Step And path lighting

The idea of path and Step & path is to create interest and a desire to go and see what is further down the trail. Path lights are commonly used for small pathways, walkways, flowerbeds and ground cover areas, with spacing of 6 to 10 feet. With a narrow sidewalk, stagger the lighting from one side to the other; however, a uniform row of fixtures works well for a wide walkway or driveway. Another good reason for this is to make the walkway safe. Path lighting incorporates the use of shielding on low level fittings and casting symmetrical light patterns on the ground to light paths borders and steps.

Step lighting is done in three ways such as down lighting from above the steps, side lighting from a wall next to the steps, mounting the light fitting into the step tread itself. At its most basic, path and step lighting exists to keep the walker safe. You want to make sure all obstacles and turns are well illuminated. But beyond that, a carefully lighted path can give a sense of romance or adventure. It should make the viewer to go and see where the pathway might lead. Nowadays you have an incredible array of garden path lights to choose from, ranging from soft, glowing, ambient lights to stronger, brighter lights for added safety along pathways, walkways and stairs.

Your garden pathway lighting fixtures may be literally planted in the ground on mounting stakes in the side of garden path or they may be installed right into the surface of the pathway, the driveway or the stairs. Step lighting is a functional requirement rather than a lighting technique and is best provided by small lights set into or mounted on a flanking wall; hood or louvered grill types will reduce glare, although open faced ones with frosted lenses provide wider coverage. Unlike some other types of outdoor lighting, step lighting has a very practical role, ensuring safety in the night time garden.