How to Choose Walkway Lights

You have two general choices in walkway lights:want to put them somewhere far away from an
low-voltage or solar. If you're looking for lightingelectrical outlet. Do make sure that they get
that isn't low to the ground, like medium or tallplenty of sun during the day.
lamppost lighting or overhead lighting, then ofLow-Voltage Lights
course you can choose standard voltage fixtures.Advantages: These will stay lit at the same
But for most applications, ground-level lamps areintensity all night, if you choose. They also cost
best for illuminating walkways and paths, soless than solar lights. You can purchase kits for
low-voltage and solar walkway lights are the bestsmall pathways that make installation as simple as
options.possible.
Which you choose depends on a number ofDisadvantages: You have to install the wiring. Kits
factors:might not be enough for long pathways, so lights,
*How much do you want to spend?wire and transformers will have to be purchased
*Are you a do-it-yourselfer who's comfortableseparately. If you have a long walkway and not
handling wiring and easy electrical installation?enough wattage from the transformer, lights at
*Is the path or area close to a power source?the end of the wire may be dimmer or not light
*Will the area get at least a few hours of full sunat all.
per day?Solar Walkway Lights
*How long is the pathway and how many lightsAdvantages: No installation! Just put them in the
will be required?ground where you want lights and you're finished.
If you're on a budget, you're comfortable withThese are also eco-friendly because they don't
basic DIY projects and you'll be installing themuse electricity, which also means you can use
near a power source, choose low-voltage lamps.them anywhere. And you can light the longest
The length of the path will be a factor, so if you'llpath just by adding new lights without worrying
be placing them on a very long pathway, you willabout dim bulbs at the ends.
need a larger transformer, smaller gauge wire andDisadvantages: These pathway lights cost a little
even possibly some solar lamps to put at the endbit more than low-voltage versions. They also
of an extremely long path.fade and stop glowing after a few hours. If they
If you don't mind spending a little extra for thedon't get enough sun during the day, they might
convenience of not having to install anything ornot work very well at night. And they're typically
worry about electricity, then solar walkway lightsnot as bright as other lights.
are your best choice. These are also best if you