best Overall | Size / Fit: 6″ ultra-thin LED downlight | Application Type: Canless LED downlight with junction box (retrofit or new construction) | IC Rating (Insulation Contact): IC rated; safe contact with ceiling insulation | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| Amico 36-Pack 6″ Ultra-Thin LED Recessed Lights |
| High-Capacity Pick | Size / Fit: 6″ ultra-thin LED downlight | Application Type: Canless LED downlight with junction box (retrofit or new construction) | IC Rating (Insulation Contact): IC rated; safe contact with ceiling insulation | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| Sunco 24-Pack 6-Inch Recessed Lighting Housing Cans |
| Pro New-Construction Choice | Size / Fit: 6″ recessed housing can | Application Type: New construction 6″ housing can for recessed lighting | IC Rating (Insulation Contact): IC rated; designed for use surrounded by insulation | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| HALO HL6RSMF Mounting Frame Silver 6PK |
| Best Mounting Frame | Size / Fit: 6″ new construction mounting frame | Application Type: New construction mounting frame for recessed fixtures/drivers | IC Rating (Insulation Contact): Not specified as IC-rated (frame only; no housing) | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| 4-Inch IC-Rated New Construction Recessed Can (8-Pack) |
| Compact Can Housings | Size / Fit: 4″ IC-rated recessed can | Application Type: New construction 4″ recessed can (retrofit-friendly) | IC Rating (Insulation Contact): IC rated; safe contact with insulation | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| Sunco 4-Inch Recessed Can Lights Housing (10-Pack) |
| 4-Inch Budget Cans | Size / Fit: 4″ recessed can housing | Application Type: New construction 4″ recessed can housing | IC Rating (Insulation Contact): IC rated; safe contact with insulation | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| 24-Pack Steel Mounting Plates for LED Recessed Lights |
| Most Versatile Plates | Size / Fit: Mounting plates for 3″, 4″, and 6″ LED lights | Application Type: New construction mounting plates for recessed LEDs | IC Rating (Insulation Contact): Not applicable; flat steel mounting plate only | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| Sunco 4 Inch New Construction Recessed Can Housings |
| 4-Inch Pro Grade | Size / Fit: 4″ can lights housing | Application Type: New construction 4″ can lights housing | IC Rating (Insulation Contact): IC rated; safe contact with insulation | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
More Details on Our Top Picks
Amico 24-Pack 6″ 5CCT Ultra-Thin LED Downlights
Should you’re trying to light a whole room without spending a fortune or fighting with bulky cans, the Amico 24-pack 6″ 5CCT ultra-thin LED downlights is a smart, low-stress choice. You get bright 1050 lumen output from each light while using only 12 watts, so you cut energy use owing to up to 90 percent compared to old 100 watt halogen bulbs.
You can pick from five color temperatures, from warm 2700K to crisp 5000K, so one kit fits bedrooms, kitchens, or offices. Installation feels manageable. You only need 2 inches of space, cut using the template, wire the junction box, then snap in the spring clips.
- Size / Fit:6″ ultra-thin LED downlight
- Application Type:Canless LED downlight with junction box (retrofit or new construction)
- IC Rating (Insulation Contact):IC rated; safe contact with ceiling insulation
- Safety Certification:ETL & FCC certified
- Installation Method:Cut ceiling hole with template; connect junction box; secure ultra-thin light with spring clips; needs 2″ clearance
- Pack Quantity:24-pack of 6″ LED downlights
- Additional Feature:5 selectable color temperatures
- Additional Feature:90% energy savings
- Additional Feature:Customer support within 12hrs
Amico 36-Pack 6″ Ultra-Thin LED Recessed Lights
Should you be planning a big lighting upgrade and want one simple kit that does almost everything, the Amico 36-pack 6-inch ultra-thin LED recessed lights is made for you. You get 36 matching fixtures, so your whole project feels clean, bright, and consistent.
You can pick from five color temperatures, from warm 2700K to crisp 5000K, using the switch on each junction box. That lets you tune every room to its mood. Each light uses only 12 watts but puts out 1050 lumens, so you cut energy use while keeping strong, even light. Installation stays simple, with IC-rated junction boxes and slim housings that fit tight ceilings.
- Size / Fit:6″ ultra-thin LED downlight
- Application Type:Canless LED downlight with junction box (retrofit or new construction)
- IC Rating (Insulation Contact):IC rated; safe contact with ceiling insulation
- Safety Certification:ETL & FCC certified
- Installation Method:Cut 6″ hole with template; connect junction box; spring clip mounting; side CCT switch; needs 2″ clearance
- Pack Quantity:36-pack of 6″ LED downlights
- Additional Feature:5%-100% smooth dimming
- Additional Feature:Anti-glare, instant-on design
- Additional Feature:Modern painted white finish
Sunco 24-Pack 6-Inch Recessed Lighting Housing Cans
In case you’re planning a new build or a big remodel and want all your recessed lights to be safe, code-friendly, and ready for LEDs, the Sunco 24-pack of 6-inch recessed lighting housing cans gives you a solid, worry-free base to start from. You hardwire each housing on 120 to 277 volts, and the included TP24 connector makes snapping in LED modules simple. Because these cans are IC rated, you can bury them in insulation without fear of overheating.
You also get UL listing, airtight construction, and thermal protection, which protect your home and your energy bill. Adjustable bar hangers and integrated junction boxes speed up layout, wiring, and inspection. With Sunco’s 10-year warranty and US-based support, you’re not just buying cans, you’re buying long-term peace of mind for every ceiling you finish.
- Size / Fit:6″ recessed housing can
- Application Type:New construction 6″ housing can for recessed lighting
- IC Rating (Insulation Contact):IC rated; designed for use surrounded by insulation
- Safety Certification:UL Listed
- Installation Method:Hardwired housing with integrated junction box; adjustable bar hangers mount to framing before drywall
- Pack Quantity:24-pack of 6″ housings
- Additional Feature:120–277V wide voltage
- Additional Feature:Adjustable bar hangers
- Additional Feature:Airtight energy-efficient design
HALO HL6RSMF Mounting Frame Silver 6PK
Electricians, remodelers, and serious DIYers who want clean, sturdy recessed lighting in new ceilings will really appreciate the HALO HL6RSMF 6-inch mounting frame. You get a solid galvanized steel frame that feels tough in your hands and stays that way in the ceiling. The silver finish looks sharp, but more critically, it resists wear on the job.
You’ll like how fast this frame sets up. The tool-less attachment for the remote driver or junction box saves time whenever you’re on a ladder. Got Nail Gen 3 bar hangers slide from 8 to 24 inches, then lock in with screws, so your layout stays perfectly aligned. Integral bar hanger receivers keep everything steady, and the offset aperture makes fitting trims easier. Break-outs let you switch to square fittings whenever you want a modern look, but once you punch them, the frame won’t go back to round, so you can trust it to stay consistent.
- Size / Fit:6″ new construction mounting frame
- Application Type:New construction mounting frame for recessed fixtures/drivers
- IC Rating (Insulation Contact):Not specified as IC-rated (frame only; no housing)
- Safety Certification:Not specified
- Installation Method:Mounting frame with integral bar hanger receivers; Got Nail Gen 3 bar hangers; tool-less driver/J-box attachment
- Pack Quantity:6-pack of 6″ mounting frames
- Additional Feature:Tool-less driver attachment
- Additional Feature:Got Nail Gen 3 hangers
- Additional Feature:Accepts square fittings
4-Inch IC-Rated New Construction Recessed Can (8-Pack)
Builders who want a safe, code-friendly lighting base for new ceilings will appreciate the 4-Inch IC-Rated New Construction Recessed Can (8-pack). You get a UL Listed housing that meets strict national safety standards, so you’re not guessing about compliance. The IC rating lets the can touch insulation without overheating, which really eases your mind.
You’ll also like how flexible the setup feels. You can twist standard bulbs into the E26 socket or plug in LED downlights using the TP24 quick connector. Adjustable bar hangers adapt to different joist layouts, while the air-tight housing fights moisture and helps protect your ceiling over time.
- Size / Fit:4″ IC-rated recessed can
- Application Type:New construction 4″ recessed can (retrofit-friendly)
- IC Rating (Insulation Contact):IC rated; safe contact with insulation
- Safety Certification:UL Listed (Cert. No. E356594)
- Installation Method:New-construction housing with adjustable bar hangers; E26 socket or TP24 quick connector for lamps/LEDs
- Pack Quantity:8-pack of 4″ recessed cans
- Additional Feature:Dual E26/TP24 options
- Additional Feature:Fits PAR16/PAR20/BR20
- Additional Feature:Lifetime technical support
Sunco 4-Inch Recessed Can Lights Housing (10-Pack)
Anyone planning a new build or major remodel and worried about safe, airtight lighting will feel a lot more confident with the Sunco 4-Inch Recessed Can Lights Housing 10-pack. You get sturdy steel housings that stay airtight, so your heating and cooling don’t leak into the attic. That means a more comfortable home and lower energy waste.
You’ll also feel safer, because these cans are IC rated and thermally protected, so they can touch insulation without risking overheating. The adjustable bar hangers make rough-in simple, and the junction box with TP24 connector keeps wiring clean, secure, and ready for your LED trims.
UL listing adds peace of mind, since it confirms the housings meet solid safety and performance standards across 120-277V. This wide voltage range helps should you be working in different parts of a house or light commercial space. The 10-year warranty and US-based support team are reassuring during long-term projects where you won’t want surprises hiding above your drywall.
- Size / Fit:4″ recessed can housing
- Application Type:New construction 4″ recessed can housing
- IC Rating (Insulation Contact):IC rated; safe contact with insulation
- Safety Certification:UL Listed
- Installation Method:Hardwired can with integrated junction box; TP24 connector; adjustable bar hangers for framing pre-drywall
- Pack Quantity:10-pack of 4″ housings
- Additional Feature:Airtight steel construction
- Additional Feature:10-year protection warranty
- Additional Feature:Easy instruction guide included
24-Pack Steel Mounting Plates for LED Recessed Lights
At the moment you’re planning a clean, professional recessed lighting layout, 24-pack steel mounting plates for LED recessed lights give you the solid backbone you desire every ceiling possessed. You get flat galvanized steel plates with symmetric round cutouts for 3, 4, and 6 inch fixtures, so you don’t have to guess or measure circles manually.
You simply choose the right metal template, line up the plate using the alignment notches, then secure it using screws or nails. The fixed J box position keeps wiring tidy, while the plate protects your gypsum ceiling from cracking, tearing, and ugly repairs during installs or renovations.
- Size / Fit:Mounting plates for 3″, 4″, and 6″ LED lights
- Application Type:New construction mounting plates for recessed LEDs
- IC Rating (Insulation Contact):Not applicable; flat steel mounting plate only
- Safety Certification:Not specified
- Installation Method:Flat steel plates positioned then screwed/nailed to framing or ceiling; J-box position fixable; removable templates
- Pack Quantity:24-pack of mounting plates
- Additional Feature:Fits 3″, 4″, 6″ lights
- Additional Feature:Removable size templates
- Additional Feature:Protects gypsum ceilings
Sunco 4 Inch New Construction Recessed Can Housings
In case you’re planning a new build or a big remodel and want recessed lights that “just work” for years, Sunco’s 4 Inch New Construction Recessed Can Housings are a solid, low-stress choice. You get a 24 pack, so you can layout a whole floor without chasing singles.
Because each can is airtight and thermally protected, you don’t leak heating or cooling into your attic, and you can safely bury them in insulation. The adjustable bar hangers grab onto framing easily, then the integrated junction box and TP24 connector keep wiring simple and clean. With UL listing, 120–277V compatibility, a 10 year warranty, and US based support, you can install once and relax.
- Size / Fit:4″ can lights housing
- Application Type:New construction 4″ can lights housing
- IC Rating (Insulation Contact):IC rated; safe contact with insulation
- Safety Certification:UL Listed
- Installation Method:Hardwired can with junction box and TP24 connector; adjustable bar hangers; install to framing before drywall
- Pack Quantity:24-pack of 4″ housings
- Additional Feature:Integrated junction box
- Additional Feature:USA-based support team
- Additional Feature:Thermally protected housing
Factors to Consider When Choosing LED Recessed Lights for New Construction
Now that you’ve seen a solid housing option, I want to walk you through the key things that actually make an LED recessed light safe, bright, and easy to live with in a new build. I’ll help you look at IC rating, housing and insulation type, lumens and wattage, color temperature choices, and how well the lights dim so you don’t run into problems later. As we go, I’ll connect how each factor affects your comfort, your energy bill, and your wiring plan so every light you pick feels like the right one.
IC Rating and Safety
Although it sounds technical, the IC rating on LED recessed lights is really about one simple thing: keeping your home safe. Whenever I help people choose lights, this is the initial label I look for. IC means “insulation contact.” In simple terms, an IC-rated housing can safely touch ceiling insulation without overheating or creating a fire risk.
These fixtures include built-in thermal protection, so in case they start to get too hot, they shut down or dim before trouble starts. That protects your family, your home, and your peace of mind. Non-IC lights need open space around them, which limits where you can place them. IC airtight housings also reduce drafts and heat loss, so your rooms stay more comfortable and energy bills stay lower.
Housing and Insulation Type
Safety starts with the IC rating, but for new construction you also need to match the light’s housing to your insulation and framing. I always look for IC rated housings so the fixtures can touch insulation without overheating or creating a fire risk. That gives me peace of mind and keeps inspectors happy.
From there, I focus on airtight and thermally protected housings. Airtight housings help stop warm or cool air from leaking into the attic, which protects your energy bill and comfort. Thermally protected housings use built in sensors or fuses that shut the light off in case it gets too hot near insulation.
I also like housings with adjustable bar hangers and UL listed labels, so installation stays solid, safe, and code compliant.
Lumens and Wattage Needs
Ever reflect on how bright your new recessed lights really need to be so your rooms feel comfortable instead of harsh or dim? I ask myself that on every project, because the right brightness can make a room feel calm, not clinical.
I start with lumens, since they tell me how bright the light actually is. Around 1050 lumens per fixture usually works for many inhabited rooms, hallways, and offices. For kitchens or work areas, I lean higher so counters and desks feel crisp and clear. For cozy corners, I’m comfortable using fewer lumens.
Then I pair that with wattage. A 12 watt LED can match an old 100W halogen, often hitting 87 to 90 lumens per watt. That balance gives strong light, low bills, and less heat overhead.
Color Temperature Flexibility
Sometimes the hardest part of picking new recessed lights isn’t brightness, it’s choosing how the light should actually feel in the space. I’ve seen this stress people out, but it doesn’t have to. Color temperature flexibility makes it much easier.
When a fixture lets you choose between 2700K, 3000K, 3500K, 4000K, and 5000K, you can match the light to your mood and tasks. Warm 2700K feels cozy in a living room. Neutral 3500K works well in a hallway. Cool 4000K or 5000K keeps a kitchen or office crisp and focused.
I like fixtures with a small slide switch. You can set the color during install, then tweak it later as seasons, paint colors, or room use change, without buying new lights.
Dimming Compatibility Range
Color temperature decides how the light feels, but dimming decides how the room actually lives with you every day. Whenever I choose LED recessed lights, I look for a wide dimming range, ideally from 5 to 100 percent. That lets you go from bright task lighting to a soft evening glow without harsh jumps.
I always check that the lights work with common dimmer switches. In case they don’t, you can get flicker, buzzing, or lights that fail prematurely, which is frustrating and expensive. I also confirm the driver or junction box supports dimming, either built in or with an external dimmer.
For comfort, I prefer instant on, anti-glare LEDs, so even at low levels the light feels calm, clear, and easy on your eyes.
Ceiling Depth and Space
Before you’re planning LED recessed lights for new construction, the initial thing I look at is the actual space inside the ceiling. It’s easy to fall in love with a sleek fixture, then find out it simply doesn’t fit. I measure the depth, then match it to the light, the junction box, and the wiring path. Many ultra thin LEDs need just about 2 inches, but the box often needs more.
If your ceiling has insulation, I choose IC rated housings so they can touch insulation without creating a fire risk. At the time joist spacing is tricky, adjustable bar hangers help me center and secure the light. For tighter homes, I also like airtight housings, as long as their extra bulk still fits the cavity.
Warranty and Certification Quality
At any time I’m choosing LED recessed lights for a new build, I don’t just consider how they look, I also slow down and study the warranty and certifications, because these details quietly protect your home, your budget, and your peace of mind. I always check for UL, ETL, or FCC marks, since they tell me the light passed strict safety and performance tests.
Next, I look for an IC rating so the fixture can safely touch insulation without overheating. I also want an airtight certification, because that helps stop warm or cool air from leaking through the ceiling.
Then I check the warranty. A 10 year or longer warranty shows real confidence in the product. Finally, I make sure the junction box is thermally protected to meet code and enhance fire safety.
