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Outdoor lighting offers a number of benefits for homeowners. It can make your home safer by discouraging intruders. After all, would-be wrongdoers are less likely to target your property if it doesn’t give them any shadows to lurk around in. At the same time, it helps prevent falls and injuries. Lighting can also highlight outdoor features and add significant value to your property if you choose the right types of fixtures and they’re installed properly.
Of course, with so many options on the market, choosing the right outdoor lighting fixtures isn’t necessarily a simple matter. You’ll need to consider several factors before making the final decision. That being said, straight-arm steel lighting fixtures like those available from Steel Lighting Co. are a great option that’s capable of covering several of the common bases.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Outdoor Lighting
Several factors should be considered when determining the right types of outdoor lighting to suit your needs. Everyone’s requirements are different, so the best options for your neighbors might not be the right ones for you. Think about the following tips as you’re looking through the various outdoor lighting alternatives that are at your disposal.
1) Think about Durability
Durability is one of the most crucial factors for outdoor lighting. As opposed to indoor fixtures, outdoor lights are exposed to constant hazards. These include wind, rain, extreme temperatures, and the sun’s ultraviolet rays to name a few. Falling limbs, dirt and pollen accumulation, and other dangers can’t be overlooked, either.
2) Consider Longevity
Along those same lines, longevity should be taken into account. Plastic and aluminum don’t usually last for very long outdoors, and they’re easily bent or broken by hail, falling debris, and other hazards. Brass withstands exposure to the elements though it’s among the most expensive lighting materials. Steel is less expensive and offers ample longevity as long as it’s maintained properly.
3) Maintenance Requirements
Maintenance is yet another factor to consider. Plastic doesn’t require a great deal of maintenance though many people insist that’s because it usually gets broken or succumbs to the elements regardless of how much you clean and care for it. Steel outdoor lighting fixtures should be cleaned regularly to keep them from fading, but some grades of steel require less maintenance than others.
4) Look at Appearances
Copper offers an elegant or rustic appeal, but it develops the notorious greenish patina that detracts from its initial appearance. Brass is also known for developing discoloration over time. Plastic fixtures offer plenty of visual appeal in the short term, but again, they quickly and easily succumb to the elements. Steel straight-arm lighting fixtures retain their original appearance as long as you clean them on a regular basis.
5) How Will You Use Outdoor Lighting?
How you plan to use your outdoor lighting fixtures plays a major role in choosing the right ones for your property. This aspect alone encompasses numerous factors. An endless list of outdoor lighting options is available, each one with its own features and applications that may apply to your specific needs.
- Use and placement go hand in hand. If you’re looking for amped-up security, place the lights around your garage, front and rear entrances, and other dark corners of the property. To highlight landscape and hardscape features, place the fixtures near the features and position them appropriately. You can also place lighting fixtures around basketball hoops, tennis courts, patios, outdoor kitchens, and other features for nighttime visibility and safety.
- Wattage is another important element. Different uses require varying wattages. You’ll need the elevated brightness of higher wattages for security lighting and outdoor entertainment areas. Showcasing decorative features requires lower wattages.
- Efficiency impacts the cost of use of your outdoor lighting fixtures. More efficient lighting uses less energy, so it’ll cost less to operate. This is especially important if you plan to use the lights throughout the night rather than only for a short time late in the evenings. Additionally, the efficiency of your outdoor lighting fixtures affects your carbon footprint.
- Many styles of outdoor lighting are on the market. You’ll most likely want to choose one that melds with the style of your home so it’ll blend in with your existing décor. It’s also a good idea to stick with similar styles of outdoor lights throughout your property to maintain a consistent look.
Different types of outdoor lighting fixtures can certainly meet your needs while covering all these points. Still, steel fixtures offer greater durability and longevity. They also bring you a range of styles to choose from. On top of all that, straight-arm steel lighting can give you a higher level of adjustability and freedom of placement.
All Things Considered
Consider the factors we’ve mentioned here to help determine which one will last for the long haul and live up to your expectations. They’ll also affect how much use you’ll get out of the fixtures you choose and the amount of effort you’ll need to put back into them. Steel Lighting Co. offers a range of straight-arm steel lighting fixtures that could cover your outdoor lighting needs. We can also answer any questions you may have and help you choose the best fixtures for your property.
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