How to: Install Your Own DIY Industrial “Track” Lighting on the Cheap

ManMade reader Mark Devlin, founder of the DIY site DesignsbyDevlin, came up with this great technique for an “open warehouse” -style industrial track lighting project that's easy to implement in your own home. So we asked Mark to walk us through the process, materials, and techniques. Here's what he had to say. 

Having low ceilings and zero crawl space makes for a challenge when designing lighting for the main room in the house. If you love a good DIY project that involves electrical and industrial lighting, I designed a cheap and unique way to install custom industrial track lighting using simple products from Amazon.com and the hardware store.   

First, I needed to find a light. I searched for something inexpensive, multifunctional, and that would look great.  I ended up  finding  the perfect light on Amazon which made for a beautiful display that dims, rotates and pivots. There are 9 lights in all, 3 tracks of 3 and each light can move to accent any piece of the room.

Supplies needed:

• ~30 feet of ½ inch EMT conduit
• 9 small octagon EMT boxes
• 3 large square EMT boxes
• 12 gauge Romex and some 12 gauge black, white, and green solid wire.
• Lamps (I used these)

The build is simple and can be completed in a weekend to add a one-of-a-kind personality to any room.

Start by measuring the light locations and setting up the general frame.

Once the framing and wiring are complete, drill a 3/8 inch hole in the octagonal EMT box plate cover and deconstruct the cube on top of the light mount so both can be combined.

 All that’s left is mounting the plate to the box and wiring up all 9 lights.

I have customized many aspects of my home, and I've learn to be truly proud of a project takes just a few things: proper planning, detailed craftsmanship, and choosing unique building materials.

You can follow Mark’s DIY adventures on Instagram and read more about his DIY design work at DesignsByDevlin.com