II. WHAT FACTORS TO CONSIDER?
Various factors contribute to determining the spacing between landscape lights. Here are some important considerations to keep in mind when deciding on the appropriate spacing:
Brightness:
Before determining the spacing between landscape lights, it is crucial to establish the desired lighting effect you wish to achieve. This can vary depending on individual preferences and specific goals.
For example, you may intend to highlight specific features or elements in your garden, requiring targeted illumination. Alternatively, you might want to enhance safety by using lighting to mark out potential hazards such as path edges or steps. In these cases, brighter lights may be necessary to ensure clear visibility.
Once you have determined the desired brightness level, you can begin selecting lights that will effectively accomplish your lighting objectives. It is important to choose lights that are capable of delivering the desired level of brightness to meet your specific requirements. This could involve considering factors such as wattage, lumens, or the specific lighting technology utilized by the fixtures.
By identifying the desired lighting effect and then selecting lights capable of achieving that brightness, you can proceed with planning the spacing between landscape lights to ensure proper illumination and an aesthetically pleasing result.
Size and Lumen Output:The size and lumen output of the lights you choose significantly impact the number of lights needed and the spacing between them in your landscape lighting project.
It's important to understand the distinction between lumen output and lumens. Lumens refer to the brightness of the bulb, while lumen output is expressed as a percentage and represents the actual amount of luminosity emitted by a specific light fixture.
For example, if you purchase a light with a stated lumen output of 80% and 400 lumens, it means you will only receive approximately 320 lumens of visible light, while the remaining 20% is absorbed by the fixture itself.
When selecting lights, consider both the physical size of the fixtures and their lumen output. If a fixture has a lower lumen output percentage, it is advisable to space the lights closer together to ensure better coverage and sufficient illumination.
Information regarding lumen output is typically available on the packaging or in the product description, especially when purchasing online.
It's important to note that there is no exact science for determining spacing due to variations in luminosity among different lights. The form factor of the light fixture also influences how far the light will reach. For example, a stake light with a wider dispersion angle will provide a more all-around illumination, while a single beam light can illuminate a greater distance. Similarly, larger lights can cover a greater area compared to smaller ones, which may require fewer fixtures to achieve the desired effect.
Considering both size and lumen output will help you determine the appropriate number of lights and their spacing to achieve optimal lighting results in your landscape.
Budget:
Budget is indeed a crucial factor when planning a lighting setup, as it determines the options that are feasible for your project. The cost of lights is a significant consideration during installation.
Opting for larger lights may come with a higher price tag, but they can be spaced out further, reducing the quantity needed. Conversely, smaller lights are more affordable individually, but you will require a larger quantity to achieve the desired lighting coverage. Therefore, it is important to consider your budget when determining the size and quantity of lights to be installed.
If you are considering hiring a professional for the installation, choosing fewer, larger lights can be cost-effective. This is because the reduced number of lights will result in less wiring and installation work, leading to a quicker completion time. Professionals often charge an hourly rate, so minimizing the workload can save you money.
For smaller landscape installations, such as illuminating a patio or decked area, the project cost typically ranges from $200 to $500. If you are planning to light up a small garden with additional feature lighting, the cost may increase to a few thousand dollars.
In summary, the cost of the project depends on the number of lights and the distance required for wiring. Generally, projects with fewer lights and shorter wiring distances tend to be more affordable. Understanding these considerations will help you determine the spacing between landscape lights while staying within your budget.
