In short
How to use surface-mounted linear LED lighting on exposed concrete, CLT and refurbishment projects where there is no ceiling void.
Exposed soffits are everywhere in contemporary workplaces, from concrete frames and CLT to stripped-back Victorian warehouses. With no ceiling void to hide in, surface-mounted linear lighting is often the cleanest solution.
Why surface linear works
- Fixes directly to the soffit, with no void needed
- A slim, continuous profile reads as a deliberate architectural line
- Quick to install in occupied or phased refurbishments
Cable routes and containment
The biggest design question on exposed ceilings is wiring. Plan exposed containment, conduit or trunking as part of the visual design, and use the linear run itself to carry through-wiring wherever possible.
Choosing a profile
Rio Surface suits continuous light lines and single fittings. Leck is an ultra-slim micro profile for subtle installations. Lopen and Oka give a consistent look where you also use suspended or wall versions elsewhere.
Surface or suspended?
On higher exposed ceilings, suspended linear brings the light closer to the task and can uplight the soffit. On lower ceilings or corridors, surface-mounted keeps headroom and lines clean.
Further reading at 299 Lighting
Next steps on linear-led.com
Specifying a linear scheme?
Send us your drawings or brief. We'll come back with a shortlist, photometrics and LG7 calculations.
Start a project →Frequently asked questions
What lighting works on exposed concrete ceilings?
Surface-mounted and suspended linear LED lighting both work well on exposed concrete. Surface profiles fix directly to the soffit, with no ceiling void required.
Can linear lighting be surface mounted?
Yes. Ranges such as Rio, Leck, Lopen and Oka are available as surface-mounted linear profiles.
