While the economy continues to improve, the real estate market remains somewhat sluggish. For this reason, many people are electing to stay in their current home, but they will need to make some changes to provide a more livable space. Most homes have thousands of square footage available outdoors.
Taking a slice of that space can increase the flexibility and long-term viability of the home. Adding a deck or creating a patio is a great way to increase the living area of a home. Adding lighting makes that space usable into the evening and more appealing during colder months. Projects, such as deck enhancements, are expected to be among the most popular outdoor updates.
Decks have been popular outdoor areas for years. Resin based materials in a multitude of finishes are now available, eliminating one of the most tiresome aspects of deck ownership, yearly waterproofing. While a bit more expensive initially, removing the springtime task quickly pays for itself.
LED Deck Lighting
A well-lit deck can provide endless hours of nighttime use. Navigation and safety are enhanced when lighting is placed around the perimeter—on or at the stairs—and on the rail or posts. Properly installed deck lighting, like all landscape lighting, can also add to the nighttime beauty of the home.
LED deck lighting features maintenance-free attributes. Under typical use, LED deck lights will last 40,000 hours, or approximately 15 years. With LED lighting, there are no bulbs to change and no maintenance required, other than an occasional cleaning of cobwebs. But remember, not all LED light sources are created equal.
Kitchler’s Design
“All of Kichler’s Design Pro LED landscape products use premium quality Nichia chips, which offer energy savings coupled with the pure, warm, white light homeowners have come to expect from their lighting,” states Jack Miller, senior product manager at Kichler Landscape Lighting.“ By specifying great LED, great performance can be expected. Cheaper LED is readily available, but they unfortunately provide disappointing color and longevity results and are generally unsatisfactory to the homeowner.”
Patio Lighting
Like decks, patios are also evolving. Perhaps relegated to squares of pavers on which a redwood picnic table had been placed, the humble patio is now home to an outdoor cooking area, a dining area, waterscapes and even a socializing space. Hardscape enclosures or barriers are usually key to a well-designed area.
Patios often find themselves farther from the house, making supplemental lighting even more crucial. Finding the right blend is as demanding as the designing the space. Cooking areas might require functional lighting. If the space is tucked up against planted areas, garden spread light should be used.
Hardscape Lighting
Along the pavers leading to the area, path lighting is essential. Hardscape lighting, relatively new to the landscape world, also should be considered. Thousands of dollars are being spent on the stonework used in these areas. Often they feature variegated tones with chiseled textures. Lighting can make a tremendous difference in the nighttime appearance of these walls.
Hardscape lighting is built into and around the stone pieces. Because of this permanence, it is vitally important to select professional grade products. Replacement is often difficult, if not impossible. With its long lifespan and tiny profile, LED is a perfect match.
Kitchler’s Design
“Kichler’s LED hardscape lighting features Stainless Steel brackets and cast brass construction. The LED is top quality to insure years of carefree use,” indicates Miller. Long after the patio season is over and the weather changes, lighting becomes sculptural in nature. On a cold winter’s night, looking out into the yard, well placed lighting can add another dimension to the landscape and heighten the level of beauty in the home.
As the year progresses and consumers feel more confident that the economy is on the right track, exterior home improvements are certain to lead the way. When planning these projects, remember to include lighting to extend their use into the evening hours and more inclement seasons.
By Jeff Dross, Kichler Lighting Corporate Director, Education and Industry Trends
Comments