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Making your garden shine with undercap lighting is a great way to freshen it up for parties and informal hangouts. Doing this has other benefits as well, including safety for people and security for the home.
But what is it, exactly? In a nutshell, undercap lighting is a valuable technique where the light fixture is installed to shine down on a set space such as a wall or a bench. This helps to define the space and create unique dimensions to the area, as well as bringing the aforementioned safety to your garden paths, lawns and landscape installations. Moreover, they’re a fabulous way to light up your landscape while protecting the lighting from the elements because they are naturally placed under various objects.
And now the most important question: where should you use it? Let’s take a look at some of the most popular locations and uses for undercap lighting!
Sitting Benches
Undercap lights are often called bench lights because that is one of the most common places to see them. They work well with permanent benches on the edge of your property, near water features and in front of stunning garden beds. Any place in your yard where viewing is prized is a good place for a bench with lighting.
Specifically, undercap lights help define the edges of the bench, highlight gorgeous carpentry or metalwork. They’re great for moments where you are gathering with friends and family at night. They are especially helpful if the bench is near a fire pit or pool, which could be dangerous to trip into.
Accent Walls
Accent or retaining walls can be given extra flair by adding undercap lights. Not only do they add increased dimension to the space, they also show off the beauty of the materials used to create the walls. Stone, slate and even concrete pavers add depth and beauty to a landscape – why not show them off?
However, accent walls are a safety issue as well. No one fares well if they step off a four-foot wall, after all. You can help prevent that with undercap lights. They effectively act as path lights, keeping your guests safe from tripping. Speaking of which …
Steps and Stairs
Every year, more than a million people are treated for stairway-related injuries in the United States. This translates to thousands of deaths. Steps and staircases pose a trip and fall hazard at the best of times, but the danger increases hugely at night.
Without proper lighting, your home is at risk for a premises liability lawsuit should a guest get injured while visiting your home. Plus, who wants to feel responsible for someone getting injured or dying?
Luckily, undercap lighting can help increase the security of your steps and stairs by highlighting each step. These lights can be installed on the vertical face of the step, allowing the steps to appear as they would in the daytime, helping individuals walk up and down them safely.
Outdoor Kitchens
Outdoor kitchens are perfect places to get together with family and friends during summer evenings. Whether you dig that outdoor pizza oven life, love serving cocktails or mocktails, or get your grill on regularly, an outdoor kitchen takes things to the next level.
Undercap lighting is the perfect way to accent your kitchen. It can be installed under counter tops and appliances to provide extra light and ensure good footing. It helps bring beauty to your outdoor kitchen and creates a sense of depth, making it more visually attractive.
You can even use it for privacy walls, which shield your outdoor spaces from prying eyes.
Firepits
Firepits are naturally beautiful in and of themselves, but adding in undercap lights is a great way to add safety and an extra layer of beauty. Undercaps can be installed under the lip of the firepit to help illuminate the ground underneath. This improves the safety around the firepit by bringing attention to any tripping hazards that might be nearby, such as uneven stone, or piles of wood and kindling.
Also, undercap lights create a stunning halo effect around the firepit, highlighting the gorgeous materials used to build it. You can place them easily on stone or brick installations, but they also work well on metal firepits with a good lip. (Note that you need to insulate your firepit if you’re going to install electronics on it, though.)
One of the most important aspects of undercap lighting is that it points downward. This allows you to illuminate the space without disturbing the natural light of the flames. Contrast that with lights overhead or on walls which kill the mood and prevent you from seeing the stars.
Interested in Using Undercap Lights to Redefine Your Outdoor Space?
Want to learn more about undercap lighting and its place in your landscape? Have questions about styling and options? Get in touch for a consultation today!
