How Do You Plan Outdoor Landscape Lighting?
- Select Points of Interest Walk your yard, both in the daytime and at night. Look for features you would most like to accentuate. It could be a water feature or a big magnolia tree. ...
- Sketch Your Landscape The next thing you want to do is sketch your landscape. ...
- Select Your Fixtures At this stage of your landscape lighting plan, you are ready to select fixtures. ...
- Step 1: Sketch your garden area. ...
- Step 2: Consider what areas need the most lighting. ...
- Step 3: Determine the type of lighting needed. ...
- Step 4: Determine the light direction for each light point. ...
- Step 5: Selecting the right voltage.
How to choose the right outdoor lighting for your project?
Outdoor lights look best as accents, broadcasting pools of light. Flooding sitting or planting areas with “stadium lighting” can make them look washed out. When lighting a path, decide whether you want to light only the path or both the path and the features around it.
How to make a lighting project?
1 Position all the fixtures. ... 2 Mount the low voltage lighting transformer. ... 3 Make a solid base. ... 4 Use weatherproof connectors. ... 5 Close-up: Weatherproof landscape lighting wire connector 6 Make sure the fixtures are straight. ... 7 Test each light. ... 8 Pond light. ... 9 Special Lights for Special Effects
How many landscape lights can you put on a line?
A good rule of thumb is to put no more than 100 watts of lighting on one line. If you want to put ten 20-watt lights on a circuit, make a tee connection with five lights on one line and five on the other. You can also minimize voltage drop by using a thicker gauge wire. Always leave a little extra landscape lighting wire as you hook up the lights.
How do you set up a garden path light?
Install the path light by digging a hole deep enough so the top of the PVC footing is level with the ground surface. Use a torpedo level to level the light pole and pack soil around the base. Use aluminum tent stakes to secure the unburied wire in the bedding areas, then cover it with mulch.
How do you layout outdoor lighting?
0:503:13Proper Landscape Lighting Design - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou should make sure that the effect of your lighting. Design doesn't create bright spots causeMoreYou should make sure that the effect of your lighting. Design doesn't create bright spots cause glare intrude on how you live on the inside or outside of your home or bother.
How do you make a lighting plan?
We will outline these helpful steps below:Step 1: Make a plan. ... Step 2: Outline what takes place in each part of the room. ... Step 3: Indicate where the light should come from. ... Step 4: Identify where sockets and switches are located in the chosen space. ... Step 5: Select specific light fixtures for each part of the room.
How do you lay out low voltage lighting?
0:106:56How to Design & Install Low Voltage Outdoor Landscape LightingYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipLow voltage landscape lighting. So the first step is determining what kind of lights you're going toMoreLow voltage landscape lighting. So the first step is determining what kind of lights you're going to use whether it be path lighting.
How do you design a light?
To avoid feeling overwhelmed before you even begin, follow these 10 steps to designing your home's lighting like a pro.Establish the budget. ... Pick a Theme, Genre, or Design Type. ... Layer lighting. ... Start with the statement light. ... Consider the requirements of each room. ... Be precise with measurements. ... Get creative.More items...•
What is included in a lighting plan?
Lighting Plan means A site plan depicting the property lines of all properties for which lighting is proposed, the location and label specification of all exterior luminaires lightfixtures to be installed within the property, their lumen values, mounting heights, shielding, and directionality, controls, and the ...
How much is a lighting plan?
Average Costs to Hire a Lighting Designer: The national average cost to hire a lighting designer is between $5,050 – $6,120. However, others factors may either lower or increase this value significantly, such as the experience of the lighting design professional and the scope of your project.
What is one thing to watch out when designing low voltage lighting systems?
The most common problems encountered in low-voltage landscape lighting installations are poor wire connections, too many fixtures on one transformer (overloading), and cables that are too small for the load.
How many lights can you put on a low voltage transformer?
There's no absolute maximum limit on how many lights you can add to a low voltage transformer. You can add as many as you like, providing the total Wattage doesn't exceed 80% of the capacity of the transformer.
How far can you run low voltage landscape lighting?
Lighting Tip: You can run 12-gauge about 100 feet without voltage drop issues as long as the total wattage of the fixtures on the wire is 100 Watts or less. Also check that your wire and connectors are listed for direct burial which helps prevent corrosion and other weather-related problems over time.
What are the 5 steps in lighting design?
The steps are: identifying the requirements, determining the method of lighting, selecting the lighting equipment, calculating the lighting parameters and adjusting the design, determining the light control system, checking the fittings and finally checking the installation when finished.
How is lighting design calculated?
The simple and basic approach for calculating the lighting requirement is to divide the total light requirement of the room by light output (lumen) provided by a single lamp.
Who does a lighting plan?
Lighting designers are experts in illumination. They design functional and beautiful lighting plans to enhance the architecture and interior design of a building, whether that's a home or a commercial space. Lighting designers have a keen eye for design, as well as being across any building and design codes.
How do you create a lighting plan in Revit?
0:4618:11Create Electrical Lighting Plan in Revit LT | for Architects - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd first things first we will start with placing our lights and we will probably place our lightsMoreAnd first things first we will start with placing our lights and we will probably place our lights in a reverse ceiling plan because they are on the ceiling. So here i will go to place the component.
How do I create a lighting plan in SketchUp?
How to create lighting and electrical plans in SketchUp and...Step 1: Create your design in SketchUp. ... Step 2: Create a wire frame floor plan in SketchUp. ... Step 3: Send to Layout. ... Step 4: Drag and drop your electrical/lighting symbols on to your plan. ... Step 5: Export.
How do I build a lighting plan for my kitchen?
0:273:06Kitchen Lighting Planning Tips | HGTV - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipFood accent lights are meant to accentuate focal points like a beautiful tile backsplash. AndMoreFood accent lights are meant to accentuate focal points like a beautiful tile backsplash. And decorative lighting is self-explanatory.
What is a lighting design concept?
Introduction to lighting design concepts “Lighting design is a process. Specifically, it is the process of integrating light into the fabric of architecture.” Image 1. Lighting is the means to express the desired character of a space. A successful lighting scheme should be integrated into the design at an early stage.
How to design exterior lighting?from architizer.com
The main starting point when considering exterior lighting is establish the primary design goal: are you hoping to identify key features, add drama to surfaces that don’t normally stand out , or to simply create a clear path and entryway ? You can both highlight a building’s architectural features and draw attention to plantings and trees. From task lighting for safety to ambient string lights for the perfect outdoor party, start by identifying the outdoor spaces you want to use and then find solutions for each area. Next, you should understand the basic types of fixtures when making your lighting plan. Finally, you should consider security and maintenance. These steps are reviewed in the following guide and provide a solid foundation for understanding different ways to brighten your design.
What are the different types of outdoor lighting design?from gardeningetc.com
When it comes to choosing the best outdoor lights for your scheme, task, ambient, security and feature lighting all play a part in good outdoor lighting design. The more we use our outside spaces, the more important each becomes.
What is a damp rated light?from architizer.com
Damp Rated (or Damp Location) fixtures are designed for use in covered patios, pergolas and any place that is not exposed directly to rain and moisture. Outdoor ceiling lights and hanging lights are damp use rated.
Why are exterior lights important?from architizer.com
While exterior lighting may fall under a landscape architect’s purview, it’s important for every type of architect to understand how outdoor lights can integrate with a building and its larger site.
What is a spotlight?from architizer.com
Spotlights can be used for featuring a number of outdoor elements like trees, buildings, sculptural and architectural details. Well lights are recessed into the ground to create a seamless look in both landscape and hardscape setting. The inset profile is minimal and can be used to up light trees, walls or art.
What is a wall light?from architizer.com
Wall Lights: The classic front or back porch light, wall lights can be mounted on virtually any vertical surface. One of the most commonly seen outdoor fixtures, wall lights are a durable and attractive. Outdoor wall lights are usually used for decorative purposes, providing ambient or accent lighting rather than focused, bright lighting. These are the ideal choice for patios or porches.
What is a dusk to dawn light?from architizer.com
Dusk to Dawn Lights: These fixtures are fitted with special photo sensors which trigger them to automatically turn on and off with the setting and rising of the sun. They are an easy way to ensure your outdoor lighting is on only when needed.
Select Points of Interest
Walk your yard, both in the daytime and at night. Look for features you would most like to accentuate. It could be a water feature or a big magnolia tree. It may be flower beds, or an architectural feature like a gazebo or an archway.
Sketch Your Landscape
The next thing you want to do is sketch your landscape. You may want to do this on your own, or with the help of your lighting designer. Regardless, sketching the layout can give you a different view of how your yard could be used.
Select Your Fixtures
At this stage of your landscape lighting plan, you are ready to select fixtures. You might know that you want pathlights for the walk up to your front door, but there are so many options to choose from.
How to design exterior lighting?from architizer.com
The main starting point when considering exterior lighting is establish the primary design goal: are you hoping to identify key features, add drama to surfaces that don’t normally stand out , or to simply create a clear path and entryway ? You can both highlight a building’s architectural features and draw attention to plantings and trees. From task lighting for safety to ambient string lights for the perfect outdoor party, start by identifying the outdoor spaces you want to use and then find solutions for each area. Next, you should understand the basic types of fixtures when making your lighting plan. Finally, you should consider security and maintenance. These steps are reviewed in the following guide and provide a solid foundation for understanding different ways to brighten your design.
What is outdoor lighting?from shadesoflight.com
Outdoor lighting fixtures feature hardware and finishes that are designed to withstand tough weather. In the U.S., they’re assessed by Underwriters Laboratories (UL), Intertek (ETL), and CSA International (CSA) independent product safety certification organizations. Typically classified as damp or wet rated, your space and location determine which one you need.
What is the best lighting for an outdoor table?from thespruce.com
A chandelier can add some elegance to any outdoor space. It's especially ideal over an outdoor dining table or other seating area where you'd like a good amount of soft lighting. Choose a chandelier that has a dimmer switch to adjust the ambiance as needed.
How big should post lights be?from shadesoflight.com
Post lights should be as large, or larger than the lights at your front door. Place your electrical box for your exterior light so that the top of the fixture is 20% lower than the top of the molding. Allow for the side door molding also.
Why is outdoor lighting important?from darksky.org
IDA recognizes this but advocates that any required lighting be used wisely. To minimize the harmful effects of light pollution, lighting should
What is a dusk to dawn light?from architizer.com
Dusk to Dawn Lights: These fixtures are fitted with special photo sensors which trigger them to automatically turn on and off with the setting and rising of the sun. They are an easy way to ensure your outdoor lighting is on only when needed.
What is the purpose of lighting a cactus?from thespruce.com
Landscape designer Mike Pyle used lights to turn the focus on the columnar , sculptural cacti in this outdoor space. This accent lighting makes the cacti especially striking in the evening hours. And it provides enough light for people to sit outside and enjoy the night.
How to use low voltage outdoor lights?
A successful low voltage outdoor lighting plan requires selecting the right fixtures, such as low voltage spotlights, then placing and wiring them correctly. Use waterproof pond lights for illuminating pools, fountains and other water features; offset path lights for lighting walkways; cone lights for highlighting both walkways and the surrounding plants; tree-mounted spotlights for simulating moonlight; and flood lights for illuminating trees, buildings and other large elements. Walk into any home center or garden center this spring and you’re guaranteed to run into a towering display of outdoor low voltage lighting. You’ll find $69 prepackaged sets and $100 individual lights; plastic fixtures and metal ones; lights you can shine down from trees and up from ponds. The bottom line is, you’ll get what you pay for. We decided to pay about $90 apiece for metal “architectural grade,” low-voltage halogen lights. The halogen bulbs cast a whiter, more focused beam than standard lights—almost like natural sunlight. And the bulbs last longer, some up to 10,000 hours. The metal construction of the fixtures means greater longevity for them too, and we loved the natural burnished look.
How to weatherproof a light?
Use weatherproof connectors. Connect the wires with weatherproof wire connectors. These wire connectors have a shield on the bottom and a blob of sealant inside that make them weatherproof. If your lights came with press-on connections, cut them off, strip off 1/2 in. of insulation, and install the connectors.
How many volts should a halogen light fixture receive?
Test each light fixture for its voltage level with a digital voltage meter (about $25 at Radio Shack). Each halogen light should be receiving 10.5 to 12 volts for a consistent look and to avoid premature burnout. Extremely low readings indicate a bad connection somewhere in the system or too many lights on a circuit. Minor voltage adjustments can be made using the voltage controls on the transformer (Photo 2).
What is low voltage lighting?
Outdoor low voltage lighting provide a pleasant alternative to glaring floodlights. They can be strategically positioned to accent the plants and features you want to highlight. They can be used for safety—to illuminate paths, steps and dark zones. When artfully placed, they can be as beautiful and natural looking as the landscape itself.
What is the best phone number to call for low voltage lighting?
For safety’s sake, call 811 to have your utility companies mark the location of underground wires and pipes before you dig for your low voltage lighting. The service is usually free—and you’ll avoid dangerous and costly surprises.
How high should a path light be?
Path lights with a 20-watt halogen bulb at a 24-in. height should be spaced every 10 ft.
Do you have to leave a wire for landscape lights?
Always leave a little extra landscape lighting wire as you hook up the lights. This will give you the freedom to move a light after you’ve hooked it up for testing or after you’ve installed it.
