Hardscape Lights: Types, Installation, and Maintenance
Hardscape lights are designed to integrate with man-made structures like stained walls, steps, patios, stone features, and decks. These lights provide functional, subtle illumination while enhancing the aesthetic and architectural appeal of outdoor areas. Hardscape lights increase visibility after dark, reducing the risks of accidents and other potential hazards on walkways and gardens. They are available in different sizes and shapes to match the lights with different hardscape designs. What are the Key Features of Hardscape Lights? Feature Description Purpose Provides subtle illumination for walls, steps, retaining walls, seating areas, and other hardscape features to enhance safety and aesthetics. Mounting Style Integrated into walls, steps, or under capstones and ledges for a low-profile appearance. Light Direction Casts light downward or across surfaces to highlight textures and create ambiance without glare. Light Source Primarily LED for energy efficiency, longevity, and compact size; available in warm or cool tones. Design Slim, low-profile fixtures designed to blend seamlessly into masonry, stone, or concrete structures. Durability Made from weather-resistant materials such as stainless steel, aluminum, or brass for outdoor use. Power Source Typically low-voltage wired systems; some models available with solar or battery options. Waterproof Rating IP65 or higher to withstand rain, dust, and outdoor conditions. Installation Installed during construction or retrofitted into existing hardscape by embedding or securing under caps and ledges. Applications Used in retaining walls, garden walls, steps, patios, fire pits, outdoor kitchens, and seating areas for both safety and ambiance. Table of Contents What Materials Are Hardscape Lights Made Of? These five materials are used in the manufacturing of hardscape lights: Aluminum: It is about 1/3rd of the weight of steel. Aluminium’s thermal conductivity is high(237 W/mK), which transfers heat away from the fixtures, making them resistant to heat at outdoor surfaces. It forms a layer of oxide, making it corrosion-resistant and durable. Pure aluminium has lower strength, but its alloy with other metals makes it tough to withstand wear and tear. It is formable to any shape using various processes like forging, rolling, and extrusion. Unlike copper, it is inexpensive, which makes it an ideal option for large-scale production. Stainless Steel: Stainless steel material provides a sleek, modern look and is able to endure rusting and harsh weather. It is durable due to its ductility, corrosion resistance, and high tensile strength. These features allow steel to resist deformation, thus making it a reliable and durable material. Aluminium typically withstands temperatures ranging from -20°C to over 100°C. But the chrome moly alloy allows it to withstand elevated temperatures, making it an ideal choice for high-temperature regions. Brass or Bronze: It is a durable and strong material, ideal for high-traffic areas. It forms a protective patina layer in the presence of oxygen, which enhances its durability. It is more malleable and ductile than bronze, which means it is easier to shape the brass material. Brass is susceptible to dezincification in harsh conditions (like saltwater) and withstands temperatures ranging from 900 °C to 940 °C. Bronze is more durable, resistant to corrosion(particularly in marine environments), and withstands high temperatures (950 °C to 1050 °C) than brass due to the higher tin content. The higher tin content means increased strength and hardness. Polycarbonate: These materials are made from ABS or fiber-reinforced composites. These materials are lighter and budget-friendly than metals. Polycarbonate materials are not tough and durable, but they withstand high UV rays and temperatures up to 80 °C without warping. Polycarbonate is more impact-resistant than other plastic materials like acrylic and PETG. This property allows to use of these materials in high-traffic areas. Tempered Glass: Light diffusers utilize tempered glass to prevent cracking and ensure smooth and even light distribution. These are treated with high temperature to make them 4 to 5 times stronger than normal glass. Tempered glasses are able to withstand temperatures up to 250°C without cracking. They reduce glare, are resistant to impact, and protect LEDs from moisture or dust. The thermal and scratch resistance make them more suitable for outdoor use. What are the Types of Hardscape Lights? Hardscape lights are of five types, which are given below: Retaining Wall Lights: These hardscape lights are typically installed under capstones or along the edges of the walls for a soft, ambient look. Retaining wall lights are not manufactured like typical landscape lights to shine on shrubs and trees. But they are designed to be a part of the landscape itself. These lights are made to complement the materials of the wall, whether it’s stone, brick, or concrete. Modern retaining walls utilize LED technology due to their high energy efficiency and durability. Step Lights: The step lights are low-profile fixtures, typically mounted under treads, along the step edges, or on the side of steps. These lights are used to enhance safety in outdoor areas while maintaining the aesthetic look. The metal or polycarbonate fixtures are used to withstand impact and high foot traffic. A step light typically runs on low voltage(up to 12V) and comes with a cord or outdoor wire nuts for easy installation. Paver Lights: These lights are also known as pathway lights or brick lights. They typically flush with the surface of bricks, providing low-level, ambient illumination to enhance aesthetic and safety. The paver lights with LED technology last up to 50,000+ hours. The outdoor paver fixtures are designed with brass or bronze to withstand high temperatures up to 900°C to 1050°C. Under-Cap Lights: The under-cap lights are installed under the capstone or edges of walls or steps to highlight architectural hardscapes. These lights are installed during the initial construction or renovation to ensure proper wiring. Cast brass is used to design these fixtures for enhanced durability and an ambient look. Bench or Seat Wall Lights: The seating zones of gardens, patios, or decks are designed using bench or seat wall lights. Commonly used to define the boundaries of seating areas and highlight architectural features. What are the Power Source Options for Hardscape Lights? These are the power source options for hardscape lights: Low Voltage (12V):