LED Fiber Optic Star Ceiling

Install a Star LED Fiber Optic Star Ceiling with up to 300 points of light in four wood ceilings on the home's back porch on the second and third floors. 

Install Schedule:

Task 1: (2 days)

  1. Plan the Layout: Decide where to position the stars and how many to install per square foot. The standard density is three stars per square foot. A 500-strand kit will cover approximately 167 square feet. Careful planning will ensure a well-organized and visually appealing star ceiling.

  2. Prepare the Fibers: Detangle the fibers before installation. This step requires your full attention and will help ensure a smooth installation process. Pre-sort the fibers into manageable bundles. Use zip ties to group the fibers into sub-bundles for easier handling.

  3. Remove insulation - Not needed.

  4. Install the Fiber Management System: Set up your fiber management system using zip ties and other wire/fiber management systems.

  5. Install the Optic Starlight Source: Ensure the light source is no more than 40 feet from the farthest fiber star end.

  6. Connect Fibers to the Light Source:  Attach the fibers to the light source.

  7. Turn On the Fiber: Switch on the fiber optic system to make the installation easier.

  8. Feed the Fibers: Run the fiber cables through your wire management system and secure them with zip ties.

Task 2: (1 day)

  1. GC will install insulation in the ceiling if needed.

  2. GC will provide an access hole behind the speaker in each ceiling on the second floor for the light engine.

  3. The third-floor light engine will be installed in the foamed attic.

Task 3: (3 or 4 Days)

  1. The carpenter will install about three wood boards on the ceiling.

  2. HTI will install fiber in the three wood boards and glue it to the wood.

    1. Ensure Even Spacing: Hold the pre-cut piece of cardboard against the ceiling to achieve a consistent star effect. Drill only three (or sometimes four) holes through the ceiling in that area. **Caution:** Installing too many stars in a one-foot by one-foot section may make the roof structure visible through the ceiling.

    2. Push Fiber Through Holes: Feed the fiber optic cables through the holes drilled in the wooden boards.

    3. Glue the Fibers in Place: Use Elmer's All Multipurpose White Glue to secure the fibers.

  3. Repeat as Necessary: Add more boards, drill additional holes in the ceiling, and feed more fibers through the holes until the ceiling is fully covered.

  4. HTI will cut the fibers to about one foot, sticking out of the ceiling. Cutting the fibers will protect them from being stepped on or pulled out.

  5. Wait for the glue to dry.  

  6. Touch-Up Paint:

  7. Once the glue has dried, the GC will touch up the ceiling paint. Remember, you cannot repaint the ceiling after cutting the fibers.

  8. Final Adjustments: After the touch-up paint is dry, cut the fibers flush with the ceiling.

Note: Once the fiber is cut flush with the ceiling, repainting the ceiling will no longer be possible because the starlight system will not function.