Selecting Material for Your Outdoor Lighting Fixtures

07/03/20

Selecting outdoor lighting fixtures made from high-quality materials will help you get the most out of your investment. Learn more about the different types... | McKay Landscape Lighting - Omaha, Nebraska

Are you trying to decide which type of outdoor lighting fixtures to select for your lighting system? With so many different options available, it can be an overwhelming decision to make.

Fixtures have to withstand the harsh environmental elements of the outdoors. In Nebraska, that includes everything from extreme heat to rain, snow, ice, and hail. 

Landscape lighting fixtures are often made from composite, aluminum, brass, or copper. Some of these materials are proven to withstand environmental demands better than the others. Choosing fixtures made from high-quality materials will help you get the most out of your investment since they tend to last years, sometimes even decades, longer. 

You can find more information on each type of fixture material along with what we recommend and why below:

Composite Fixtures:

Composite fixtures, made from a mixture of plastics, can offer better structural strength than the lighting sets sold in hardware and big box stores.

These fixtures are more affordable than comparable metal fixtures but lack quality. Over a relatively short period, composite fixtures will begin to degrade and break down under the stress of the outdoor elements. Eventually, leading to shortened bulb life and costly fixture replacement.

Aluminum Fixtures:

Aluminum is very affordable and typically lower quality. It's not as durable as other materials and will not endure long periods of time outside; consequently, it will oxidize, and the paint will fade.

Powder coating will extend the life of an aluminum fixture, as the paint will seal the aluminum - but they're highly affected by the sun's UV rays. A few years after installation, you can expect to see discoloration, or depending on their quality, even chipping, and peeling.

Aluminum is not recommended for coastal applications considering it doesn't hold up well around salt and will corrode after a while.

Brass Fixtures:

Made from a mixture of copper and zinc, brass is a hard metal that holds up well in all environments. Brass fixtures will last for many years and will often have extended warranties.

Brass will slowly naturally patina (turn darker) when exposed to the elements, but it will not corrode. While brass fixtures can be more expensive than some of the other metals, it is the best quality and most durable metal, lasting the longest.

Brass is a great option for your landscape lighting system! 

Copper Fixtures: 

Copper is another great high-quality option. People have been utilizing copper for thousands of years, with good reason! It is used in a wide range of products due to its excellent thermal conductivity, strength, and resistance to corrosion. Copper, like brass, will patina when exposed to the outdoor elements.

Copper is not as solid as brass, but brass fixtures coated with copper provide the best of both worlds: the longevity of brass and the beauty of copper.

High heat retention can negatively impact the life of a bulb. Copper fixtures are designed with metals that allow heat to escape the fixture efficiently. It keeps moisture out while letting heat escape through the metal itself.

Choosing a Material for Your Outdoor Landscape Lighting Fixtures. Learn more. | McKay Landscape Lighting - Omaha, Nebraska

What's the best outdoor lighting fixture material?

Now that you know all about the different types of materials, you might still be wondering which one is the best.

At McKay Lighting, we use fixtures made from corrosion-resistant materials like copper and brass. Since brass is an alloy made of copper and zinc, these metals are far superior to materials like plastic or low-grade metals used in cheaply made lighting fixtures.

After decades of trying and testing different types of fixtures, we've found the higher quality materials like copper and brass have proven their value in the long term, time and time again.

What's the best material for outdoor lighting fixtures? Learn more about the different types and what we recommend.  |  McKay Landscape Lighting - Omaha, Nebraska

Why outdoor lighting fixture quality matters: 

Corrosion is always a concern with outdoor lighting and electrical in general. When corrosion is found, it's usually due to moisture. Copper does not react with water, but it does slowly react with atmospheric oxygen to form a layer of brown-black copper oxide, which, unlike rust that forms when iron is exposed to moist air, protects the underlying copper from more extensive corrosion.

This is why we install copper and copper alloy fixtures. As mentioned earlier, copper and brass fixtures will turn a slightly darker color as they patina.This patina process gives fixtures a very natural and subtle finish that will seamlessly accent your home and landscaping.

High-quality materials, like copper and brass, are more durable and resistant to corrosion. In the long run, you'll appreciate having fixtures that are still functioning years later instead of ones you need to replace every couple of years or so.

Now that you know which landscape lighting fixtures are best, you'll want to find a professional to develop a custom design to enhance the beauty of your home. You can schedule your free consultation online to meet with one of our expert designers. When you work with McKay Lighting, you can rest assured knowing we only install fixtures installed made from high-quality, reliable, and proven to withstand the elements. 

Looking to Enhance Your Property?

Our dedicated team at McKay Landscape Lighting works with you to create a custom landscape lighting design that's unique to your property. From design to installation to service, you can count on our team of experts to make sure you are happy with your lighting system for years to come.

Schedule Your Free Consultation Now

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