Exterior Accent Lighting

[wsf0817]

I've searched around and haven't found much info. Although not specific to my garage, I'm looking to add exterior accent lighting around my house and garage - I'd like to use the lights to improve the looks of the house and the landscaping (not necessarily to provide light for safety or anything like that).

I see lots of solar and LED options out there, many of which I assume are junk. In an effort to avoid buying **** and having to replace it - does anyone have any experience with this stuff?

Do I need to use wired or will solar be sufficient?

Any suggestions on brands to check out for quality products? Or are these all the same and anything will work.

Thanks in advance!

random pic for reference

 

[cybrdyke]

Hahaha.....
you'd **** yourself if you knew how much that lighting job cost!!!
CD

 

[ard]

Im a 120V, conduit in the ground, concrete pads for all fixtures, etc...kind of guy.

I ran conduit to each location. Currently have 13 outdoor circuits, most on z-wave controlled switches (can be turned on and off in groups, dimmed, etc) Depending on what function is going on, lights are adjusted accordingly. Like 'backyard party' or 'pool time' or away from home' or 'guests arriving'

I have LONG driveways. they are lit in 3 segments- one to the formal front entrance, another to the garage entrance and a final 300 feet down to the barn. These are all lit with 36" bollards, with a nice wide spread. If we are having guests, only the front section lights to the parking area will be on. If family is coming home, lights all the way to the garage are on.

Path and bollards all are shielded to light the ground and not allow direct viewing of the bulbs. Trees get spot/floods. Im not a fan of lighting the house, but can appreciate the aesthetic. There are a few can lights that wash down along the exterior/deck that look pretty nice, but no floods for the facade.

Agree with CD... I just sat here and started thinking how much I spend on the parts alone- never mind the install.

Install will last 20+ years, with just bulbs. I believe the fixtures are Vista products.



My FIL wanted solar driveway lights for Christmas- my wife demanded that I "go on-line and find some real quality lights".

He didnt get driveway lights for Christmas

 

[CJ7VFR]

Hahaha.....
you'd **** yourself if you knew how much that lighting job cost!!!
CD

10 bucks?

Jim

 

[wsf0817]

Im a 120V, conduit in the ground, concrete pads for all fixtures, etc...kind of guy.

I ran conduit to each location. Currently have 13 outdoor circuits, most on z-wave controlled switches (can be turned on and off in groups, dimmed, etc) Depending on what function is going on, lights are adjusted accordingly. Like 'backyard party' or 'pool time' or away from home' or 'guests arriving'

I have LONG driveways. they are lit in 3 segments- one to the formal front entrce, another to the garage entrance and a final 300 feet down to the barn. These are all lit with 36" bollards, with a nice wide spread. If we are having guests, only the front section lights to the parking area will be on. If family is coming home, lights all the way to the garage are on.

Path and bollards all are shielded to light the ground and now allow direct viewing of the bulbs. Trees get spot/floods. Im not a fan of lighting the house, but can appreciate the aesthetic. There are a few can lights that wash down along the exterior/deck that look pretty nice, but no floods for the facade.

Agree with CD... I just sat here and started thinking how much I spend on the parts alone- never mind the install.

Install will last 20+ years, with just bulbs. I believe the fixtures are Vista products.

My FIL wanted solar driveway lights for Christmas- my wife demanded that I "go on-line and find some real quality lights".

He didnt get driveway lights for Christmas

re: concrete pads - I'm assuming you're just talking about a base to mount the fixture to? make sense for large bollards, but for landscaping lighting too?

Thanks for the Vista suggestion, looks like exactly what I was looking for!

 

[ard]

I should do a drawing, but...

Each light location got a hole dug, then 2 or 3 pieces of PVC conduit run to the center of the hole. 90 degree sweep, then they all come 'up' at one point. I then place a 2.5" PVC around them- then pour concrete into the hole, encapsulating all of it.

For the bollards, the PVC comes up 12" or so, bollard is a slip fit over that.

For path lights and spots, I use a plastic or metal cap over the top of the PCV that has a 3/4" threaded fitting in the top:

this one is an RAB 'mighty cap'...fits 2" as well as 2.5" PVC. Cut the inner conduits off about 2-3" below the larger conduit and you have some space for wiring. I use dielectric filled exterior twist on connectors.

 

[ard]

Im on an HOA board, so I hear you. I am in fact working on drafting a 'exterior lighting policy'.

Wish me luck.

 

[ColdSoda]

I've read up on this quite a bit and the common recommendation I see is VOLT brand kits if you want everything together from one source with all trusted quality brand items and warranty. I haven't spent the money yet because we had to replace the roof on our house in Jan of this year... so this is going to be down the road. But I would at least recommend you check into VOLT. A noticeable improvement in quality over the "off the shelf" options you'll find at the local big box stores.