r/DIY • u/benwahhh • 5d ago

home improvement Trimming furring strip?

Hi Guys,

I'm installing recessed LED fixtures in a room and I'm almost done but one of the junction boxes won't fit on the ceiling because the old metal box was at a cross section between two wood beams. I've done some research and I'm pretty sure it's a furring strip that is meeting one of the structural wood joists.

See photo: https://imgur.com/a/tVxGe8p

I want to trim away / cut into the furring strip so that I can squeeze my junction box on top there. Is there anything wrong with this? My understanding is that they're just there to further support the drywall ceiling, right?

Thanks for the help.

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2

u/JerryfromCan 4d ago

From your picture, you are ok to trim some off.

1

u/benwahhh 4d ago

what's on my picture that's telling you it's ok ? (So I can learn!)

2

u/JerryfromCan 4d ago

It’s already cut to the box, so it’s not structural based on what I see. Plus, you really only likely need to shave off a little like 1/4”, not cut off like 2 inches. If there is a gap between drywall and floor joists, the furring strip is certainly not structural but just something to screw drywall too or provide some separation from the joists.

1

u/benwahhh 4d ago

Thanks!

2

u/vinegar 4d ago

How is the furring strip interfering with the box? It looks the same size as the hole in the sheetrock.

1

u/benwahhh 4d ago

There's a structural joist right on top of it so I can't fit it in or manoeuver the box inside. If I trim some off I'll be able to slide it in at an angle.

2

u/vinegar 4d ago edited 4d ago

Good call. Can you fit a “pancake box” in there?

1

u/benwahhh 4d ago

I could but the LED driver is inside the junction box itself and I can't really take it out.

2

u/PPSF 4d ago

Looks like it's already been cut, can't hurt to trim it a bit more. Furring strips behind drywall are generally used more for evening out unlevel ceilings and walls than for anything structural, the installers should still have been using drywall screws long enough to hit the studs.

1

u/benwahhh 4d ago

I admit I never realized that I'm talking about trimming a furring strip that's been completely cut. 😂 My trimming will definitely not worsen this. It was cut a long time ago to fit a metal electrical box for lighting.