By directing the light towards a wall or other surface, you can create a soft and diffused glow that adds depth and dimension to your outdoor area. To achieve the best results, it's important to position the lights at the right distance and angle. By placing the light fixture a few feet away from the wall and aiming it sideways, you can create a beautiful, even light that illuminates the surrounding area without overpowering it. This technique is also ideal for highlighting specific features of your outdoor space, such as trees, a beautiful garden wall or a unique architectural element. See more technique of positioning of spot lights.
The main difference between spotlights and floodlights lies in their beam width and applications. Spotlights produce a narrow, focused beam of light, typically no more than 45 degrees wide, ideal for accentuating specific elements like artwork, architectural features, or landscape elements.
Floodlights, on the other hand, cast a wider beam, up to 120 degrees, making them perfect for illuminating larger spaces such as driveways, stages, or parking lots with even light coverage.
To determine the width of a light beam at a specific distance, use the formula: Beam Angle x 0.018 x Distance from Light Bulb = Beam Width. For example, an 80-degree floodlight placed 10 feet away will have a beam width of 14.4 feet (80 x 0.018 x 10). Similarly, a 30-degree spotlight positioned 15 feet away will produce a beam width of 8.1 feet (30 x 0.018 x 15).
Wall Wash lights, spot lights, flood lights fixtures do exactly what they sound like they do: they bathe an area with light and have “soft” or "hard" edges on the beam. They are great for evenly lighting up large areas like trees, bushes, walls, or floors.
There are several benefits that make them a great choice. Firstly, they are energy-efficient and use less electricity, which can lead to significant savings on your electricity bills. Additionally, they require lower maintenance compared to traditional lighting options, which also helps save money in the long run. Another advantage of flood lights is their longer life span, which means less frequent replacement and fewer expenses.
Moreover, flood lights are not affected by weather or temperature fluctuations, which makes them a reliable lighting option for outdoor use. LED flood lights, in particular, are the safest alternative as they do not produce heat.
Spot lights are a versatile lighting option that can be used in a variety of ways to enhance the look and function of your outdoor space. One of the main benefits of spot lights is their ability to highlight specific features, such as a beautiful garden or a unique architectural detail. In addition, spot lights are a great way to improve safety and security by illuminating dark corners or pathways. They are also highly energy-efficient, using a smaller amount of electricity.
Spot lights are also easy to install and maintain, with low maintenance costs and a long lifespan. We have a lot of spot lights come in a wide range of styles, from modern to traditional, making it easy to find a design that fits your personal taste and complements the aesthetic of your outdoor space.
Choosing wall wash lights, spotlights, and floodlights over recessed soffit lighting can offer several advantages for various lighting needs:
- Flexibility: Wall wash lights, spotlights, and floodlights provide greater flexibility in terms of positioning, direction, and beam width. They can be easily adjusted or repositioned to create different lighting effects, whereas recessed soffit lighting has a more fixed placement.
- Accent and feature lighting: Spotlights and wall wash lights are excellent for accentuating specific elements or features, such as artwork, architectural details, or landscape elements. Recessed soffit lighting may not provide the same level of focus or intensity needed for highlighting these features.
- Wide coverage: Floodlights cast a wide beam, making them perfect for illuminating larger areas such as driveways, stages, or parking lots. Recessed soffit lighting, on the other hand, typically offers a more diffused and limited light coverage, which may not be sufficient for extensive areas.
- Aesthetics: Wall wash lights, spotlights, and floodlights can contribute to the overall aesthetic design of a space. They can create dramatic and visually appealing effects that recessed soffit lighting might not achieve.
- Easy maintenance and replacement: In most cases, wall wash lights, spotlights, and floodlights are more accessible for maintenance and bulb replacement than recessed soffit lighting. This makes them a more convenient choice in terms of long-term maintenance and upkeep.
Installing landscape floodlights can enhance the appearance and safety of your outdoor spaces. Follow these steps for a successful installation:
Plan the layout: Determine the areas you want to illuminate and the desired lighting effects. Consider the positioning of the floodlights, the angle, and the distance from the objects or areas you want to light up. Make sure to choose floodlights with appropriate wattage and beam angles to cover the intended area.
Gather tools and materials: You will need a floodlight fixture, a mounting stake or bracket, an outdoor-rated electrical cable, a junction box, a waterproof wire connector, a screwdriver, a hammer, a shovel, and a power drill (if mounting on a wall or other hard surface).
Turn off the power: Before starting the installation, ensure the power is turned off at the main electrical panel to avoid the risk of electric shock.
Install the mounting stake or bracket: If using a stake, drive it into the ground using a hammer, making sure it's stable and secure. If using a bracket, drill holes and secure the bracket to the surface (e.g., wall, fence, or post) using appropriate screws or bolts.
Attach the floodlight fixture: Mount the floodlight to the stake or bracket following the manual instructions. Ensure it's firmly attached and can be adjusted to the desired angle.
Run the electrical cable: Dig a trench (6-12 inches deep) from the power source to the floodlight location. Lay the outdoor-rated electrical cable in the trench, leaving some slack near the floodlight for connection.
Connect the floodlight: Use a waterproof wire connector to join the wires from the floodlight fixture to the electrical cable. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for proper wire connections (usually color-coded).
Install a junction box: If necessary, install a junction box near the power source, following local electrical codes. Connect the electrical cable from the floodlight to the junction box.
Connect to the power source: After completing all connections, restore power to the circuit and test the floodlight to ensure it's functioning correctly. Adjust the angle and direction of the beam as needed.
Fill the trench and clean up: Once everything is working properly, backfill the trench and conceal the electrical cable. Clean up the area, and your landscape floodlight installation is complete.
Note: If you're uncomfortable or inexperienced with electrical work, contact us or hire a licensed electrician to handle the electrical connections and ensure a safe installation.
