A normal can light has a recessed housing and a bulb (e.g. PAR38, A19, BR30..) inside. This style is used in large rooms with flat ceilings where normal flush mounts do not provide sufficient lighting to the outer perimeter of the room (where seating - sofas, ...) are placed.

The example you provided is a recent development made possible by leds.

The material cost could be less than that for a regular can light housing since junction boxes can be used.

The dimming performance (applies to all led lighting) depends very much on the vendor's design and component selection.

Thank you, David!

So, if I understood correctly, the 'surface' lights can be less expensive but is their installation more or less expensive compared to cans?

Also, will they look as 'nice' as cans?

I know that not everyone likes the swiss-cheese look created by cans but they seem to be standard around here and I am afraid that surface lights might be considered 'cheap'.

Any thoughts on that?

Thanks again!

The labor cost may be a little less.

The one major difference between a CR6/ RT6 vs a Glimpse or Halo surface mount or led panel lights is that the former utilizes a fairly large chamber for light mixing.

They will still give the same swiss cheese look if the lamps are not arranged in a regular pattern.

Check out your local lighting stores for displays of both and test the dimming performance.

The one situation where surface mount disk lights have to be used is when there is no space above the ceiling board for a regular recessed can housing

Ok, got it now. Thank you very much!