Pulling into a driveway can be hard if you have a large car or a small driveway, and can be even worse at night. Here are a few lighting options for your driveway to make the very end of your commute a little easier.
What types of driveway lights are there, and what are the four best ones to buy? We’re here to help you out.
Types of driveway lights
Driveway lights come in a few different types. The most common will be solar-powered, meaning the sun will charge them during the day and allow them to provide light during the night. You could opt for ones that connect to your home's electricity if your driveway requires it.
There are post lights that are driven into the ground next to the edge of the driveway. This will help provide enough light to see by if you come home late at night. It will also light up the yard nearby to deter burglars from coming into the area.
Another type is a flat disc or square that you can place on the edge of your driveway, where it will sit flat on the ground. These can generally withstand a lot of pressure, including being driven over.
If you want a motion-sensor light system, a wall-mounted light will work the best. This usually provides plenty of light when it detects motion in a particular area of your driveway. After a predetermined length of time, it will shut itself off.
, Solpex Solar Pathway Lights are the best driveway lights. These lights are mounted on posts that you install in the dirt alongside the edge of your driveway or pathway. They're made of ABS plastic and are both waterproof and weatherproof, so they won't rust.
A fully charged unit will provide eight hours of light and turn itself on and off as it senses the sun's movement. They offer 21 lumens per light, which is perfect for lighting up the edges of a pathway. It won't give off enough to illuminate the whole driveway, though.
The Ollivage Solar Wall Light is another good choice for lighting up the whole driveway. This will be wall-mounted and is maintenance-free. The solar panel built-in will charge it during the day, and it will run at night. At first, the light will be dim, but it brightens when it senses motion.
It comes with two lights on the mount. Each light can be maneuvered to light up two different sections of your driveway. They are, however, small so that you might need an extra unit or two for larger driveway areas, like those for
For lights close to the ground, the Siedinlar Solar Lights work best. These are less than an inch in height, have an aluminum housing, and are strong enough to withstand 20 tons of pressure. So, cars could drive over them without damaging any of the lights.
Tips for installing driveway lights
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Whenever possible, you should test the lights before installing them. There are few things more frustrating than mounting a unit only to find out afterward that it doesn't work.
For lights that run on batteries and aren't charged by the sun, you will have to watch them to see when they run out of charge. Plan a schedule for when you will replace them, so you're not stuck trying to do it late at night in the dark.
Prices will run from $25 to $55 for solar-powered lights. Those that are more expensive are usually connected straight into the home's electricity. In some cases, you might need to purchase another to light up a long driveway.
Protecting yourself in more ways than one
Outdoor lighting illuminates your driveway or path so you can see as you pull into your garage. It can also deter thieves from coming near your area. While you're protecting yourself, don't forget to make sure you have enough insurance to protect the car you’re driving.
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