Don't Settle on Fixture Type

I see residences all the time driving through neighborhoods with lighting systems consisting of two types of fixtures: Path lights and bullet lights. More than likely, the installer was someone who does lighting as an added service for something else, such as yard work or irrigation systems. The truth is, there are several different types of fixtures for several different types of applications, so why not us the right tools for the job? and why not let someone who has done the research and testing of these fixtures install them in a detailed oriented manner? The outdoor lighting world is more than just path lights and bullet lights, and knowing what type fixture to use, could be the difference in a marginal result, and a really great result.

As an outdoor lighting design and build company, the first line of business with a new project is to design the project in a way that draws attention to, or draws attention from certain features of a property. But after designing a project, the attention then turns on how to make the design a reality. In real world applications, placing a fixture in a certain place may be easier said than done, and sometimes it may be cost prohibitive or impossible altogether. It is our job as designers to install fixtures that will give the effect desired while also accounting for daily wear and tear, maintenance, and aesthetics.

There are several dozen companies that produce low voltage fixtures, and each company usually has a selection of specialty fixtures that will fill certain voids that other companies may leave unfilled. It is our job to research and test fixtures and choose the right one for the right application. This also means choosing fixtures from reputable companies that we know will stand behind their products.

We recently completed a project that used eight different fixture types! This included pathlights, stake mounted directional fixtures of different sizes, surface mounted directional fixtures, tree mounted down-lights and in-turf well light fixtures. The surface mounted directional fixtures were powder coated white to blend in to the structure. Most lighting installers won't even consider little details like that, but it really makes a project.

Typically, we use one company for the bulk of a project, but on larger projects, one company usually will not have every type of fixture that the project calls for. Constant research and continuing education are critical here, and something true outdoor lighting professionals are really passionate about.

One thing I see a lot of is using a regular stake mounted directional light fixture in the middle of the lawn! What a pain to mow and trim around, not to mention aesthetically displeasing. In these turf areas, we opt for in-ground fixtures that are able to be mowed over. These type fixtures come in several different configurations, and the object is to shed water and reduce the amount of glare the fixture will give off. As humans, our eyes are naturally drawn to the brightest point of our field of view. As lighting designers, we try and minimize the amount of glare in a project. Function is what is important here.

Another aspect of choosing the right fixture is choosing the right lamp (light bulb). LED has taken over the market due to longer lasting, and more efficient components. But what next? Choosing the correct lumen output, beam spread, and color temperature are actually more critical than choosing the right fixture and can really detract from a project if done wrong. Again, this is where an experienced lighting designer will pay for themselves.

Each project is different, and each one usually has one or two features that take some real thought on how to properly illuminate a feature. Trees that extend over a street and not enough room on the ground plane to up-light, or maybe a large amount of concrete that is not possible to run wire under, or perhaps a pathway to be lit where it makes more sense to use tree fixtures instead of path lights.. Many times this is where a professional lighting installer will really shine over someone who does lighting on the side. Experience in this specialized field and attention to detail could be the difference in a job well done, and a job done just so-so.

If you are looking to move forward on a lighting project, look for a professional lighting design and build company to give your residence the added and professional approach with the right tools, fixtures, lamps and installation knowledge, and don't settle for a crew that may also do lighting along with their other work.

You'll be glad you did.

#landscapelighting #outdoorlighting #lightingfixtures #eldorado #amarillo #lubbock