When designing or re-designing your landscape lighting system, please be sure to select your fixtures based on the effect or end result you desire. Often times, we are drawn to light fixtures that are “cute” or designer in some way but may lack the ability to perform over a period of time or do not give you sufficient light.

Be sure to select quality fixtures that are energy efficient and built to last. Copper and brass fixtures work very well under various types of weather conditions and will not corrode. There are some aluminum products that do okay but you will want to be sure it is “top” quality aluminum that is well coated; aluminum will rust if the coating is scratch or the painted flakes off.

In addition, be sure to check your light fixture sockets to determine the type of bulb your fixtures use. When I go out to service fixtures for my clients there are two recurring themes with their existing fixtures. First, the sockets are falling apart (happens in spot lights) and two, the sockets no longer hold the bulb in place properly.

Also consider using quality bulbs with good reflectors. The “silver” lining of a spot or flood bulb should not flake. If your bulb’s reflector is flaking you are not getting full light from your bulb or fixture. There are various other reasons your fixture is not performing but the bulb in your fixture is just as important as the fixture itself. For energy efficient bulbs, consider using MR16 LED bulbs in your spot lights.

Hopefully this information is helpful whether you are fixing-up an existing system or in the process of designing a new one. Take note that all of our brass and copper fixtures come with a limited lifetime warranty. We carry a selection of 12v halogen and 12v  led landscape light (and landscape light kits). We we also stock landscape light transformers; another critical piece to your landscape lighting system.

Tags: Landscape Lighting Design Tips