[Joeywhat]

I'm looking for an easy way to mount some ceiling fans. None of my fixture boxes are fan rated right now. I've heard of a few people using the slim (1/2") pancake boxes (fan rated, of course) and mounting them to a joist, but on top of the drywall (so the box will stick out 1/2" from the ceiling drywall). I've never seen this personally and I'm not sure if I can mount a fan to a box that isn't flush with the drywall. Will this work with most fans?

I can cut a new hole if I need to, but it'd be nice to avoid it if I can.

 

[surferdude2]

The proper way is to remove the drywall and mount directly to the joist. I have seen them installed on top of the drywall and it looked OK to me but the gap might bother some people. Some fans have adjustable canopies that can hide the gap.

 

[Joeywhat]

As long as there's no safety issue with it, I'm going to give it a try and see how it looks. A gap would drive me crazy, so I guess I'll see how it looks. Worst case I have to blow another hole in the ceiling, not the end of the world.

 

[Wiredindallas]

For sure cut out the sheetrock assuming it is on the joist. You can use a hole saw to cut only the sheetrock in 4 seconds. Of course if you do not have the hole saw, that's a $25 project.

 

[Joeywhat]

For sure cut out the sheetrock assuming it is on the joist. You can use a hole saw to cut only the sheetrock in 4 seconds. Of course if you do not have the hole saw, that's a $25 project.

I've got one. I've got some concerns about drilling a hole in the joist (via the arbor bit) so close to the mounting screws but I suspect I'm over thinking it.

 

[chetwisner]

I've got one. I've got some concerns about drilling a hole in the joist (via the arbor bit) so close to the mounting screws but I suspect I'm over thinking it.

I would think the drywall would be cut before the arbor gets to the joist. Just take your time, and go in short bursts with the hole saw.

You want the hole saw to match the diameter of the pancake box, usually 4".

 

[steves7839]

I have ceiling fans mounted to metal junction boxes under joists. The boxes are also screwed into an additional blocking 2x4 between the joists as well. I believe this provides stiffness to the mount to help prevent fan wobble.
My guess is 2x6 and larger joists are stiff enough already, but blocking would not hurt.
I’ll add a photo of the installation as soon as I get to my computer.

 

[bob22]

Why not a keyhole saw? Less than $15.
Here's one:
v

 

[Joeywhat]

Why not a keyhole saw? Less than $15.
Here's one:
v

I've got one, seems easier to just use a hole saw.

FWIW the fan is installed with the pancake box. Things were a little tight but not super bad... Looks like the previous owner Jerry rigged the wiring when he installed the light, the old wire insulation was breaking off and causing a short. The wires were pretty charred. His fix was to just wrap everything in electrical tape.

 

[steves7839]

I have ceiling fans mounted to metal junction boxes under joists. The boxes are also screwed into an additional blocking 2x4 between the joists as well. I believe this provides stiffness to the mount to help prevent fan wobble.

I will add a photo of the installation as soon as I get to my computer.

Here it is...