Cut A Too-Big Ceiling Light Hole? Here's What To Do For A DIY Fix

From wiring issues to selecting the wrong fixture, there is a lot that can go wrong when attempting to install a ceiling light. However, one of the most frustrating mistakes DIYers make is cutting a hole that is too big for the fixture they intend to install. When this happens, it might seem like there is nothing you can do to get the hole back to the correct size. There is actually a quick fix you can try out to seal the extra space and install the light despite the mistake. House Digest's expert carpenter and remodeler, Bob Beacham, explained that you can patch the gap with a goof ring in some cases.

A goof ring is a circular plastic or metal cover that is placed over the gap between a lighting fixture and the surrounding ceiling space. If you intend to try this trick out for yourself, note that Beacham shared you need to select the right goof ring to fix a too-big ceiling light hole properly. "You might be able to use a goof ring," he explained while speaking exclusively to House Digest. "They're designed to be decorative rather than to fix faults, but if you can find one of the right size and color, it should work." It is important to note that if the ceiling light hole you cut is particularly large, you may have to repair the ceiling using drywall. Let's dive into more of Beacham's advice on this ceiling hole repair tip.

Installing a goof ring to reduce the size of a ceiling hole is pretty simple. Beacham broke down the process while speaking exclusively to House Digest. "The goof ring is simply sandwiched between the light fitting and the ceiling," the expert carpenter explained. "The light fitting holds it in place. Some have self-adhesive pads so you can position them first, but it's not entirely necessary." Opting for a goof ring that comes with self-adhesive pads might make things easier for you if you're inexperienced or replacing a light fixture.

So, what makes this repair method a good choice? According to Beacham, it's super quick and easy. If your hole is small enough to repair with a goof ring, you might want to do so to save some time. On the other hand, there are a few downsides when it comes to this quick fix. The remodeler warned you could end up with a goof ring that is not the right size or color for your light fitting. Additionally, painting over the product's plastic or metal material could be a challenge.

Even if your ceiling hole is too large to repair with a goof ring, you are not entirely out of luck. Beacham revealed that you can patch up the hole with drywall in this case. "If it's a real mess and/or the hole is too large for a goof ring, or you can't find a goof ring of the right size or color, you can patch the ceiling with drywall and start again," he said while speaking exclusively to House Digest. "It's a bit time-consuming but is effective."

The expert recommends following the instructions shown in this YouTube video to get the job done. Although the video shows how to use drywall to repair a hole in your wall, Beacham confirmed that you can apply the same method to a ceiling. "You can also pre-cut a hole for the light fitting in the patch before you fit it," he also shared. If you are not confident that you can complete the repair yourself, don't be afraid to call on the help of a professional. This will help you avoid making mistakes that may damage your ceiling further.