Outdoor Lighting & Exterior Light Fixtures
Good outdoor lighting helps you walk safely at night. People can use their patios in a better way after dark.
Our collection covers:
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Wall lanterns
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Post lights
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Bollards
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Landscape fixtures
Fixture Types and Where They Go
|
Fixture |
Best Spot |
Typical Height |
|
Beside a front or garage door |
66 to 72 inches above the floor |
|
|
Post light |
Driveway edge or walkway entrance |
5 to 8 feet tall |
|
Pathways and patio edges |
18 to 42 inches tall |
|
|
Garden beds, trees, and steps |
Low to the ground |
Wet Rating, Explained
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Wet-rated fixtures can take direct rain and spray
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Damp-rated fixtures need a roof overhead, like a covered porch
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Check the label before you buy
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Fixtures near pools or sprinklers need wet ratings
How Bright Should It Be?
|
Area |
Light Level |
|
Pathway |
100 to 200 lumens per fixture |
|
Porch or door |
400 to 800 lumens |
|
Driveway or yard |
800 to 1,500 lumens |
|
Accent on a tree or wall |
200 to 400 lumens |
Bulbs for Outdoor Fixtures
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Warm 2700K bulbs make a house look friendly at night
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LED bulbs use far less power than incandescent ones
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Pick dimmable bulbs if the fixture is on a dimmer
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Check the bulb’s rated temperature for outdoor use
Spacing Along a Path
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Place path lights 6 to 8 feet apart
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Stagger them on both sides for wide paths
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Light steps and level changes first
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Keep fixtures out of the walking line
Covered Patios and Large Areas
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Large driveways and yards need stronger lights, see outdoor ceiling lights
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Covered porches can take a pendant light if it’s rated for outdoor use
Light for Safety
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Put the brightest light at steps and entrances
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Aim lights down, so they don’t glare into windows
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Dusk-to-dawn photocells save you from switching lights
Mount It Right
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Turn off the power at the breaker first
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Seal the gap between the fixture and the wall with exterior caulk
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Use a box rated for outdoor use
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Hire an electrician for new wiring
Seasonal Check-Ups
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Wipe the lenses a couple of times a year
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Swap burned-out bulbs before winter
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Look for rust or loose screws after storms
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Reset any timers after daylight saving changes



