Why Quality Hardscape Lighting Matters

Are you tired of lackluster outdoor lighting that fails to showcase the beauty of your hardscape? Have you installed what you thought was a decent brand of landscape lighting, only to have it alter the colors of the area or fail to be bright enough? As a professional, you want to create a captivating atmosphere that will leave your clients impressed.

in-lite offers high-quality hardscape lighting and outdoor lighting for all types of applications. Continue reading to find out why quality hardscape lighting matters, and how you can select the best fixtures for your next project. 

<- Go back to blog

What Makes It Quality Lighting?

Outdoor lighting is often an afterthought for many homeowners when designing their outdoor space. However, the right lighting can transform their hardscape into a stunning work of art. When searching for a quality lighting brand you can count on, consider these 5 key points:

1. Does it use LED Diodes?
2. Does it have a High CRI (Color Rendering Index)?
3. Is it weather resistant?
4. Does it come with removable brackets for hardscape applications?
5. Does it offer any design flexibility?

In-lite products meet all five of these criteria, and are changing the game in the low-voltage landscape lighting industry. Check out how the in-lite system works:

How LED Diodes and High CRI Equal Quality

LED lights have tiny electronic components called diodes that convert electricity into light. These diodes are made up of different materials that affect the color and brightness of the light. When electricity flows through the diode, the electrons inside move around and produce light. LED lights are better than traditional lights because they use less energy, last longer, and can come in many different colors. 

The more diodes an LED light fixture contains, the brighter and more focused the light. This makes them ideal for illuminating hardscape features. For example, our EVO HYDE 180 hardscape light features 12 LED diodes, compared to our competitors, who include half that amount of diodes or less.

In addition to LED diodes, it's essential to consider the color rendering index (CRI) of the bulbs. CRI is a measure of how well a light source can reproduce the colors of an object. High CRI bulbs, with a rating of 90 or above, can accurately portray the colors of your hardscape, making it look more vibrant and alive.

PRO TIP: When choosing LED diodes and high CRI bulbs, it's essential to pay attention to the color temperature. The color temperature of a bulb refers to the hue of the light it emits, ranging from warm white (2700K) to cool white (5000K). Warm white bulbs are ideal for creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere, while cool white bulbs are better for highlighting hardscape features.

Weather-Resistance Is A Must-Have

When installing hardscape lighting, it's critical to choose fixtures that are designed specifically for outdoor use. The fixtures should be durable enough to withstand harsh weather conditions and the wear and tear of everyday use.

The Importance Of Removable Brackets For Hardscape Applications

One essential feature to look for is removable brackets for hardscape applications. These brackets will allow for easy installation and maintenance, making it simple to replace the lamps or make repairs without having to remove the entire fixture.

Look For Design Flexibility 

In addition to removable brackets, it's important to consider the overall design of the fixtures. They should be aesthetically pleasing and complement the style of your hardscape. A quality landscape lighting brand should offer multiple designs and styles that vary, but complement each other so they can be used in many applications. 

Choosing The Right Fixtures and Designing Your Lighting Plan

Once you’ve decided on a quality landscape lighting brand, such as in-lite, it’s time to decide on your fixtures and lighting plan. When choosing fixtures for your hardscape lighting, it's important to consider the unique features of your outdoor space. A water feature, for example, can be illuminated with downlights to create a stunning visual effect. A garden bed, on the other hand, can be accentuated with spotlights or path lights to showcase the plants and flowers.

Once you've selected your fixtures, it's important to create a lighting plan that highlights the best features of your hardscape. Start by identifying the areas that need to be illuminated for safety, such as stairs, walkways, and entryways. From there, you can add accent lighting to highlight the unique features of your outdoor space.

To create a cohesive and well-designed lighting plan, it's important to consider the layering of light. Layering refers to the use of multiple light sources at varying heights and angles to create depth and texture in the lighting design. A well-designed lighting plan should include ambient lighting, accent lighting, and task lighting to create a balanced and visually appealing effect.

By choosing the right outdoor lighting brand, low-voltage fixtures, and designing a well-thought-out lighting plan, you can transform your hardscape installations into a portfolio piece! If you want more advice and resources for incorporating hardscape lighting into your projects, be sure to sign up to become an in-sider, or contact us at info@in-lite.com or +1-833-472-9960 to learn more and take your business to the next level.