Which Landscape LED Light Should I Use?

When choosing which types of landscape lights to use, there are several questions to ask. What application will the light be used for? What effect are you looking for? Does the manufacturer matter for my job? How will the project be zoned or laid out? There is not one blanket answer for any of these questions.

 

Therefore, you should always consult with a professional (like us) to help design and install your landscape lighting projects. Your professional installer can answer all these questions except one. What effect are you going for? We’ll try to help educate you on your options so you can make the best possible choice.

How many lumens do I need for backyard lights?

When determining the desired overall effect, the number one question you should ask is, “what color light do I want?” There is a huge misconception with outdoor LED lights, that many people think they are BLUE in color. This may have been the case several years ago, but higher end manufacturers have perfected the ability to maintain consistency within their LED diodes through a process called “single binning”.

Without going too deep in to the science of the process, the condensed definition of single binning is the act of machine sorting through thousands of LED diodes to capture an average of 20% identical Kelvin temperatures.

This allows the manufacturer to create their product with exact and consistent color deliverance. The 80% un-selected diodes will be sold to the mass-produced manufactures that you will likely find at a big box store sold to the general public. That is why you will notice that their products will give you a range of kelvin temperatures, rather than a specific 3000k rating. If you are not sure what to use, the industry standard is always 3000k.

Comparing LED Landscape Lighting Lumens

Color temperature is expressed in degrees Kelvin (k). A warm white light might be 2700k – 3000k. A cool white source might be 4000k to 4500k. See the chart below for examples of varying color temperatures.

About Kichler Variable Lumen Output LED Landscape Lights

Another question to ask yourself when determining your lighting selection and design is which techniques do you want to use on your project? Here is a list of the most widely used outdoor lighting techniques.

Path Lighting

Objective: Illuminate sidewalks, stone pathways and lawn walkways while adding a hint of intrigue to boulders and plant beds.

Path lighting is created by placing small fixtures along the borders of walkways, driveways, and patios. A well-planned lighting design can be stylish and achieve desired illumination simultaneously.

Selection and placement of these fixtures is key. Precise placement will allow fixtures to illuminate the path without being an interference for the homeowner or lawn mower.

Wall Wash Lighting

Objective: Directs the eye to the textures, shape and/or height differences of items in beds, adding depth and ambiance.

Wall-washing creates a soothing, even glow that comes off the wall or structure it’s focused on. Placing the light fixture a few feet away from the feature and directing it at an angle will help achieve the most desired result. Shining the light alongside the wall will allow an even and subtle ambient lighting on the desired area. A wide-angle flood light with low wattage is recommended for this, as opposed to a spotlight.

Accent or Spot Lighting

Objective: Shines light upward to illuminate an object or surface for dramatic, attention-getting visuals.

Lighting that draws special attention to a specific feature is considered accent lighting. Specifically angled up-lighting or down-lighting can be used to accent an architectural design, plant, or other feature.

Try using a narrow beam spotlight from a hidden fixture to add a flair of mystery to your accent lighting.

Moonlighting

Objective: This effect looks like moonlight shining down through the branches.

Create moonlighting by placing a large fixture with a full glare guard high up in a tree while angling it downward. This results in attractive shadow patterns on the ground while also providing a very natural and beautiful lighting effect.

Shadowing

Objective: To project the look of a tree or your favorite yard art onto a surface behind the object.

Shadowing involves placing the fixture towards the base of a feature, aimed towards an adjacent wall. The goal is to create a soft shadow and is best achieved by utilizing a tree with open, delicate foliage. The effect of the tree’s movement in the wind is sure to integrate a dramatic element to any facade.

The best LED landscape lights for any property

We provide custom designed landscape lighting layouts for property & backyard lighting using exclusively the best LED outdoor lighting products by:

• Kichler – Diamond Elite
• American Lighting
• Bulbrite
• Jacuzzi
• Emery Allen
• Schonbek
• Framburg
• Elan
• Hubbardton Forge

Exterior & Outdoor Products – Residential or Commercial (Generalized)

• Low voltage lighting transformers
• Low volt lighting LED lights
• Mosquito System parts & accessories
• Low voltage lighting parts & accessories

How much does it cost to install landscape lighting?

Here at Hudson Street Lighting, we don’t want you to be confused at where to start on a new landscape lighting installation for the home or business. That’s why we have created landscape lighting pricing information and starter packages to get you going.

Exterior Home Lighting Services by Hudson Street Lighting, LLC

• Landscape lighting design and installation
• Patio & porch lighting
• Holiday & Christmas light hanging services
• Walk paths & sidewalk lights
• Fence & accent lighting
• Security exterior lighting
• Gardening accent lighting
• Steps & stairs lighting
• Tree accent and spot lighting
• Fountain & waterfall lighting
• Entrances & exit lighting
• Sting lights, yard lights
• Custom designed structure lighting
• Outdoor kitchen lighting design

Want to see more? Look at our landscape lighting image gallery for some inspiration.

Looking for landscape lighting installers near me in Texas? View all Texas locations we provide landscape lighting services.

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