Why You Need to Install Step Lighting to Improve the Safety of Your Home

Safety should always be a priority for your home, and your home’s outdoor steps can pose a hazard. While walking up or down your outdoor steps in the evenings, it can be easy to miss a step without proper lighting. Adding light to your steps can provide you with a safe path by illuminating the area.

Fortunately, there are lights specifically designed to improve the safety of your steps. These step lights come in various forms, so it’s essential to know which are best for your property. This article will cover how you can add step lighting for your home and create a safe environment for you and your family.

The Two Main Types of Step Lights

There are two main types of step lights that you can install on your home’s steps. The first style is recessed lighting, which involves installing the step lights flush inside the stairs. This lighting style is the most stylish and safe due to the light taking up no space in the walking path of the steps.

The second option is installing step lights in the form of path lights. These step lights will sit outside the steps path, providing downlighting for your steps. If you want to avoid the labor-intensive process of recessed lighting, this type of step lighting can make for a great option.

What is The Ideal Brightness for Step Lighting?

While installing step lighting, it’s best to strike a balance between safety and style. If the light is too bright, it can impact the appearance of the outdoor living space by commanding all the attention. However, if the step light is too dim, you will be affecting the safety of your outdoor steps.

In most cases, the best option is a low-voltage fixture with a maximum wattage of 80 watts. However, the most common wattage for landscape lighting applications is 40 watts. This wattage will provide enough illumination while also improving the outdoor space’s ambiance.

Along with a proper wattage, some of the best light fixture types for step lighting applications are:

• LED Spotlights
• LED Strip Light
• Round LED Step Light
• Half-Moon Bulkhead Light Fixture

Add Convenience with Motion Sensors

If you want to save on your energy bills, an easy way to cut costs for your home is with motion sensor step lighting. While away, your step lights will remain off and conserve power. However, as you walk towards the steps, you will trigger the motion sensor. As you trigger the motion sensor, the steps will illuminate and provide immediate safety for your home.

Motion sensor lights require no touch or added controls, making them beneficial for elderly and disabled occupants. These lights will also increase security for your home, alerting you of any people walking up or down your steps. Adding a motion sensor is simple, but it provides numerous benefits.

Enjoy a Safer Outdoor Living Space with Step Lighting

Step lighting will make walking down your steps at night a breeze. However, it takes a professional light designer to ensure your steps are properly illuminated. Our team at Houston Lightscapes will install the perfect step lighting for your property. Contact us today to schedule a free landscape lighting consultation.