Outdoor Lighting Options for Landscaping Projects

In the past outdoor lighting was limited to electric street lights and a single attached electrical wall light. However, nowadays there are dozens of lighting options that homeowners can choose from to light their patios and gardens. When you are selecting a lighting option for your patio or garden you will want to take a few things into consideration including: (1) the purpose of the lighting, (2) what power source you want to use, and (3) what you want it to look like. This article will cover several different lighting options that you can select from, and it will describe what each lighting type is designed for.

Patio and Garden Lighting Option Number One: Electric Options

The most common outdoor lighting that people are used to is the electric light. These lights come in a range of sizes and functions. There is the traditional lamppost style electric light that can be used to mark where your driveway it, as well as to provide a touch of charm to your landscaping. Outdoor electric lights also come in the form of spot lights, flood lights, and wall pendent lights. Each of these lighting options has a unique function. Use flood lights to illuminate a large area, use spot lights to draw attention to specific features of your landscape, and you should use the pendent lamp to provide enough light for visitors to safely navigate their way to your door.

Electric lights range in price from $15 to several hundred dollars depending on the type and style of the lamp. Installation for these lighting options is also an expense that you will need to take into consideration when budgeting for your lighting renovation. If the electric lamp will be place away from your house you will need to have weatherproof electrical lines run to these products. This is not a novice do-it-yourself project and it should be handled by someone with electrical experience.

Patio and Garden Lighting Option Number Two: Solar Lights

Solar power is a newer technology that has really advanced in the last few years. Now there are many inexpensive solar powered lighting options for gardens and patios. Solar powered lighting options range from accent lights to path lights, and they range in price from $10 to $100 depending on the design and type. They can be purchased at most home improvement stores, specialty shops, and through several mail-order catalogs. The advantage of solar powered products is that they don’t require skill to install. Simply position, secure, and stand back. The only drawback to this type of lighting is that they don’t generally generate enough power for flood lights.

Patio and Garden Lighting Option Number Three: Fire

For mood lighting fire is always a good option. You can use candles, fireplaces, and fire pits. However, when you are planning out the installation of these types of lighting options you will want to take into consideration safety issues that generally don’t apply to electrical and solar lighting options. Proper installation of fire pits and fireplaces is important, as is proper ventilation. Check local statutes to make sure that there aren’t limitations on the type of outdoor fire devices that can be used, especially in urban areas.