Patio lighting

[Mike D]

Having just begun to market my services in landscape and architectural lighting, I'm finding a question at every corner! The information posted on this site is second to none, and I hope to tap into some of the experience of its members.

A friend has enlisted my assistance with the lighting needed for her "in-process" patio construction. So far I have seen a drawing done by her designer, who has since been fired. The mason is currently pouring footings and foundation. The patio, adjacent to the rear of the home, has two exterior entrances. It is two steps above grade. Material is bluestone set in concrete with a perimeter wall built of bluestone over 12" block. The wall is capped with 24"-wide bluestone, providing an overhang on both, the inside and the outside.

The designer calls for two step lights recessed into pillasters flanking the 'main' stairs. Having been 'enlightened', my client/friend understands that this falls short. The mason wants to bring in his electrician to pre-wire for the lights. Fixtures have been specified... loosely; "Cast Aluminum steplights recessed in wall (2) per BK Lighting or equal". I assume the designer was not thinking beyond line-volt fixtures.

I am headed out to see the site tomorrow (Friday). I have a few questions, although I'm sure to be overlooking many. First, any suggestions for adding additional lighting around the perimeter wall? Am I limited to recessing fixtures, or can we fasten small deck lights beneath the bluestone cap, hiding the source from sight with the overhang? Can fixtures be fastened to bluestone, at all?!

Considering that there is currently no landscaping and my client anticipates installing quite a bit in the near future, capacity must be built in to the plan. If low-volt is the way to go (as I see it), should I allow the mason's electrician to pre-wire patio walls with the appropriate low-volt wire? Or, should I do it, myself?

Any pointers forum members might provide would be greatly appreciated. And please, don't hesitate to point out anything I'm missing, as I'm sure there is quite a bit.

[sitelights]

A very brief response:

Cast aluminum recessed lights will not last very long; they will begin to corrode immediately due to the pH of the mortar in contact with the metal. Try to find composite, brass or bronze fixtures to avoid early failure. I can offer no product suggestions since we have not installed lights of this description because of aesthetic considerations. Pre-wiring to appropriate mounting point wall cavities should be done using the manufacturer's prep kit available for recessed applications.

I never recommend using other than 12v in potentially wet areas.

You should be prepared to add transformers as needed for the expanding landscape.

"RopeLight" or similar products cannot be set into a groove or recess; the sheath must have air cooling on three sides. This type product installed using 120v or 12v (it will work with both) can be mounted using the manufacturer's U-shaped channels which are fastened to the substrate with screws every 18" or so; the ropelight is then pressed into the channel. Do not use this product if there is any possibility that the lights will be seen directly; be certain that the product will not be seen from a seated or reclining position.