Buying Guide: Exterior Lighting

Outdoor lighting is one of the easiest, most cost-effective ways to add beauty and security to your home. Weather-resistant fixtures are available to highlight landscape features, provide security at a door or dark area, or allow you to enjoy your patio or garden into the evening. Outdoor lighting also comes in a variety of styles to complement your home's decor. Understanding the outdoor lighting styles that work best for each site will help you choose the most appropriate light for your garden, yard or deck.

PATH LIGHTS

Install path lights along the walkway from your driveway to your entry doors to ensure a safe walk for you and your guests.

Solar powered path lights mean you don't have to worry about remembering to turn on the lights before you leave the house.

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FLOOD LIGHTS

Flood lights offer the benefit of safety and security when lighting a stairway, dark garage or entry. They help discourage intruders and light the way for you and your family when you return home after dark.

Position flood lights at least 9 ft. off the ground so they cast a wide cone of light and are not easily accessed.

Add motion sensors and timers to customize when and how lights turn on and off.

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WALL & CEILING LIGHTS

Add wall and ceiling lights to the outside of your home to highlight architectural features, illuminate your door or porch, and make guests feel welcome.

A variety of styles are available to complement your home and create a different atmosphere in your front and back yards.

Use coordinating collections of lights to carry your style throughout your home's exterior.

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POST LIGHTING

Create the perfect atmosphere for a party or the perfect ambiance for a romantic evening with post lighting around a patio or pool.

Post lighting along your driveway can add style while welcoming visitors.

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WALKWAY LIGHTS

Usually mounted on stakes or posts, walkway lights are perfect for illuminating paths and steps.

With a variety of styles including hat, mushroom and pagoda, you will find one to enhance your home's exterior while making your entry safer.

Stagger lights on either side of the walkway to avoid the airport runway effect.

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DECK LIGHTING

Easy-to-install lighting mounted directly into your deck can illuminate stairs, benches and railings, making your deck safer for nighttime enjoyment.

Flush-mounted lights installed in the decking are designed to be walked on without damage.

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WELL & SPOT LIGHTS

Install well lights, spot lights or up lights around flowers, shrubs and trees to highlight their beauty at night and give a sense of depth to landscaping.

Look for weather-sealed lights to ensure long-lasting beauty.

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Before purchasing outdoor lighting, decide on the power supply for your lights. There are three options to consider for powering outdoor lights, each with their own unique benefits.

SOLAR POWERED LIGHTS

Require no wiring and must be installed where they will receive plenty of sun to provide illumination at night.

Easy installation and perfect for illuminating areas where power is inaccessible.

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LINE VOLTAGE LIGHTING

Line voltage lighting operates at 120 volts, the same voltage as the appliances in your home. To install these fixtures outside requires the use of conduit to protect the wires and an electric junction box, rather than an outlet, to power the fixtures. See Installing Line Voltage Lighting Project Guide to learn how to install these fixtures.

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LOW VOLTAGE LIGHTING

Operates at 12 volts, making it safer to work with, more energy efficient and easier to install and move.

Components include a power pack or transformer, low voltage cable and low voltage lamps.

See our Installing Low Voltage Lighting Project Guide to learn how to install these fixtures.

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TIMERS

Timers automatically turn lights on and off at preset times for added convenience. For example, you can set the timer so that lights are on when you arrive home from work every day.

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MOTION DETECTORS

Motion detectors added to lights alert you if someone is in your yard or garage or coming up your walkway. They will also keep you safe by lighting a path to your door in the dark, without you having to keep the lights on all the time.

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