Quality Outdoor Lighting

Outdoor Stairway Lighting Can Assist in Avoiding Hazards

June 5th, 2007 Subscribe To Our Feed

Outdoor stairway lighting is more needed now that our population is getting older, especially in the United States where the baby-boomer population is reaching retirement. Furthermore, as our society is becoming more accommodating to the disabled they are coming out more rather than just staying at home. Therefore, it’s important that we consider safety more carefully. This is why it’s a good idea to consider outdoor stairway lighting.

Depending on the amount of light you want hitting your steps will determine the type of outdoor stairway lighting you add. For some, a bright pole light attached near the steps will suffice. For others, lighting that attaches to the walls adjacent to the stairs is more aesthetically pleasing and still others will opt for miniature floods lights that can illuminate two or more steps at a time.

Many times supplying a power source for outdoor stairway lighting may be difficult if not impossible. For the situation in which running electric lines are too difficult or expensive, solar-powered lamps can be used. They are simple to install and require no knowledge of electricity. Most of them require placing them where they will do the most good and turning them on. They are designed to come on during the evening and shut off during the day while they recharge.

I have some motion sensor activated solar outdoor stairway lighting. It works pretty well, however the light is not as bright as the plug in variety. To be fair, it’s bright enough to illuminate the stairs and make ascending and descending safe, however it isn’t anything you would want to read a book under. The solar outdoor stairway lighting I have has a relatively long wire from the solar panel to the light. This way you are less restricted to where you place the light. The light itself doesn’t need to be in direct sunlight, while the cord is long enough to place solar panel in an exposed area.

Motion Sensors Control Financial Cost

Even without solar powered lights, having your outdoor stairway lighting connected to an automatic sensor can save money on electricity. Having them turn on at dusk and off at daybreak can provide the light you need, but only when it is most needed. In cases where you do not want the lights to burn when no one will benefit from their use, a timer can be used to have them come on at a certain time and off at a preset time. However, most can be connected to a simple on and off switch you can use when you want the lights on.

Flush-mounted lights that can be fitted into the risers of stairs are popular, but require carpentry skills as well as knowing how to wire them in. Typically, the installation of this type of outdoor stairway lighting is left to professionals, as there is always the chance of electrical problems if done incorrectly.

In any event, you should be able to find a style that will match your outside décor. The first place to look for outdoor stairway lighting is Amazon.com. They provide deep discounts on products and vendors offer new and used versions of what you are looking for. You may be able to find sweet outdoor stairway lighting deal that won’t break your wallet.