Nearly all solar landscape lighting reviews talk about the economic advantage of installing solar lighting, and why wouldn’t they? After all, once you’ve paid the acquisition cost, the only other cost is going to be bulb replacement and that’s going to be quite minimal. Most landscape lighting solar powered LEDs are rated from around 30,000 to 40,000 hours, which is far longer than any other type of light source.

We chose to install solar driveway lights because at night people didn’t notice turn in our driveway all the time, and they kept bumping into our Dogwood tree. We went out and purchased seven driveway lights and installed them.

Since we had chosen solar, installation was really easy. You just pick a spot and push them into the ground. Ever since we installed these new lights, two things have happened. One, people say they love the look of those lights at night when I drive up to the house, and two, no one bumped into that Dogwood tree since, which we, and the Dogwood tree, really appreciate.

Those solar lighting landscape driveway lights started me thinking. We have covered patio in the back yard, I started thinking about using solar string lights. I was thinking it would look really extraordinary and have LED lights, which are small and look a lot like stars, lighting up the backyard at night.

Then I thought of another place I could use low voltage lighting. The back wall of our property is is a pretty long expanse of nothing. There’s no color, no features, really nothing but a plain wall. Here’s my idea. I am going to put a series of solar powered floodlights at the base of the wall. Each one will be a different color, and the be aimed at the wall in such a way as to make different shapes splashes of color against the wall at night. I think the effect will be quite nice.

As you can see from just these two ideas I’ve had, there are endless ways to use solar lighting. And if by having solar landscape lighting I am able to increase the value of my home, so much the better.

Instead of haphazardly going out buying a bunch of different types of landscape lighting, we decided that we wanted to use low-voltage LED landscape lighting kits. And that these landscape lighting kits would be solar powered.

We chose to use several of this type of outdoor landscape lighting kits for three reasons. The first was a we had read this landscape lights can increase the value of your home and provide a measure of extra safety and security. The second reason was also economic, but in a different way. We didn’t want to put a bunch of lights up and then have to pay the electric company to light them. They already get enough of our dollars.

Solar powered LED lighting is the ultimate and cost effective outdoor lighting. The power for the lights comes from the sun, which is free. And LEDs are well-known for their extraordinary long lives. It’s not uncommon for LEDs to be rated to last 30 to 40,000 hours, and sometimes even more. But it all boils down to the fact that we wouldn’t have to buy electricity to light our property, and we wouldn’t have to replace light bulbs for probably 5 to 10 years at least.

Our first project was to light the path from the driveway to the front door. It’s a beautiful brick path, but sometimes during the winter when ice forms under the bricks the contender pop them up a little bit. We didn’t want anybody to trip on before we go chance to put them back down. So we chose solar powered LED Path lights for this project. It was so simple. You buy a landscape lighting kit, take the lights out of the box, push them into the ground, and basically that’s it. You’re done.

After that we chose a similar type of light which we placed alongside the driveway. It’s really nice to come home at night and have a clear view the edges of your driveway, plus the lights are just beautiful at night.

We just love the new look of our home at night. It’s all lit up and welcoming, also making it safer. Landscape lighting kits have brought us a little peace of mind, and possibly even more dollars when we go to sell our home.

After the party, which went pretty well, we talked about it and we both noticed that some areas of the yard were not as well lit as we would’ve liked. After some more discussion, we said to look into landscape lighting.

We soon learned that lighting up our entire backyard the way we wanted to would probably cost a small fortune in electricity. However, before we gave up on the whole idea, we found out about low-voltage landscape lighting.

Since we wanted to minimize our cost, we decided that although the initial cost would be a little higher we wanted low-voltage LED landscape lighting. After that, we found out we would have to decide between low voltage landscape lighting kits which use landscape lighting transformers to step down the house current, or would have to choose a solar kit.

The reason we chose to install LED low-voltage landscape lighting instead of another type of low-voltage landscape lighting, was because of the incredibly long operational life of LED bulbs. Unlike incandescent bulbs or even fluorescent bulbs, LEDs are capable of and operational life of up to 30 to 40,000 hours for a use such as the one we planned to use them for.

Another reason this is such an easy choice for us, is that LED lighting saves 80% more energy than traditional lighting, which can have a huge impact on your electric bill.

After we found out about the possibility of using solar powered lighting, it was obvious to us that we could have landscape lighting which would have no impact on our electric bill at all. Plus, we wouldn’t have to be concerned with running wires. Although the low-voltage LED landscape lighting kits which do use wires don’t require an electrician to install, we like the idea that by using solar all we have to do is pick a spot in which to plant late and push it into the ground.

Now that our backyard has solar powered LED landscape lighting in it, it’s a magical place to be at night. And the best part of all, as it is we observe our low-voltage landscape lighting, we see no dollar signs.

Lower Energy Cost

LED outdoor landscape lighting, because of it’s vastly higher efficiency as compared to traditional lighting(on the order of 80% higher efficiency) offers the possibility of using a far higher number of lights while using less energy and thus offering lower energy bills, and in the case of solar LED landscape lighting, no energy bill at all.

Colors, Colors, Colors

In addition, new color possibilities which are not possible from other types of light sources, and even color changing LED’s are now available.

High Output Solar LED Landscape Lighting

In the past, low light outputs was sometimes a problem from LED landscape lighting. Now however, Westinghouse low-voltage LED landscape lighting offers a high output LED lighting solution with three times the output of standard LED landscape lights.

Landscape LED Lighting Kits

For convenience, many companies offer landscape LED lighting kits. These kits offer a complete LED outdoor landscape lighting solution in a box. In the case of solar lights, what could be easier than taking lights out of the box and placing them in the ground wherever you choose and not have to worry about wiring? And, since LED landscape lighting uses low-voltage, the wiring is much easier to run and does not have to be buried as deeply. Plus, there is no direct connection to the house wiring. You simply plug them in.

Solar LED Landscape Lighting

Perhaps the ultimate way to make use of LED outdoor landscape lighting is by installing solar landscape lighting. After all, what could be cheaper than free? Requiring no wires, these beautiful landscape lighting kits are easy to install. All you need to do is make sure that the solar cell will have some light falling upon it so that they can charge during the day. Then at night, these lights will come on and beautifully illuminate your landscape. As with other types of LED landscape lighting, these are low-voltage, and available in many colors.

As I said at the outset, landscape lighting offers a new, and wonderful opportunity to create landscape designs that were never before possible with the constantly improving technology of LED landscape lighting.

Well I’m certainly not a professional – but I do really enjoy renovation and decorating that I’ve done to several homes I’ve owned. Gardening has always been a bit of a dark art to me. Something that other people can succeed with – but for me its always been more hit than miss.

But outdoor landscape lighting is a lot more like renovating – I like hard landscaping and such like – I like plants too – its just they don’t like me!  So for now I’m going to focus on changing up my new townhouse’s outdoor landscaping – starting with the landscaping.

Need some landscape lighting tips for this drive!

Landscaping Lighting Ideas for the Driveway 

We are the backmost unit of five – so we are at the end of a long driveway which is also up a hill. There isn’t any space to turn around at the top so we have to back out. No problem during the day-  but at night its a bit hard because the drive is poorly lit.

Now we can’ t really wire lights in – not allowed to dig up the shared drive! But you can apparently get decently bright lights that run on either solar or battery power. Even the battery powered lights would be OK, particularly if they are motion activated, as we can just use rechargeables – and the lights don’t need to be on all night!

Lighting Around the BBQ Area 

We have a nice outdoor seating area which is directly off our lounge – so I’d like to do a mix of lighting here. I need something that will let me check. the steaks on the BBQ aren’t burnt – but I’d also like some mood lighting which would look cool from the lounge.

Security Outdoor Lighting 

Its always handy having some motion-activated lighting around both the front door – so I can find my keys, and also out the side entrance for when we need to go outside to put out the rubbish or the recycling – its a real pain having to find a spare hand to turn on  light!

Several durable and attractive woods are quite popular for creating modern outdoor furniture. Cedar is an attractive wood for designer outdoor furniture use in colors ranging from red to golden amber which turns an attractive silver-gray after several years. Cedar is perfect for modern patio furniture including tables and chairs because of its resistance to insects and rot.

Pine wood, less expensive than cedar, is another rot-resistant wood good for picnic tables and outdoor seating. Teak wood is very popular for use in modern outdoor patio furniture because it’s a very durable wood that protects any metal elements such as nails and hinges used in its construction. Like cedar and pine, teak is resistant to warping and rotting. Modern outdoor furniture crafted from wood should be kept clean with a damp cloth and occasionally cleaned with a wood soap or rubbed with protective oil.

Wicker coated in a weather-protective and UV resistant vinyl is an aesthetically pleasing material for chair and table sets, a step up from traditional wicker which must be stored away during wet weather because of potential moisture damage. Wicker is a favorite for contemporary outdoor furniture designers because it is sturdy enough to last, yet lightwreight enough to be moved around with ease. Be sure that any cushioning you select for your wicker chairs contains polyfill rather than foam to eliminate moisture build-up which can cause quick deterioration of the fabric. Check to see that any outdoor fabrics are treated to be moisture and water resistant.

For those who prefer the modern classic look, outdoor furniture composed of wrought iron will last indefinitely
if treated properly to protect against rust. Wrought iron has the distinct disadvantage of being very heavy, so once it is in place, it can be a major chore to move it around frequently to mix up your decor.

Aluminum continues to be an evergreen choice for modern outdoor furniture, lightweight yet flexible, with a sleek look in its natural silver state or painted to fit the existing decor. Easy maintenance and clean-up with a damp cloth make aluminum a popular corrosive-resistant outdoor modern furniture choice.

Many people wonder whether resin wicker furniture is as good as its all-natural rattan wicker cousin. In many ways, it is actually better. Rattan wicker will wear down faster and lose its color in a shorter amount of time. This natural fiber made from rattan vine is much more difficult to maintain.

All weather resin wicker furniture, on the other hand, is made of a synthetic material, therefore instantly making it more durable. It really makes the job of caring for your outside furniture almost nonexistent. Basically, the only thing it needs to keep it looking great is a hose taken to it once and a while.

If you have had your furniture set for a very long time, however, it may be a little worn from the sun. This is an easy fix that just takes a coat of varnish or paint that is especially made for a plastic surface. Once you finish, your furniture will look like it did the day you bought it!

There is an enormous variety of resin wicker outdoor furniture available on the market today. You will be able to find dining tables, living room sets, and even ottomans. All of these come in an assortment of paint colors and varnishes. Think carefully when picking out the color of your future furniture set, because it can really make or break your design plan. If you are going for more of a traditional or country look, white wicker is a great option. If you would like a more modern feel in your outdoor space, consider picking furniture with a darker finish, like a cherry or walnut color. You can ring the changes and jazz your furniture up by mixing and matching the cusions for wicker furniture to match the season, or just your mood!

Many manufacturers of resin wicker patio furniture are located in China and India. You will find a plethora of choices when deciding who will make your dream furniture. You will also be sure to get a good deal because all those manufacturers are vying for your business!

If you have young children or plan to entertain and invite young children over on a frequent basis, you may wish to consider a durable set of outdoor furniture settings as to avoid breakage by hyper and rambunctious children. There are some very stylish wrought iron outdoor furniture settings on the market that are quite tough and can take a great deal of abuse. Take good care to ensure that the tabletops are not glass, since children can easily break glass and create a very dangerous situation. Plastic is another option to consider if you will have children over on a frequent basis. Plastic dining sets can be easily washed by being sprayed down a garden hose. Not all plastic outdoor dining tables are simple and flimsy like they once were. With some shopping around you can find a stylish, sturdy plastic set.

If you will not be entertaining children, but will be entertaining large crowds you have an entirely different set of needs. Large crowds obviously require a lot of dining space. There is always the option of having multiple sets of outdoor dining furniture set up for your guests, but that would require a lot of space and may not be feasible if you have a small or medium sized yard. If this is the case, you may wish to consider looking for a larger than average table with your dining furniture and also a few small tables. This can make the most of your space and allow you to enjoy having your guests over.

If it will just be you and your family with no small children or large crowds, the sky is the limit with your furniture options. Everything from wrought iron to wicker sets are available. You may want to consider doing some shopping around with your family and finding out what everyone agrees is most comfortable particulary concerning buying the right outdoor dining chair – comfortable chairs are essential indoor or outdoors!

Making your outdoor furniture tables  last through the years is very easy with just a little bit of effort. Make sure that you clean your furniture frequently and cover it when the weather is harsh to prolong its life.

When you make your choices for outdoor bar furniture consider the overall look that you want. You have to also consider the seasons where you live. The durability of your patio bar will be directly affected by how much you have in your budget.

You want to keep the choices in your outdoor bar furniture flexible in most cases. Things like a simple change in your outdoor furniture cushions can really make the look change with the seasons. So keep the design flexible. Think of your outdoor bar furniture as the khaki pants that you have in your closet. This is the base of your look. You will add to this as you change the themes and the seasons of your parties.

Now consider the material that your outdoor bar furniture is made of. It must be durable. It must be rust proof. You have to make sure that you can move it around as you need to for events. The only exception to this is the outdoor bar furniture that is built into the back yard. Some people have really taken big measures to make their backyard perfect for social events. Consider making the choices in your outdoor bar furniture seem to blend into the scenery. This can be achieved with stone, brick and various types of wood. Just make sure that the materials used suit your weather where you live. You want it to last whatever materials your outdoor bar furniture is made of.  Keep your guests in mind when you make choices about outdoor furniture bar stools too – not everyone wants to perch on a bar stool – make sure there are some lower seating options too.

Finally keep it festive. Think of what you and your guests would want for the look of the bar area. The outdoor bar furniture should be both inviting and comfortable. Think of the personal space each guest would be comfortable with as they socialize. Make the look of the scene festive and comfortable and your parties can be the talk of the neighborhood. If you make the right choices your outdoor bar furniture can invite your guests to be more relaxed. It will make that scene the center of your backyard fun.

Outdoor area rugs are easy to clean and dry. On open outdoor surfaces, such as decks and patios, they can easily be sprayed off with a hose and left to air dry on a sunny day.

When choosing outdoor mats, you will want to be sure to choose one that is durable and fade resistant so that you will have a great looking rug for years to come. Some great choices include rugs that contain UV-treated polypropylene or sun and mold resistant olefin. Rugs containing these materials are excellent because they will not fade, nor will they mildew and rot if they get wet.

Patio rugs can be purchased in a variety of sizes. Generally, they can be laid directly onto your deck, patio, or floor surface without a carpet pad. You will want to make sure that the floor that you are placing your carpet on is sturdy and flat. Indoor outdoor carpet can be glued onto concrete or tacked onto wood. Or, depending on your needs, you can choose not to tack the carpet down at all. This allows for easy removal and provides you with the option of storing your carpet inside during the winter months.

When many think of indoor outdoor rugs, they often picture plain and simple rugs in solid colors. However, this does not have to be the case. Like regular rugs, outdoor area rugs are available in a variety of colors and patterns. This makes it easy to find the perfect rug to match your outdoor or indoor decorating scheme. Whether you want to create a tropical oasis with a fern patterned rug, a cozy garden theme with a lattice rug, or evoke a light, fun feeling with a floral pattern, you can find an indoor outdoor rug to make your vision a reality.

Although there are a variety of patterns available, many choose solid colors that flow easily with the outdoor setting. Common colors outdoor carpets are shades of brown, gray, black, and green. However, there are really no set trends with indoor outdoor carpet, so you should choose a pattern or solid that fits your personal tastes and captures the mood that you are trying to create.