Hudson Valley designs and manufactures distinctive lighting with a full range of finishes and glass options to satisfy even the most discriminating customer. Hudson Valley lighting products are impeccably designed, featuring outstanding quality and value. Designs of distinction and manufacturing of the highest quality are synonymous with Hudson Valley lighting.

Found in interiors of many of the most exclusive residential and commercial environments, Hudson Valley lighting products are meticulous in design and manufactured to exacting standards. Lighting styles range from traditional and vintage reproductions to high-end contemporary designs.

A beautiful deck is something that should be enjoyed long after the sun goes down—which is why it’s important to have the right kind of deck lighting! From a purely functional point of view, deck lighting serves three purposes:

But when it comes to the right type of lighting for your home, deck lighting can do so much more! The key is to design a lighting system that performs all three of the above tasks while enhancing the look and feel of your deck. Rather than flooding the deck with simulated sunlight, integrate accent lighting with posts, railings, stair risers, and other elements to create an inviting after-dark atmosphere.

Low-voltage deck lights – the most common types of deck lights, low-voltage lights are a safer alternative to line-voltage, posing almost no risk of electric shock. Electrical connections with low voltage lights are simpler, requiring neither a permit nor a license to install.

Disadvantages of low-voltage deck lights are that they require a transformer, and unless they are divided into more than one run of wiring, they share the same 12V of power—which, if you have a lot of lights, can reduce the brightness.

Line-voltage deck lights – line voltage deck lights are brighter, but their installation is more strictly enforced. All connections must be made in an approved electrical box, and any cables run in the open must be enclosed in a proper conduit. Line-voltage deck lighting must be installed by a licensed electrician.

Solar-powered deck lights – because solar deck lights require no electrical connections, timers, or switches, you won’t need to drill routing holes, run wires, or make connections to install them. What you will need, of course, is steady sunshine—usually six hours per day, according to manufacturers. Sunlight charges the lights’ batteries, which mean they are typically limited to post-cap features, although lanterns, string lights, and recessed solar lights are available.

The solar batteries will need to be replaced every 500 charges or so, but fortunately doing so is fairly easy.

Once you’ve decided which type of deck lighting you want, it’s time to choose how you want that lighting installed. An ideal deck lighting design makes use of all three styles of lights: post-cap, side-mount, and recessed lights.

The largest and most prominent fixtures in the accent deck lighting category, post-cap lights sit at the top of your deck posts, usually at the top and bottom of staircases and at intermediate posts along the perimeter of the deck. Post-cap lights are available in a variety of colors and styles to match your deck, and most manufacturers make dummy post-caps, which are unlit and allow for some space between light sources.

Side-mount deck lights can be installed on the side of posts instead of the top. Side-mount lights can be beneficial if your posts come to eye level when guests are sitting down, as post-cap lights could shine light directly into peoples’ eyes.

Recessed deck lights are the perfect example of how to accent a deck without overlighting it. Recessed deck lights are installed in holes drilled in the stairs or the floor of your deck to provide lighting while being almost perfectly hidden during the day.

Incandescent Deck Lighting – incandescent bulbs are widely available in several different shapes and wattages, and because they are relatively inexpensive, replacement is quick and easy. They cast a softer, warmer glow than LEDs, but consume more energy, making them less efficient and shortening their lives.

LED Deck Lighting – because of the complex housing and circuitry involved, LED lights tend to be more expensive than incandescent lights. They tend to be more than worth the cost however, with vastly improved lifespans (10,000 to 100,000 hours) and high efficiency with almost no heat production. The trade-off is that unless mirrors or reflective surfaces are used, the light output is focused narrowly in only one direction and can be harsh on the eyes in contrast with a dark backyard.

The right type of lighting can make all the difference for your deck. For outdoor lighting installation in Maryland, Virginia, or Washington, DC, call Kolb Electric today!

If you are looking for a spring project that will get you outside, look no further. A fun, rewarding project you can take on with just a little effort and creativity is an outdoor sitting space. The area will be a private retreat in your own backyard. Imagine a stone bench surrounded by lush greens, pretty flowers and a few hand-picked lawn ornaments. Your retreat will be the perfect place to rest after a long day or first thing in the morning. Because there is a good chance you will be enjoying your space in the twilight hours, you will want to make it safe. An electrician in Beverly Hills, like those at The Electric Connection, can help you add light to your place of serenity.

A common feature that will add beauty to your little haven is a fountain. The sound of water falling is very relaxing and will make the space even more appealing. Fountains require electricity to operate the pumps that keep the water flowing. You will need to have an outlet available to plug the fountain pump into. Any Beverly Hills electrical work should always be completed by a certified electrician who is familiar with current codes.

Along with an outside outlet, you will want to have proper lighting installed so the space is safe as well as beautiful. Your corner of the yard will likely be shaded so it is cool enough for you to enjoy. Solar lights will not do well in a heavily shaded area. Electric lights are a better option and more reliable. Your electrician will go about installing the lights and the wiring needed to operate them. If you would like to schedule an appointment to add the finishing electrical touches to your corner of serenity, give The Electric Connection a call today.