Low Voltage Landscape Lighting

We recently attended a great training seminar hosted by Site One Landscape Supply. David from FX Luminaire presented some great training and are super excited to share some ideas with you.

Objectives of Lighting

Why add low voltage lighting to your outdoor space? There are 5 main benefits of landscape lighting to your home. Our clients from Howard County, Baltimore County, and Anne Arundel County add lighting for the following reasons.

1. Beautification – People make significant investments in their landscaping and it looks beautiful by day, but can’t be seen at night.  By adding landscape lighting the landscaping takes on a different feel.

2. Usability – By adding lighting to outdoor kitchens, patios, water features, etc.. The homeowner can enjoy the landscaping in the evening

3. Safety – Provides sufficient lighting to avoid hazards such as steps.

4. Security – Proven fact that fewer break-ins occur on homes with outdoor lighting.  

5. Value – Landscape lighting can increase value of home

Homes in the more rural parts of these Baltimore suburbs can get quite dark at night. If you can not see steps, you might fall. If you can not see the edge of the driveway, you might drive off!

 Lighting Design Considerations

There is a science to exterior lighting of your house and the features of the property. Different materials reflect different colors in lights. We want to avoid hotspots, one really bright spot surrounded by dark, and avoid creepy shadows.

Structural/Architectural Features

• Rock/Stone/Wood building materials

• Large columns

• Second story lighting

Landscape Features

• Plant types and sizes (keep in mind future growth)

• Walkways

• Patio/sitting areas

• Water features

• Annual color

Ambient Light Sources 

• Street Lights

• Flood lights (both on customers home as well as neighbors)

• Existing exterior lighting (wall sconces/post lights)

Lighting Effects

The 5 main effects are:

1. Cross Lighting

2. Down Lighting/Moon Lighting

3. Back Lighting/Silhouette Lighting

4. Shadowing

5. Reflective Lighting 

Cross lighting trees is almost always the right call. But the one we are really impressed with is down lighting and moon lighting. Basically, a light is mounted in a tree and shines down. Using the proper color temperature light, something in the 5,000 - 5,500 kelvin range, will mimic that light.

Lighting Design Visualization

When you choose to work with Valley Deck & Patio to complete your landscape low voltage lighting project you will have access to our incredible design platform that shows exactly what your house will look like when the lights are shining.

Ready to Light?

Give us a call or contact us here by filling out the form.