Exterior lighting for deck and driveway - Need advice

[Tawn]

I am having my windows and gutters replaced and while the contractor is here I want to put up / replace exterior lighting.

1. I need one that will go above the garage door - it can be mounted as high as the second story that will cover a large area of the driveway in front of the door - its a side load garage.

2. I need one or more that will fully illuminate a 28' X 18' deck off the back of the house. The back is a walkout basement so the deck is off the second story if looking at it from the back of the house. The lights can be mounted as high at the soffit near the roof line. I use the grill and flat-top year round so I am often cooking after dark in the winter and I am tired of doing it with a flashlight.

I assume I want LED. I hate to say I don't care what it costs but I'd rather buy once, cry once.

What do you all think, especially those of you who are builders, contractors or who have installed these on your own home.

Thanks in advance.

 

[yeldogt]

The choices are endless ....

I like to design in both utility and ambiance lighting ... there are times when you need lots of light ... most times if it's an evening living space you don't want or need that level.

What's out there now?

My one place has a pool ... I can light the place up like a basketball field to clean up after everybody leaves at night .. that's about the only time it's used.

Having a couple high powered lights up high is nice for utility ... I use BEGA commercial ... but you will cry at the price. They did as well For a deck you want lower power lights.

 

[Tawn]

The choices are endless ....

I like to design in both utility and ambiance lighting ... there are times when you need lots of light ... most times if it's an evening living space you don't want or need that level.

What's out there now?

My one place has a pool ... I can light the place up like a basketball field to clean up after everybody leaves at night .. that's about the only time it's used.

Having a couple high powered lights up high is nice for utility ... I use BEGA commercial ... but you will cry at the price. They did as well For a deck you want lower power lights.

Thats the problem I am having - the choice ARE endless.

Right now I have nothing over the driveway and builders grade porch light near the door and a weak single flood up high over the deck that doesn't put out enough light to cook with in the dark.

 

[Toolfool]

I've been replacing all my exterior lights with Lithonia. I'll use them on my new garage/shop build too.

 

[Stuart in MN]

I've used RAB light fixtures on a number of commercial projects and they've worked out well. They have some pretty low profile wall packs that are unobtrusive. I agree with Yeldogt that you need to define what kind of lighting you need or want...in most cases it doesn't need to be lit up like an athletic stadium, low level is more comfortable for sitting around or entertaining, and is still useful for security purposes and it won't annoy the neighbors. https://www.rablighting.com/outdoor