Patio Lights

Patio lights are often used for lighting up large decks or patio areas for entertaining guests. Patio lights can also be used to accent focal points or to illuminate walkways. Sometimes these lights are only used for decoration and can be found in many shapes and styles while giving off a soft glow of light.

Choose patio lights that are low wattage. Using multi mirror reflector bulbs that are 20 to 35 watts will keep you and your home safe from any electrical problems. Installing your own patio lights can be very simple or as complicated as you wish. From simply plugging in an outdoor string of lights, to having a professional gardening light expert come to your home to design and install a transformer and lights which can be quite expensive.

If you decide to install an elaborate patio lighting system you will need to also install a transformer. Make sure this is in a weatherproof box and can change the household voltage from 120 to 12 volts. Installing this box is easy. Selecting a transformer with a timer will save you the effort of turning it on each afternoon. Choose the best placement for your transformer.

Next you will need to run low voltage wire from the transformer to your lighting system. You can run these wires along the ground, through plants, or along your deck siding to help disguise them. If possible, you can even bury them under just an inch or two of dirt. Placing your patio lights is the next step. Would you like to highlight a certain seating area, draw attention to a plant, or light up the entry way to your deck? Patio umbrellas look nice when lit up with a string of clear bulbs, or strings of colored light bulbs wrapped around a tree trunk add to a festive mood. For a specific atmosphere try Japanese paper lanterns or other character shaped hanging lights.