Safety and security
Lit steps, walks and entries mean nobody misses a step after dark, and a lit yard is easier to see into from the street. Lighting the front of the house also keeps the curb appeal working at night.
Zones and timers
Fixtures are wired into zones, so the patio, the front walk and the trees can run on different schedules. A timer brings them on at dusk and off at a set hour. LED fixtures run cool and draw little power, so a full yard of lights costs little to run.
What lighting does
Path and step lights make walks and stairs safe after dark. Uplights on trees, walls and the house add depth and curb appeal. Downlights in a pergola or over a kitchen light the table instead of everyone’s eyes. Together they make the patio a room you can use at night.
Designed with the yard
Lighting is planned with the patio, walls and planting so wire runs and fixture spots are set before anything is finished.
Low-voltage LED systems use little power and need little upkeep.
Fixture types
| Fixture | Where it goes | What it does |
|---|---|---|
| Uplight | Base of trees, walls, the house | Adds depth and highlights features |
| Path light | Along walkways and bed edges | Safe footing, defines the route |
| Step light | Set into steps and walls | Lights each tread |
| Downlight | Pergola beams, kitchen | Lights the table or counter |
