You have therefore just finished a lovely backyard makeover. The environment looks straight out of a home magazine; the grill is shining, the patio stones are exactly arranged. Come evening, though, something is absent. That wow factor after dark—the one that transforms an OK area into a spectacular one. Permanent exterior lighting then helps to finish the change. But with so many choices available, selecting the correct configuration could feel like selecting the nicest donut from a shop with twenty tantalizing flavors. Website!
Start with durability. Your lights will face all—downpours, snowfall, scorching summer heat. No matter what the forecast indicates, you need a system designed for continuous operation. Look for at least IP65, which indicates the lighting is dust-sealed and can resist strong rain. Materials used in housing also count. While copper or stainless steel fixtures may cost more initially, powder-coated finishes resist corrosion and will endure for years with minimum wear.
The outdoor lighting of today goes beyond simple white lights or classic yellow glows. Modern systems give complete color range. With a tap on your phone, you can bring anything from Halloween orange and purple to Christmas red and green to your preferred team’s colors on game night. While some systems let you personalize everything, others come pre-programmed. In either case, LED technology keeps your energy expenses low—even if your house seems to be a brilliant masterpiece.
Still another important choice is installation. Some systems are do-it-yourself, particularly low-voltage kits or configurations that directly connect into outdoor outlets. This could be a great weekend chore if you appreciate projects and are comfortable with tools. It’s generally advisable to call in a professional, though, if the plan calls for trench digging, underground cable running, or proximity to high-voltage lines. You’re better off letting an expert handle the wiring if the word “transformer” makes you picture massive robots.
At last think about clever controls. Lighting systems of today may accomplish far more than only turn on and off. Timers, dimmers, and app-based control mean you can plan lights to turn on at sunset and off at midnight—no more hand switches. Want to create the supper on the deck’s atmosphere? In seconds, change the brightness or hue. You might even turn on your lights using voice assistants such as Google Home or Alexa. Your yard becomes an immediate showstopper with a basic “Let there be light.”
Not only another house improvement, permanent outdoor lighting combines clever convenience, design, and utility. Night after night, your outdoor area may radiate in every sense of the word with the correct system in place.