Issue link: http://maconmagazine.uberflip.com/i/122656
homes & gardens PHOTOS COURTESY OF LOWE LIGHTING CENTER Both of our lighting experts agree that quality lighting systems is one of the most important starting points for any outdoor lighting plan. "We suggest buying the best quality fixtures your budget will allow," Guy said. "The fixtures we use will last years. We've got systems installed in the early '90s that are still performing very well. The cheaper products will fail quickly. "Use the best light bulb. Don't settle for the cheapest from a home center. Buy the best lamp available. You can spend thousands on a low-voltage lighting system and install a poor quality bulb and get poor results. Your lighting is only as good as the quality level of the lamp." "Unfortunately, the $100 big box store kit puts a bad flavor in people's mouth when it comes to lighting," Wallace said. "Lighting installed professionally can last years and years. If a quality lighting system is serviced just once per year, the lighting system can last for over 20 years." "LED sources are a good choice. The lumen output and light quality is much better than when they first hit the market," Guy said. "Look for trusted names in LED fixtures. Many have 10-year warrantees or longer, and you want to deal with a company that you can go to if you have a problem down the road." And, of course, how a system is planned is as important as the quality of the fixtures: "When building a deck or patio with steps and changes in elevation, lighting those areas is a must," Guy said. "At least light the leading edge on the top step and the first coming up, if not all the way." 32 l Macon Magazine april/MAy 2013