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Path lights are a must for anyone trying to improve their curb appeal. The
soft glow along your walkway greets your guests in a warm inviting way. If
you are just beginning the redesign of your outdoor area, you should save
path lights until the end of the project to ensure proper placement for the
best results. Once you are ready there are so many stylish options that
choosing the right path lights for your home can be overwhelming. The first
order of business will be to decide how you wish to power your path lights.
The typical choices are line voltage, low voltage and solar powered. Of
course like with anything, there are pluses and minuses to all the options.
The major difference between line voltage and low voltage lights is the
amount of wattage they are able to handle. Path lights low voltage should be
adequate for most walkways. Both options will require digging a trench to
lay the electrical line. It is important to layout your design on paper
prior to beginning the project. In addition, before digging you should
always contact your local utility company and have them mark out any
underground hazards, such as electric lines, phone lines, water lines and
gas lines. Although it is possible to do much of the work yourself, you
should hire an electrician to wire the box for your lights to your current
electrical system. In addition, any thing you do not feel comfortable doing
yourself, should be left to a professional. The trench can be dug and a hose
or other tubing can be used as a guide to determine the pattern for the
lights. As you can imagine, this can be a pricey adventure, but it is a
long-term solution to path lighting.
The other option is solar powered path lights. This is a low cost
alternative to electrical lights. It is also very simple to install,
requiring no more than a day’s effort, and since there is no wiring
required, no electrician is required. You should however layout your plan on
paper prior to executing it. Keep in mind that the lights may need to be
replaced periodically, if the solar panel becomes worn or damaged.
Now that you have an idea which power source you prefer, it is time to
establish your other requirements. Regardless of which path light you
choose, you should ensure that the bulbs are easily replaced and readily
available. This will save frustration and heartache when it is time for a
new bulb.
There is a cornucopia of styles and finishes for path lights. There are
modern, traditional, and even reproduction options to accent your historical
home. For example you can install lights that resemble lanterns, umbrellas
or even traditional streetlights. The finishes are just as varied. Solid
colors and exotic finishes, such as bronze and brushed steel are just some
of the options offered for path lights. In addition, path lights are
available in assorted sizes. Some sit very close to the ground and fade into
your path, while others are tall and spectacular becoming a part of your
design statement.
Path lights are not just a way to enhance the beauty of your home they
are a valuable way to keep your family and guests safe. The light will
provide security from would be thieves and prevent your loved ones from
tripping.
Visit Exterior Worlds to check out the path lights offered in our online
catalog. There is a host of other items designed to enhance your home and
outdoor space. You will want to come back often, because our inventory is
constantly being updated and expanded. |