It's a fun endeavor to choose the ideal lighting fixtures for your house. You get to choose lights that complement the style of your home and create a lighting scheme that maximizes your yard.
However, take a time to think about the materials used in the construction of your lighting fixtures before you start worrying about how they look. This is crucial since the materials have a big influence on how long the lighting fixtures last.
The advantages and disadvantages of different materials used to produce outdoor lighting will be covered in this guide. Discover the ideal material for your outdoor lighting fixtures by reading on.
Lighting Fixtures Made of Bronze
Copper, tin, and nickel make up the majority of the alloy known as bronze. The Bronze Age was ushered in by its invention more than 5,000 years ago, which revolutionized metalworking. Tin was mixed with copper to produce a more durable, corrosion-resistant metal. Early bronze artifacts dated 3,500 B.C. have been discovered. This emphasizes the durability of bronze, which is among its most significant qualities.
Lighting fixtures made of bronze can survive extreme temperature changes and weather. In actuality, when bronze oxidizes, a shielding layer develops that prevents corrosion. Most individuals find the coating's peculiar patina look to be beautiful.
As an item oxidizes, distinct patterns are produced. This guarantees that you'll always have a unique lighting setup.
At CAST, bronze is a common material. All of the lights in our CAST Landscape series are solidly constructed of bronze and have a classic look.
Consider our selection of Classic path lighting. You may choose from 16 different designs. You can see our Classic Savannah Path light in the picture below.
It is strong and well made. Years may pass with that light in your yard before it has to be updated. In fact, every CAST Landscape fixture is backed by an unparalleled guarantee because we are so confident in their quality. Any properly installed CAST Landscape Lighting equipment that malfunctions under typical circumstances will be repaired or replaced at no cost to you.
Lighting Fixtures Made of Brass
The alloy brass is created by mixing copper and zinc. It is resilient and resistant to changing weather conditions. Brass outdoor lighting fixtures can endure long periods of frigid winters and scorching summers without failing and still look wonderful.
You also obtain the distinctive patina effect with brass fittings, as was previously mentioned. Many individuals believe that brass lighting fixtures really look better as they age.
Additionally, brass is a somewhat soft metal. Metal can readily cast, bent, and cut into many forms, giving producers the ability to develop elaborate patterns.
It's a popular option with customers because of its durability, low density, and appealing finish. This is one of the main reasons SOURCE by CAST, a series of classic brass lighting fixtures, is offered by CAST Lighting.
22 brass lighting fixtures are available in our SOURCE by CAST collection. The range's products are all exquisitely made and have a classic design. We provide specialized lights, path, wall, deck, wash, and directional spotlights.
Lighting Fixtures Made of Stainless Steel
Iron and chromium are an alloy that makes stainless steel. The alloy is known as stainless because it resists corrosion. Stainless steel is versatile and simple to work with, but it is also strong and long-lasting.
Stainless steel's appealing, glossy look is a result of the alloy's reflecting qualities. Modern residences typically employ indoor stainless steel lighting fixtures.
Outdoor lighting fixtures made of stainless steel do, however, have certain drawbacks. For instance, if you frequently clean stainless steel lighting, they will look excellent. If you use them outside, you'll need to do it regularly.
If you get stainless steel lights, be prepared to clean your outdoor lights once or twice a week on your hands and knees. On a chilly autumn morning when the ground is moist and your fingers are numb, it is not very enjoyable.
Lighting Fixtures Made of Aluminum
Aluminum has several advantages, including affordability and low density. It is inexpensive and simple to form. Because of this, businesses like Coca-Cola utilize metal for their single-use cans.
Aluminum, however, is a poor choice for outdoor lighting fixtures. The primary issue with aluminum is its propensity to oxidize. Aluminum's strength decreases as a result of corrosion. You begin to experience bubbling and cracking.
Source
After a year, you don't want the surface of your lighting fixtures to appear like this.
Salt and aluminum both react. If you live by the sea, you cannot use metal lighting fixtures. Simply put, the fixtures won't last. You'll also run into issues since metal is so soft. Your lighting fixtures are easily going to bend and shatter.
Plastic accessories
Plastic is a very amazing substance. Plastic is a versatile material that is simple to form. It is likewise inert chemically. Because it doesn't interact with other chemicals, items like bleach and others that are chemically reactive are often kept in plastic containers.
It is inexpensive and easily accessible since it is a byproduct of the oil industry.
Despite all of its advantages, plastic still has drawbacks. Plastic items are readily damaged. Your plastic lighting fixtures most likely have unsightly dents and scratches within a year.
Plastics made of polyurethane are also subject to weathering. Your light's surface may blister and become yellow over time. UV exposure contributes to some of the yellowing. Weathering's effects are lessened by certain plastic coatings. If you decide to get plastic lighting fixtures, you'll need to do some study on it.
Plastic lighting fixtures have certain end-of-life problems as well. Plastic is inert chemically, thus it takes a long time for it to decompose. Your outdated lighting fixtures may also wind up in the trash since many kinds of plastics cannot be recycled. On the other hand, metal lighting fixtures may be melted down and reused.
Conclusion
The advantages and disadvantages of various materials used to make outdoor lighting fixtures were covered in this article. Some materials, like plastic and metal, are more economical than others, as you may have learned by now. Cheaper materials, on the other hand, often break more readily and wear out faster.
Brass or bronze is the ideal material for lighting fixtures if you want something durable. A bronze or brass outdoor light you purchase now will still look fantastic in ten years. Download our free eBook for additional details about outdoor lighting. It contains a wealth of useful advice, ideas, and inspiration.
