Hardscape Lights: Types, Installation, and Maintenance

What Materials Are Hardscape Lights Made Of?

These five materials are used in the manufacturing of hardscape lights:

1. 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. 
2. 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. 
3. 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. 
4. 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. 
5. 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:

1. 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.
2. 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. 
3. 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. 
4. 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. 
5. 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:

1. 1. Low Voltage (12V): The low-voltage fixtures are highly energy efficient, as they consume 80% less energy than the standard hardwired power source. They need a separate transformer to decrease the standard 120V energy to 12V. These fixtures are commonly used in wet and landscaped areas, and they run 25,000 to 50,000 hours with proper weather-sealing. 
   2. Line Voltage (120V): Line voltage is also known as a hardwired source to run fixtures. It connects directly to the home’s power system. This is the ultimate source for consistent and uninterrupted illumination. The hardwired fixtures last for 10 years easily with minimal maintenance. The hardwired fixtures resist power fluctuation and are able to withstand extreme heat from 85°F to 120°F. 
   3. Solar Powered: The solar-powered fixtures use photovoltaic panels to consume sunlight in the day and then auto-activate at night using that energy. These fixtures are mostly useful in remote areas where there are no wiring arrangements. A well-managed solar setup runs for almost 8-10 hours with a full charge. Their performance reduces in cloudy or shaded environments. Modern solar power sources are waterproof and well-rated for outdoor use. 
   4. Smart Lighting Integration: It involves connecting the fixtures to smart homes to control them remotely. Modern fixtures are managed from device apps using Bluetooth or wifi, or voice controls like Google Assistant and Alexa. These are highly energy-efficient, as they turn on only when needed, instead of traditional lights that remain on for the whole night. These lights provide flexibility to set the colors and brightness according to mood.

How to Choose the Right Hardscape Light?

Follow these six steps to choose the right hardscape light:

1. Lighting Purpose: Select the hardscape light according to the installation requirement. For example, the bright lights with a wide beam angle are used for safety in a wider illumination area. The light with a low beam angle is used for creating a smooth, relaxing environment. Plastic shatterproof lights work best for outdoor areas due to their longevity and weather resistance, while glass lights are not that stable. 
2. Fixture Placement:  Select the position according to the wall strength, stair layout, or seating arrangement to ensure both stability and optimal lighting coverage. For example, place lights low under the capstones for safety and visibility, or place them above seating areas to create a warm and inviting ambiance. 
3. Color Temperature: Choose hardscape lights with warm 2700K–3000K color temperature for a cozy feel and cool white 4000K+ color temperature for modern appeal. Modern fixtures with smart system integration provide free hand to set the lights to dimmable for a smooth and softer ambiance.
4. Brightness (Lumens): The hardscape lights with 100-200 lumens are recommended for proper illumination. Opt for less than 100 lumens to ensure safety on nights. 500-1000 lumens of light is recommended for reading and writing tasks.
5. Material & Finish: Select the fixture material according to the landscape style. Aluminium or stainless steel is recommended for outdoor star to resist tough weather and rust. Plastic material is used for high-traffic areas, as it resists impact effectively. Powder-coated or anodized finishes enhance longevity and maintain the appearance of the fixtures.  For example, matte black powder-coated aluminum not only looks sleek but also withstands harsh UV rays without fading.
6. Power Accessibility: Opt for a suitable power source according to the location and demands. A hardwired power source is preferred for long-term and consistent illumination. A solar power or USB source works best for remote areas and outdoor camping, while a low-voltage (12V) power source is highly energy efficient and is used in decorative lights.

What is the Installation Process of Hardscape Lights?

The installation process of hardscape lights involves the following six steps:

1. 1. Plan Layout: Identify and measure the locations for light installation during the design or build phase of the hardscape. 
   2. Prepare Power Lines:  Install low-voltage wiring before the structure is sealed to avoid the need for knockdown later. This step ensures a clean and concealed setup for better aesthetics.
   3. Embed Fixtures:  Place lights under the capstones or within masonry to blend them with the design. This also protects the fixtures from harsh weather such as UV rays and rain. 
   4. Secure Connections: Always waterproof connectors and junction boxes to prevent water seepage and corrosion in outdoor areas. A secure connection extends the life of the lighting system.
   5. Connect to Transformer: Ensure the voltage output matches the fixture requirements and wiring polarity is correct. This enhances the performance of the fixtures.
   6. Test Illumination: Switch on the system and adjust light angles and positions for balanced coverage and demanded effects. This step helps to spot issues and sort them before selling the system. 

How to Maintain Hardscape Lights

Clean the fixtures regularly to remove dirt, debris, or hard water stains to extend the lifespan of the hardscape lights. Frequently check for corrosion, moisture damage, or loose connections, as they cause short circuits, eventually damaging the fixture. LED fixtures require full module replacements if damaged. Apply sealant for enhanced safety of fixtures. In case the stone or cap around the lights becomes loose, fix it on time to enhance their durability. Regularly remove leaves, mulch, or overgrowth as they block the light output and reduce its brightness.