Deck Lighting

RobertCDF

Hey you lighting nuts, I would like to know of some good quality (not the absolute highest) low voltage lighting for some deck projects. I am looking for something to add on for free as a "coupon" something less than $500 for 6-10 lights that I can put in. As well as some good products that I can offer for upgrades. If you guys would not mind posting some links as well. Any help from you guys is greatly apperciated.

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Robert Shaw
Colorado Springs Custom Decks
Colorado Custom Decks
Custom Composite Decks

DecksEtc

Malibu is the most common brand, wired and solar, around here but I'm sure the landscape lighting guys will have other suggestions.

NightScenes

Check with Gerry De La Vega at Terradek. He is a very good distributor and can probably get you taken care of. www.terradek.com He carries many different manufacturers and is very knowledgeable. You could also try California Landscape Lighting. www.callite.com

I'm sure that either of these places can take care of you.

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Paul R Gosselin, CLVLT 0632
NightScenes Corporation www.night-scenes.com
President, AOLP
www.facebook.com/NightScenes

Chris J

Robert,
The above mentioned people are distributors, and they can help you out a great deal. If you would like to see pictures, you can try Kichler.com and go to the landscape section under decks. There are many, many manufacturers out there these days. Some with great product support, such as Kichler, and some with not so great offerings. Stay far far away from the home center products such as Malibu. This type of product is what has given the low voltage line such a bad reputation. If you will use good products, and take some time to understand the fundamentals of installation, you can greatly increase your profit margins. But you have to know what your doing first. If you do not understand voltage drop, etc... the best products in the country can't help you.

Hope this helps.

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Chris J, CLO (Chief Luminary Officer)
Member AOLP, CLVLT #0638
FL Lic#ES12000428, GA Lic#LVG105244
www.JohnsonLightingInc.com

RobertCDF

Chris, Paul, Terry,
Thanks guys for getting me pointed in the right direction. I will be doing a little reading up on this stuff and start putting together a price list and options for people.

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Robert Shaw
Colorado Springs Custom Decks
Colorado Custom Decks
Custom Composite Decks

Chris J

Just so you know, quality lighting installed by a qualified professional will usually cost somewhere between $200-$250 per light for something like that. Your 10 light job will cost you about $2000 for one of us to sub it from you. Or, it will cost you somewhat less than that but you have to spend fewer nights with your wife in order to do this type of work. Which would you prefer?

__________________
Chris J, CLO (Chief Luminary Officer)
Member AOLP, CLVLT #0638
FL Lic#ES12000428, GA Lic#LVG105244
www.JohnsonLightingInc.com

troubleseeker

My favorite place for 12v lights that I want to use for "trick" applications in a marine supplier. 12v lights are common on boats and there is a ton of styles and sizes that can be recessed into stuff for accents.Most are available in both stainless steel, and black or white plastic, and since they are intended for the harsh marine environment, they last better than the typical landscape variety of lights.Like anything esle, there are different price ranges and you get what you pay for. I stay away from the bottom end stuff .

BreyerConstruct

My recommendation would be to look to Cast Lighting. (Castlighting.com)
Simple, bulletproof products.
Best wire, best transformers.

My $.03 worth.

~Matt

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Custom Deck Builder Deck Designer Lancaster Deck Builder Berks Deck Cleaning
Breyer Construction & Landscape, LLC Facebook Page
www.BreyerConstruction.com

Teetorbilt

Don't forget about LED's. They've come a long way and operate on mA's.

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You can't solve you're problems with the same level of thinking that created the problems.

Albert Einstein

747

I still think the coolest deck i ever seen had lights that were like half dollar round in size mounted randomly flush in the deck. Meaning you could walk on them. It was slick looking a night.

NightScenes

Those lights that are mounted flush and just shine up are really cool from a distance. When you have to walk over them and they shine right into your eyes as you walk, then their not so cool.

__________________
Paul R Gosselin, CLVLT 0632
NightScenes Corporation www.night-scenes.com
President, AOLP
www.facebook.com/NightScenes

LARRY101

Does anyone know the right height to mount a post light that is low voltage 7w. To give the proper effect?

klkanders

Larry,
Since this thread is about deck lighting I am going to assume by post lighting this is what you mean.
Mount it high enough to cast as much subtle light on the deck floor as possible but also not too high so that when seated on the deck the lamps themselves are visible to the eye. I believe mine are less than 36" and spaced far enough apart to allow a little shadowing in between which I like.

Keith