Choosing the Right Landscape Lighting
Resident lighting guru Randall Whitehead lets readers in on the secrets to great yard lighting.
 
What kinds of outdoor lighting are available? At what prices?
There are both line voltage (120V) and low voltage (12V) systems. I recommend a combination of the two. Mount 120V fixtures on the house to create a brighter punch of light when homeowners want to enjoy their yard from within. Use a low voltage system to highlight plants, sculptures, water features and pathways when people are outside. There are low voltage starter sets that people can install themselves; they run about $150. These don’t last a long time, but they do offer instant gratification. I would recommend better-made fixtures installed by a licensed electrician. This costs more money, but the system will last longer.
randall_whitehead
Randall Whitehead, IALD

Randall Whitehead, IALD, is a professional lighting designer and author. His books include "Residential Lighting, A Practical Guide." Whitehead has worked on projects worldwide, appeared on the Discovery Channel, HGTV and CNN, and he is regular guest on Martha Stewart Living Radio. Visit his website www.randallwhitehead.com and follow his blog www.lightmakesright.com for more information on books, upcoming seminars and the latest lighting trends.

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