Practical considerations for residential café lighting systems.
When integrating café lights into your outdoor space there a few items to consider including: does my outdoor space have the infrastructure to mount and support the café lights, will they handle the abuse of harsh weather, will the café lights provide the proper lighting levels for the space in use and how should I plan to control the lighting level and on/off times?
Often, when I meet with clients to discuss installing café lights over a patio or backyard deck space, the first thing we discuss is infrastructure. The lights require support structures on either side of the light string. In addition, the attachment points need to be above the height of people and table umbrellas (usually 8’+). Most patios have no support structures opposite the house and require the design and installation of columns to mount lights to. Although decks often have support railings surrounding the deck structure, we may need to redesign and install railing posts that are at least 8’ above the deck surface. Once integrated, the support columns on a patio or the elevated deck railing posts can be designed to not only provide needed support for the lighting system but can also provide supports for arbors, shade structures, outdoor speaker systems, etc. Keep in mind that the infrastructure needed to properly support the café lights may exceed the cost the of the lights themselves.
In order to provide stability to both the extended posts as well as the café lights themselves, we install thin stainless-steel cables connecting the house to the opposite posts. These cables, commonly used in see through railing systems, are unobtrusive and provide stability to the café lights during heavy winds and inclement weather. They also eliminate the lights from sagging down and interfering with deck furniture and guests. Keep in mind that the café lights bulbs are glass and can easily be broken if hit or left to swing in the wind unsupported.
Another item to consider is the desired lighting output for the space you are lighting. Do you desire a soft ambient down lighting effect or do you want to read a book at night while sitting under the lights? Café light bulbs come in different wattages, and many are dimmable. Being able to dim the café lights allows you to create ambient lighting moods for dinner guests but also bring the light level up if you desire.
Being able to control the lumen levels (brightness) of your café lights is done with either a manual dimmer switch mounted in a convenient location or by using a wireless phone app. Most clients prefer the phone app as it syncs up with a smart transformer to allow clients to control light levels, on/off times, control lighting fixtures throughout the yard, etc. Lights can be programmed to come on every day at sunset, go off at a specific time or be turned on manually when needed.
At Boston Lightscaping, we are experienced in the design and oversight of the entire project, working with carpenters and masons, if needed, to install the necessary support structures that complement the design of the existing space. We will work with you to understand your lighting needs and custom tailor a lighting system to meet those needs, To schedule an onsite review of your lighting project, please call us at (978)828-5962.
