Our Fool Proof System For Outdoor Landscape Lighting In Houston Part I

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An Easy 5-Step System For Houston Landscape Lighting Part I

If you are looking for a way to make your home’s exterior more beautiful and dramatic after dark, installing landscape lighting is an excellent option. The five steps outlined below will help you create an outdoor space that is not only functional but also attractive, even after the sun has set.

Step 1: Choose Several Key Focal Point

Evaluate your outdoor area during daylight hours, searching for features that you want to highlight. For instance, maybe you have a large tree or a small group of shrubs on your property that you would like to draw attention to. Perhaps you have a beautifully designed wall made of stone. Maybe the exterior of your home has a unique texture thanks to the fact that it is made out of brick or stucco. Other characteristics that could be worth highlighting include water features, flowering shrubs, or garden gates. The features you choose to highlight will be the first things that people notice after dark, so make sure to choose them wisely. After planning your focal points, you can then move on to designing lighting for other areas like your decks, sidewalks, or walkways.

Step 2: Draw Your Outdoor Space

Making a sketch of your outdoor space is extremely beneficial during the planning process. Start by drawing lines that indicate the outer edge of your property. Next, add in key features like your house, outbuildings, decks, trees, outdoor furniture, or other large elements that you are planning on keeping in their current place. In your drawing, identify the focal points that you decided to highlight in the first step. Write down the general measurements of each feature, including its height and length. If you already have landscape lighting installed, note where your current lighting fixtures are placed. This information will make it easier to decide whether you can get by with 12 V landscape lighting or whether you need to install a 120 V system.

Step 3: Choose Your Light Fixtures

To get the best results, you need to make sure that the light fixtures that you choose for each area of your outdoor space are appropriate. Depending on your space, you may need a combination of floodlights, accent lights, and in-ground fixtures. Thanks to today’s technology, the color, and brightness of the light emitted by all of these different types of fixtures can easily be controlled.

Whether you have a 12V system or a 120 V system, you typically have a couple of different options when it comes to materials. These include k-alloy aluminum and solid die cast brass. Although both of these types of materials have a bronze finish, solid die cast brass is a better choice if you live near the coast or in an area where there is a lot of moisture. Some of the factors that influence whether you can get by with a 12 V system or whether you need to install a 120 V system include the following:

  • Whether or not you already have outdoor lighting installed.
  • The overall size, shape, and layout of your space.

120 V systems can be quite costly and labor-intensive to install. Typically, the wiring for these systems is required to be buried deep underground. Because of that, most experts recommend only opting for 120 V lighting if the wiring is already installed in your outdoor space or if there is a nearby electrical outlet that you can use to power the system. If neither of those situations applies, installing a 12 V system is a much easier and more affordable choice.

The section that follows describes some of the most commonly used outdoor light fixtures along with information on the specific situations that they are designed for.

  • Path Lights. These lights are designed to light up sidewalks or pathways, making it easier for people to see where they are going when they arrive at your home after dark.
  • Accent Lights. These lights can be used to create a number of different effects, depending on how they are installed. If you point them in a downward direction, they tend to add a sense of moodiness to the space. On the other hand, if you point them up at different objects, they can add a lot of drama to your landscape. They are perfect for illuminating focal points like trees or architectural features in your outdoor space.
  • Wash Lights. If you have a wall, fence, or another relatively wide surface that you want to light, a wall wash light is a great choice.
  • In-Ground Lighting. With these lights, the body of the light is buried in the ground. They are an excellent choice for lighting driveways or pathways. They can also be used to light features in your yard like trees or shrubs.
  • Hardscape lights. If you have structural features in your yard like walls, benches, columns, decks, or outdoor cooking surfaces, hardscape fixtures are the best choice for providing light. The unique low-profile design of these fixtures makes them easy to hide when installed on or near architectural features.
  • LED Tape Lights. For a subtle lighting effect, consider installing LED tape lighting around objects that are difficult to light in any other way. For instance, you can place a strip of LED lighting around your porch roof or in an outdoor kitchen. Some types of tape lighting can be used underwater, as well, making them perfect for installing in backyard water features.
  • Step lights. If you have stairs in your backyard or if you need to mark the edge of a deck or patio, step lights are a great way to keep your outdoor space safely illuminated.
  • Indicator lights. These lights are often used around the outer perimeter of a property in order to indicate where the property ends.

For more on this topic, read on to the next article. If you would like to discover more tips and tricks, visit our blog. Call or contact us today for more information!

Our Fool Proof System For Outdoor Landscape Lighting In Houston Part II

Posted by Robert Huff on

An Easy 5-Step System For Houston Landscape Lighting Part II

Step 4: Spacing Outdoor Fixtures

How far apart landscape lights should be set is a subjective, situational decision. Most lights come with six feet of lead wire, but lights can be spaced closer or further apart as necessary.

Here are some basic spacing suggestions for different landscape lighting situations:

  • Path & Area Lights: Path and area lights can be set 10 feet apart. Remember, the goal here is to guide people down a path, not illuminate it completely.
  • Accent & In-Ground Lights: Small objects can be lit with one or two fixtures. Larger objects, like large-canopy trees, may need three or four. As a rule of thumb, use more lights when you anticipate multiple viewing angles. Most in-ground light fixtures allow you to adjust their angle and overall light output. Order a few extra and make adjustments based on the way the lights actually work on your property.
  • Wall Washers: You can get even illumination on walls by placing your lights one to two feet away from the base of the wall. Space the fixtures out with six to eight feet in between them.
  • Hardscape Fixtures: Use three-inch light strips in tight spaces. Six-inch strips are standard for illuminating deck handrails, steps, and retaining walls. Order larger sizes if you have need of more illumination.
  • Tape Lights: Tape lights have certain built-in maximums. Runs can be no longer than 40 feet, and each run can carry no more than five amps. Tape lighting is typically sold in one, five, and 10-foot lengths.
  • Step Indicators: Light outdoor entertainment areas (e.g. patios and decks) wherever you expect foot traffic.
  • General Indicators: Marky out the edges of spaces you want to define with lights spaced at least two feet apart.

Step 5: Running Wires, Powering Lights, Final Adjustments

Your last step is to move from your layout sketches to real life. If you’re building a 12V system, you’re probably running all of your fixtures off one transformer. This is feasible even if your setup includes both dry and wet (i.e. underwater) fixtures. Most 12V transformers can be plugged directly into a standard power outlet. These transformers are available in different wattage capacities; you can cover anything from 75 to 600 watts with a standard transformer. Size your transformer according to the number of fixtures and runs in your layout.

It’s a good idea to leave a little additional capacity in your system. This allows you to add on new fixtures later, if, for instance, you install a new feature you want to light. A little foresight can save you the expense of revising your entire setup.

Don’t forget to add a timer or a photocell to switch your lights on and off automatically.

A smart landscape lighting setup will use the latest and greatest technologies (like high-efficiency LEDs) to bring your property to life. Make your outdoor areas safe and beautiful after dark with our cutting-edge LED landscape lighting.

For more information, feel free to contact us or call today! Visit our blog for more outdoor lighting tips!

Optimizing And Updating Your Houston Outdoor Lighting System

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How To Convert Your Houston Outdoor Lighting System From Halogen Into LED

There are numerous reasons why you may want to consider converting your outdoor lighting system to LED lamps from halogen lamps: you might want to reduce your energy bills, or maybe expand your current outdoor lighting system, or perhaps you would just like to reduce the amount of routine maintenance that you need to do. Whatever the case may be, there are no disadvantages to using LED lamps as part of your outdoor lighting system. for inspiration or examples of LED’s used in outdoor lighting systems, take a look at Our Work!

Use LED To Save Money

It is amazing how much your energy bill can be reduced by using LED lamps. Less electricity is used by LED lamps compared to traditional halogen lamps. Typically low-wattage LED outdoor lights use 80-90 percent less electricity compared to halogen systems. The reason why less electricity is used is LED lights reduce your outdoor system’s overall electrical load. For a majority of outdoor lighting systems, when they are converted to LED it takes the load off of the operational costs of the outdoor lighting system. In most cases, The average electrical bill for an outdoor lighting system using LED can be reduced down to $3-$5 a month.

Reduce Routine Maintenance and Lamp Replacement

The overall costs of routine maintenance and replacing lamps are also reduced when you switch over to LED. With halogen systems, lamps must be replaced about once a year. You need to take into consideration the cost of replacing each lamp every year and the cost of every individual lamp. However, if you switch to LED lamps, it eliminates how often you have replaced your system’s lamps. A majority of reputable LED lamps in today’s marketplace are rated to last for 10 years at least and have a 5-year replacement warranty. That is because high quality LED lamps are designed to last. Although LED lamps might be more expensive upfront, they actually pay off very fast. One thing that needs to be noted is that switching over to LED lamp doesn’t completely eliminate needing to service the system and maintain its optimal operating condition.

Provide Your System With More Lights

When your lighting system is converted from halogen lamps over to LED lamps it also takes off an electrical load from your overall lighting system, which allows room for additional lights. Allow me to explain this further. Any lighting system has a set amount of wattage that it can handle, which will depend on the kind of transformer it has. For example, a 300-watt transformer is restricted to being able to support 200 watts without tripping and possibly overloading the system. With halogen systems, 20-35 watts is used by each lamp. With a maximum 260 watt capacity, a halogen system only is able to support 8-13 fixtures or lamps without possibly overloading. Theoretically, if the same 300-watt transformer is taken, and 4 watt LED lamps are used rather than 20-watt halogen lamps, the same system will be able to support 65 fixtures or lamps rather than 13 (when properly designed). If you retrofit your existing halogen system with LED lamps, that will reduce how much electricity is used. When a load is taken off of your system through LED lamps there is more room for adding fixtures without needing a bigger transformer. It is very important to understand there are numerous things that need to be taken into consideration if you would like to add more lights to your system after retrofitting it with LED lamps. Are your lines properly balanced? How will voltage drops affect more lights being added? How long will your wire runs be? Each system is uniquely engineered and needs to be approached in a different way. Consulting with your lighting specialist regarding LED lights as well as other lighting solutions is always a good idea.

Contact us or call today to revolutionize your space.

How To Optimize Your Houston Exterior Lighting Pt. 1

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Great Tips For Enhancing Your Outdoor Environment – Houston Landscape Lighting How To Pt. 1

Here at Robert Huff Illumination, we receive numerous requests and questions from customers who are intimidated by landscaping and exterior lighting. However, assisting customers with adding value to their properties through the use of Houston residential outdoor lighting is my specialty, and I know many ways to make our customers’ outdoor areas – gardens, decks, backyards, front yards – look fantastic through the use of outdoor lighting techniques and fixtures.

The bottom line is that outdoor lighting doesn’t have to be a confusing or overwhelming project. You can make it as detailed or as simple as you would like it to be. After reviewing the following basics, also check out the ideas I have for putting them into practice – these are all things that you can do right now to enhance your outdoor areas.

My goal in writing this “Basics of Landscape Lighting” guide is to get some of the key outdoor lighting concepts introduced that you can get implemented immediately. To make it even more helpful, I will be using specific examples to illustrate the principles behind the concepts. That will provide you with plenty of information to starting thinking about what will work the best in your outdoor environment and how you can use lighting to create a beautiful outdoor area.

Some of the common questions that I get are “I would like to give my yard some extra life and would like to use lighting to do that. What do I need to know before I begin? Where do I start, and what should I do?” When you are considering how to best design your exterior landscape lighting, one of the most important things that you need to understand is that less is often more Since the eye is drawn into areas that have the highest level of visual contrast, you don’t necessarily need a lot of lighting fixtures in order to create an effect that is very beautiful. We also have a great blog to pull ideas from.

Once you have the fundamental “less is often more” concept in mind, your next step is to figure out what you would like to light. Do don’t want to light up your entire yard so that it resembles a Las Vegas casino. If you try to highlight everything, then nothing is going to be special or stand out. Instead, you should think about which features you would like to show off, and then determine how you are planning on using specific outdoor areas. Choose a few selected features, make sure they are lighted well (in terms of fixture placement, appropriate beam spread, and light quality), and then think about how you would like to fill other areas in.

Make sure you consider the perspective that you will be looking from and viewing objects when you are thinking about lighting. For example, if you will be featuring a tree that is seen from every side, then one accent light is not going to give you the effect that you desire. You are going to need to have other lights on the other viewable sides as well.

Browse our Landscape Lighting Selection

How much light is needed for creating a nice outdoor environment?

Not too much if you just want to light objects in your yard. Just like with desk mounted, small task lamps, a little can go quite a long way when a small amount of light is placed exactly where it is needed. If overall light levels are kept low, then the contrast in between shadow and light of a highlighted outdoor feature will create a very dramatic effect.

For a favorite outdoor reading area, you can place a spot over a pergola or in a tree, and then direct the light over your shoulder and down. For outdoor entertaining and dining, you don’t need lots of light. There are numerous ways that you can use light to create a fun summer entertainment center, especially in Houston. Ultimately, what you want to do is create a relaxed and casual mood for your outdoor area.

Be sure to contact us or give us a call for all your Outdoor Lighting needs, also read the conclusion of this article!

two story house with moonlighting

How To Optimize Your Houston Exterior Lighting Pt. 2

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Great Tips For Enhancing Your Outdoor Environment – Houston Landscape Lighting How To Pt. 2

What Exactly Is Color Temperature? When you look at the light quality you will notice that it is important just like the quantity, but what about color temperature? This is a temperature that is measured on the Kelvin scale. You are going to notice that the light temperature for the bulb is on the packaging. You will see that the temperatures over 3500K are considered to be cooler and will often going to be a bluer in color going to a noon sun with the higher temperature. You will find that the temperatures under 3000K are often thought to be warmer. The amber tone will be seen as the number goes lower. These are the details we at Robert Huff Illuminations keep in mind with every job.

You will want to try to stay away from the cooler numbers when you are doing the lighting for the landscape. The bluish tones that are seen can make the area look a little bit unnatural or even as being on edge. Instead, you will want to consider the warmer colors that are going to have 2700K for the ideal temperature and 3000K is only considered okay. The 2700K is going to have a soothing feel that can be seen as a campfire type of glow. This will make it a comfortable environment that you can enjoy outdoors, especially in Houston.

You need to remember that one thing that you will see is temperature is going to be the appearance of the white light, which is different than the LED lighting. While still newer, the RGB LED fixtures are going to give you the chance to add in LEDs into the design. You will want to use these sparingly outside and allow them to give you the party feel.

How Is Layered Lighting Going To Impact my Houston residential outdoor lighting space? In this form, you will notice that the lights are going to be designed to create a different type of high and low that you will want to have in your space. You will notice that this is one important tool that you do not want to overlook. This is also the way that a lot of outdoor theaters set the mood.

You will notice that it can be as easy as putting the lights onto different breakers. You may find that the pathway lighting is on its own circuit, but the deck lighting is on another one. You will find that the layered lighting will allow you to have more control over the lighting in the area for the purpose you want it to serve. You will notice that you have dimmers and other controls that are available if you want to use these on the same circuit. You may even notice that you will be able to set up preset levels for the patio lights based on what is going on from eating to cleaning up.

You will find the layered lighting is an amazing way to show off your artistic ability. You will find that you can even have step lights that are connected to motion sensors. This will allow the stairs to be lighted when people start to climb them. You may even find that you can get these lights timed up with music!

Don’t hesitate to contact us or call us for any questions you have about lighting up your life!
We also have amazing Commercial Outdoor Lighting Designs, and don’t forget our blog for design ideas!

Outdoor Lighting Tips For Your Landscape Part II

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Landscape Outdoor Lighting Tips To Help You Improve Your Yard Part II

Tip 3: Broaden Your Outdoor Lighting Cost Definition

Initial price only provides you with a narrow view of what a home improvement project’s true cost is over the entire lifetime of your house. A low price might translate into a great deal, or it could be a sign of low durability or quality. It could also mean that the price doesn’t include some of the building, material, or design costs. In the long run, a more expensive purchase price might actually be a better deal. When resource-efficient quality fixtures are selected it can help you reduce your home’s overall living cost. The only thing that is guaranteed when you make your decision based just on bid price is that you won’t ever be operating on the basis of lowest total cost. When the lower or lowest bid is viewed as the winner, it is safe to conclude that you have seriously misguided builders and companies that you are dealing with. When it comes to the real home building, remodeling and improvement world, there are no commodities. Everyday experience provides this over and over again, so it is a mystery why the lower-bid or low-bid approach is still in existence. Hiring someone just on the basis of price is the best way to sabotage your project’s budget and quality. Robert Huff is the #1 outdoor lighting company in Houston so consider hiring the best.

Tip 4: Have Your Outdoor Lighting Contractor Buy The Materials

If you purchase products online you can save some money. However, most homeowners aren’t sure of what they need to buy, and what fits or goes together or how much or what exactly to purchase. When you make product procurement mistakes it takes a lot of the responsibility away from the outdoor lighting contractor and can invariably lead to the blame game when something goes wrong. You don’t have to keep going back and forth to exchange the wrong items for the right ones.

Tip 5: Hire The Real Deal

When you hire someone who specializes in and has experience with your specific kind of project, it results in you having a higher quality project, and one that is more timely and efficient, and with increased levels of design and product knowledge. Whenever you are looking for an outdoor lighting contractor to hire, be sure they have 10 years of hands-on, proven experienced at least. Experience working on actual jobs and not just somebody who does the selling or manages from behind their desk. The very best outdoor lighting contractors are the ones who continue actually doing transformer balancing, wire connecting, and fixture installation work, no matter how long they have been in business. Although it is physically demanding work, doing it helps to keep them up-to-date. Those are the kinds of outdoor lighting contractors who truly know and understand their business since they are doing it physically every day – and they aren’t simply pushing a pencil and know exactly what they’re talking about.

Tip 6: Hire An Experienced Outdoor Lighting Company

One of the biggest investments you can possibly make in your home and life is a home improvement project. You can also earn some of the highest possible returns on investment with home outdoor lighting. For example, a remodel or home improvement job that is done properly can return more than its investment value. Having a well designed and built home improvement project can return more than you invest in the project. By contrast, a poorly designed and construction project may cause a lot of damage that is far in excess of the amount of money you thought you were saving when you hiring a guy that your friend had paint his house. Experienced outdoor lighting contractors who have decades of hands-on work experience are the only ones who are thoroughly familiar with the construction process and know exactly what to do. The best way to keep your personal belongings and assets protected is to make sure you hire an insured, licensed, and experienced contractor for your home improvement project. Make sure you have a written contract that describes and lists exactly everything you are receiving. Your contractor should deliver high-quality, pain-free, and consistent results.

For more information please make sure to contact a professional outdoor lighting expert today by calling us at 713.861.2000. If you are interested in reading more related content be sure to visit the outdoor lighting blog.

Illuminate Your Houston Property With Landscape Lighting

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How to Effectively Illuminate Your Property Using Landscape Lighting

You can create a beautiful landscape that can be enjoyed after dark with the latest innovative Houston Landscape Lighting solutions. Robert Huff Outdoor Lighting is the best Houston landscape lighting company in town! We have the experience, knowledge, and testimonials to show for it. We offer high-quality outdoor lighting services for residential and commercial properties in Houston, Texas

What Do You Want to Accomplish With Landscape Lighting?

Before you invest in Houston Landscape Lighting services, you need to determine the areas that you are going to want to illuminate and the mood that you are trying to create for your home. Do you want to create a soft, romantic mood? Do you want to illuminate the dark areas of your landscape for security purposes? Maybe you have a path that you want to illuminate and mark the boundaries. Finally, you may have a water feature like a pond that you want to draw interest to.

Sketch Out Your Yard With Houston Landscape Lighting

After you have determined what you are trying to accomplish, you need to do a simple sketch of your landscape. In the sketch, make sure to include all buildings, benches, shrubbery, trees, gardens, water features and existing lighting. It is important to realize that the vegetation and decorations in your landscape will either absorb light or reflect it. Finally, estimate the height of all foliage and decor and notate it on your sketch.

Determine Where Your Landscape Lighting Should Be Placed

You will need to decide where your landscape lights should go by matching your reason for illuminating your yard with the foliage and decor in your yard. If you want to illuminate a bench, you may want to use a lamppost. If, on the other hand, you want to create soft romantic lighting, you may want to place landscape lighting under shrubs to create interest. For pathways, opt for stake lights placed along one or both sides of the pathway. Finally, a spotlight can illuminate a water feature. To view, some of out Houston landscape lighting projects click here.

Decide How Much Work You Are Willing To Do

Houston Landscape Lighting can be difficult to install if you are using 120-volt lighting. The wiring must be buried 18 inches deep and encased in conduit to prevent water from getting to the wiring. A licensed electrician must install the electrical components. If you are using low-voltage landscape lighting, you may need an outdoor receptacle and a transformer. The transformer converts the voltage from 120 volts down to 12 volts. Finally, solar-powered landscape lights are the easiest because there are no wiring or chords to deal with. In order to maximize the lighting power of a solar light, it must be positioned so the photovoltaic cell receives plenty of sunlight throughout the day.

Setting a Budget For Houston Landscape Lighting Services

The most expensive lights are high-voltage landscape lights. These cost upwards of $100 or more for each light. In addition to this, you will have the cost of hiring an electrical contractor to install and wire the lights. A lower cost option is low-voltage landscape lights. These can range from $30 to $300 per light; however, they can easily be installed by a handy homeowner. Finally, the least expensive and easiest option is solar lights. Solar lights rely on the sun for power, using its photovoltaic device. There are no installation costs. The cost for this type of landscape lighting will be limited to the price of the solar landscape lights. If you are trying to illuminate an area that has a lot of shade through the day, the solar light will not receive enough sunlight to adequately power the lights. One way to counteract this is to install a solar panel in a bright area of your yard and run wiring to your solar lights. Robert Huff is the leading Houston landscape lighting company to receive recognition for their outstanding work! Make sure to check us out.

Setting Up Your Landscape Lights

If you want to illuminate a single item like a bush, gazing ball, fountain or statue, you may only need a few landscape lights with lower intensity bulbs. Doing this rather than one large spotlight will prevent harsh shadows. Place smaller lights at various angles and various distances to highlight your item. Opt for landscape lights along garden paths and space them equally along the path to ensure the pathway remains illuminated. Finally, opt for blue tinted lights to create a moonlight inspired mood in your garden.

For more insight, check out the Robert Huff Outdoor Lighting blog. If you want to speak with a professional about Houston landscape lighting services, contact us by giving us a call at (713)-861-2000

Wrap Your Trees With Outdoor Lights To Make Your Houston TX Home Pop!

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Achieving Impressive Effects For Your Home Through Tree Outdoor Lighting In Houston TX

Most of us can identify the particular features of the properties that we adore. My home’s stone facade is what I favor, but my sister would say her garden space is the ideal space. A large number of folks point to landscaped areas as their true loves, with trees being among the most important elements.

Decorate Your Trees With Lights

When it comes to outdoor lighting schemes, the attention paid to trees is paramount. Trees are critical parts of any yard space, given that they add tremendous amounts of curb appeal while also improving the environmental air quality. The sense of serenity provided by trees is difficult to match, and almost everyone finds them extremely appealing. Training some artfully placed lighting on one or more main trees is a great way to achieve a dramatic and impressive look. Generally speaking, three primary methods of lighting trees exist, namely moonlighting, spotlighting and shadowing. Robert Huff is the best outdoor home lighting Houston TX company that you will find. We are driven by results.

Outdoor Tree Spotlights

Perhaps the most evident and intuitive method of lighting a tree is that of spotlighting. It works well for large trees situated on a piece of property. Though substantial trees are stunning during the day, they tend to diminish in their impact after sundown. In order to make such a tree a focal point at any time of the day, spotlighting can fit the bill.

Tree Spotlighting Techniques

Spotlighting techniques utilize fixtures that are placed at the tree’s base and tilted upward toward the foliage. With lighting set level to the ground, it is possible to send beams through the branches as well as along the length of the trunk. A slightly less obvious method is that of moonlight. The objective here is to mimic the look of the light that comes down from the moon. As such, fixtures are placed up high within the tree branches themselves and tilted downward through them. The beams of light are less bright in relation to the trunk, but the shadows that are cast along the ground are breathtaking indeed. This technique is especially effective in garden spaces and seating areas.

Landscape Spotlights For Your Home

The final method of lighting to be discussed is known as shadowing. While the tree is certainly the focus, the shadows it is capable of making also take center stage. Shadowing strategies make sense when a tree is set just in front of a structure, lending a sense of needed depth. Fixtures are set to the front of the tree itself and tilted in such a way as to send the shadow to the best possible spot. As you collaborate with the providers of the outdoor home lighting Houston TX residents trust most, take the time necessary to explain which trees you would love to see lit in dramatic fashion. The team will do what it takes to bring your vision to life.

If you are interested in speaking with an outdoor home lighting Houston tx professional, call us today or contact us for more information. If you want to see related content please check out our blog.

Low Voltage Outdoor Lighting Helps to Increase the Value of Your Houston Residential Property

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Houston Outdoor Low Voltage Lighting For Your Residential House

Many homeowners are looking for ways to increase their home’s value while also increasing the aesthetic value of their home. Although the homeowner may not intend on selling their home anytime soon, the homeowner including low voltage outdoor lighting can help increase the functionality, look and value of their property. Installing outdoor lighting helps to illuminate walkways and define areas in and around the lawn. Houston residential outdoor lighting will help you determine the best outdoor lighting solutions for your property. We also service commercial properties as well.

Key Areas to Install Residential Lighting

Installing outdoor lighting is one of the best ways to improve the look and functionality of your outdoor areas. One of the prime locations for outdoor lighting is your deck. The low voltage outdoor lights will illuminate and enhance the beauty of a wood deck. Outdoor lighting is designed to illuminate the area without attracting a lot of insects and is durable enough to withstand Houston’s harsh summers and winters. To speak with a professional please call us today.

Creative Lighting Options for Your Deck

There are several lighting options that you can choose for your deck, including recessed deck lights. Although recessed lights tend to be a little more expensive, they can add significant curb appeal and value to your home. Recessed deck lights are made from durable plastic and can be installed in the floor or along the steps of your deck to help illuminate your deck.

Post Cap Lights for Your Deck

If you have a railing around your deck, you may want to add deck post cap lights. These lights add a romantic glow and a decorative touch to your deck. Additionally, the light will illuminate the bottom portion of the post to create interest. Deck post cap lights can be mounted on top of your post or recessed into the top of your posts.

Deck Lanterns

Another option for your deck that can increase the curb appeal and value of your home is deck lanterns. Deck lanterns are a perfect choice if you have a covered deck. Deck lanterns add a touch of class and can be installed in the ceiling instead of plastic patio lights. The lanterns are available in numerous styles, so you will be able to find one that fits perfectly with your home’s exterior.

Robert Huff Outdoor Lighting

Rober Huff Outdoor lighting should only be installed by a Houston residential outdoor lighting specialist. To ensure you get the best fixture possible at an affordable price, you will need to shop around and find reputable sources. Rober Huff has a record of providing homeowners with quality outdoor lighting solutions that maximize the beauty and value of a home.

Outdoor Lighting Options that Match Your Home’s Appearance

A residential home looks best when the outdoor lighting options match the home’s appearance. Choosing the right type of outdoor lighting can help to increase the curb appeal of your home as well as the value of your home. Therefore, it is best to talk to a Houston residential outdoor lighting specialist.

For more information on our Houston residential outdoor lighting services at Robert Huff, contact us today or check out our blog for more related articles.

Outdoor Home Lighting: Deciduous Tree Lighting Ideas With Low Voltage In Houston TX

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4 Low Voltage Deciduous Tree Lighting Ideas From The #1 Outdoor Home Lighting Company In Houston TX

When considering lighting for large deciduous trees, there are a variety of approaches and techniques which are easy to incorporate. The correct low-voltage lighting for trees necessitates an artistic eye and a vision when it comes to what you want to experience and see at night. Outdoor Home Lighting Houston TX offers a few basic guidelines to assist you with your own creative processes. These tips are divided into 4 canons which include:

• Balance And Composition

• How To Create Depth through Layering

• Choosing The Right Trees To Accent

• Fixture Options For Different Trees

1. Balance And Composition

It is important to gain an understanding that it is not necessary to have lights shining on every aspect of your landscape. You want to achieve balance which makes it essential to take an overall view of your available space. Using an artistic approach, highlight interesting aspects around your outdoor spaces. Balance will mean to find flow which will naturally carry the gaze of the viewer around the overall scene you would like to achieve. When you find rhythm, this will result in a stunning lighting composition that your guests and you can enjoy.

2. How To Create Depth through Layering

The creation of depth using layering is one of the concepts that are harder to grasp, according to Outdoor Home Lighting Houston TX. When it comes to creating depth, in combination with composition and balance, it is essential to understand how important it is to use both shadows and light. Shadows are what add drama to the scene along with creating artistic visions. For example, using a row of 5 tree that are spaced closely apart, a great effect would be to light the middle and the 2 end trees. This technique creates intrigue, shadows, balance and drama. The element of depth is achieved in the way of lighting varying features across the landscape. Some more ideas to help your residence look beautiful are outdoor lighting design trends to help enhance your outdoor presence.

3. Choosing The Right Trees To Accent

There are specific deciduous trees that are suitable for lighting. Below is a list of the trees which manage to stand-out and are worthwhile considerations when you are making a decision on what trees in your garden you would like to accent.

• Japanese Maple

• Tri-colored Beech

• Willows

• Cherry Blossom

• Weeping Cherry

• Flowering Pear

However, these are only suggestions as every landscape will contain a variety of different features and trees. You should focus on lighting the features and trees that interest you. At the end of the day it boils down to personal preferences when it comes to deciding what aspects around your outdoor spaces seem the most captivating and which ones will work well with lighting elements.

4. Fixture Options For Different Trees

Dependent on the tree you have decided to light as well as its location, there are different ways in which to approach how you are going to light it. The general rule involves lighting the majority of trees from their cores. It may seem like a good idea to set the fixtures further back in your goal to capture the entire canopy, but you should avoid underestimating the overall impact of lighting the beauty of the tree from within. The amount of fixtures required will also vary according to tree’s size. For example, an ancient Cottonwood, will definitely need a number of lights. In most cases you will need at least 3 or more lights that surround the trunk of the tree to assist in illuminating the tree and creating the right visual impact. You can also use lighting in other locations other than just your flower beds when using the correct fixtures. For example, a large maple can be lit up with a covered well-light. The smaller trees will require a different approach. For example, an ornate and smaller tree such as the Japanese Maple works well with a well-light or other fixtures that aim at bringing the light sources down to the lower focal points. A defused lamp inside a well-light can make a tree like a Japanese Maple really pop.

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