How to Install Outdoor Lighting
The outdoors is a wonderful place, and property owners get to enjoy a piece of it for themselves. For example, as a Powell, OH homeowner, you have a front lawn, a backyard, and additional areas on either side of your property. These are fantastic places to garden, decorate, or even relax after a long day at work. However, without sufficient lighting, you won’t be able to enjoy your landscape past sundown. Because of this, you may become curious about how to install outdoor lighting. Good news—you’re in the right place!
At Hydro Tech Irrigation, we provide outdoor lighting installation services in addition to our irrigation services. We’d like to share our knowledge with you, so keep reading to learn more, and if you decide you need our help, reach out to us for an appointment.
Why Outdoor Lighting?
What makes outdoor lighting so desirable in the first place? Why should you learn how to install outdoor lighting? First and foremost, it looks good. Lights add beauty to any home or business, increasing curb appeal and even property value. This is hardly the only advantage of outdoor lighting, though. They also reduce the chance of tripping and falling after dark. When you’re able to see where you’re going, you are less likely to stumble. It isn’t rocket science!
Did you know that installing outdoor lighting actually wards off intruders, too? We’re not just talking about raccoons and opossums. We’re talking about actual people who may have less-than-benevolent intentions. Well-lit areas make it harder for burglars to approach unnoticed, increasing home security. Protect yourself and your loved ones with outdoor lighting!
Styles of Outdoor Lighting
With so many forms of outdoor lighting to choose from, you may struggle to make a decision. Allow us to help you break down the different options.
- Pathway/Walkway Lights. These small lights are positioned next to paths to illuminate them and indicate their direction.
- Wall/Porch Lights. Mounted on the sides of buildings, these lights flood the area with light instead of targeting specific areas.
- Accent/Landscape/Uplights. Choose these if you want to highlight trees, gardens, or even decorative pieces in your front or back yard.
- String/Decorative Lights. That’s right—they’re not just for Christmas! You can install these at patios, pergolas, and porches for year-round flair.
How Are Outdoor Lights Powered?
What’s keeping these lights on anyway? There are various ways that lights are powered. For example, wall and porch lights are typically wired to your home’s power. This is a convenient option because it means you can illuminate the outside world at the flick of a switch. Enjoy spending time outdoors whether it’s the morning, afternoon, or even the late evening. The only maintenance these lights will need is new bulbs every now and again.
On the other hand, some outdoor lights are battery-powered. These can be a little more difficult to keep up with because batteries will die over time. Don’t want to have to continuously walk around and replace Duracells? Consider solar-powered lights. These lights use solar cells to generate electricity during the day. As soon as the sunshine fades, the lights flicker on. These lights are capable of sustaining themselves for years.
Installing Outdoor Lighting
So, you’re committed to adding lights to your property’s exterior areas. Let’s review how to install outdoor lighting so you can achieve this goal. For the purposes of this blog, we won’t be reviewing any hard-wired lights—only battery- and solar-powered lights. For hard-wired lights, you will need to reach out to certified professionals (such as us).
First, decide what sorts of lights you want to use, as well as where you want to locate them. We recommend sketching a diagram on a piece of paper. It is also helpful to take measurements in your yard and take note of them. That way, you understand the exact spacing of your lights. Consider which areas of your landscape need illumination the most. This will help you make an effective plan that pays off in the future!
Once you have committed to a plan, it’s time to put it into action. Purchase all the necessary lights. Then, install the lights as needed. Many outdoor lights have stakes that you place in the dirt; insert these stakes in the ground until they are stable. Some lights, such as outdoor spotlights, may have flat bases that they stand on. Finally, insert batteries as needed, and your light display will be ready to go!
DIY or Professional Light Installation?
Now that you have a better understanding of how to install outdoor lighting, there is an important question to address. Should you do this work on your own, or should you consider professional services? Ultimately, it depends on the scope of your project. If you are just looking to put a few solar-powered lights in your yard, you can stake them into the ground and be done with it in a matter of minutes. However, for more intensive projects—especially ones that involve wiring—it might be best to schedule a professional appointment.
At Hydro Tech Irrigation, we proudly provide outdoor lighting installation services. That way, you never have to do this work on your own if you don’t want to! This lets you dedicate your time and energy to different causes. The best part is that we’ll help you out for a fair price with no hidden fees attached. Contact us online, and let’s discuss your project today! We’ll even give you a free estimate for your convenience.