Are you putting the finishing touches on your outdoor living space? You’ll need help comparing spotlights vs. floodlights for your landscape lighting in Austin.
Our team at Austin Outdoor Lighting Design knows all the best products and practices to make your landscaping stand out. Whether you need task lighting or focused illumination of your favorite feature, we can help.
The Main Differences Between These Two Types of Lighting
Spotlights and floodlights have important differences. Understanding them can help you make the best decision.
Floodlights Have a Wider Beam
The beam angle is the main difference between these two options. While floodlights provide wide coverage, spotlights focus the illumination on a single point you want to make stand out.
Floodlighting usually has beam angles between 60 and 120 degrees, though you can find some that shine even wider. Spotlights typically have a light spread ranging from 10 to 60 degrees.
You Mount Them in Different Places
You’ve likely seen spotlights hanging from the ceiling during a play or show. However, in landscape lighting, they usually shine up from the ground.
Contractors often mount floodlights near the roof to illuminate the ground for nighttime tasks or security.
Spotlights Utilize a Lower-Intensity Light
When it comes to spotlights vs. floodlights, the wider beam of the flood models feels much more intense. They have a more powerful lumen output that spreads over a wider area. They often cost more to operate because of the increased wattage.
How To Choose the Right Lighting for Your Landscaping
To make an informed decision about the proper lighting for your property, consider the following factors.
Determine What You Need Them For
You can use each type of light for both decorative and practical reasons. However, in landscaping, spotlights often focus on aesthetics, while floodlights serve a more pragmatic purpose.
Opt for a spotlight if you want to highlight a specific feature. For example, it can make your address more obvious or shine on a stunning gazebo.
You could benefit from floodlighting to help with any of the following:
- Outdoor security and safety lighting
- Illuminating an outdoor recreation area
- Providing aesthetic focus over a wide area, such as a garden
- Lighting for an outdoor kitchen or work area
Consider the Area They’ll Light
How much area should the light cover, and on what part of the property? If you want to provide even coverage over a wide area, such as a driveway, a floodlight is the right choice. A spotlight is best in a small area where people can see certain features.
Calculate How Much Durability You Need
In general, the design of floodlights makes them more durable in extreme weather like hail and wind. If you install a spotlight under the roof’s eaves, it may get some natural protection. However, if you’re illuminating an area without much coverage, consider using a floodlight.
Think About Prioritizing Energy Efficiency
When you’re considering spotlights vs. floodlights, think about your utility bills and how much you value sustainability. If you want to keep your usage lower, you may find creative ways to make spotlights work. If you’re not worried about your energy consumption or have a generous budget, you can choose from plenty of premium floodlights.
Taking Care of Your Spotlights and Floodlights
How can you help your landscape lighting last longer and look great? Consider the following best practices:
- Trim vegetation: Vegetation can damage your lights and make them less effective. Clear away branches, weeds, and other growth from the area.
- Clean regularly: At least once a month, clean the fixtures and bulbs to prevent them from corroding and keep them looking bright.
- Inspect wiring: During your cleaning, look for any loose or frayed wiring. Never delay calling for repairs, and avoid doing them yourself.
- Promptly replace bulbs: Depending on the type of light, the bulbs can last up to 50,000 hours of use. Simply replace them when they burn out.
- Schedule maintenance: Don’t underestimate the importance of scheduling annual maintenance for your lights and other landscaping features.
- Apply weather protection: Weather-resistant covers and fixtures can protect the more vulnerable lights from hail and wind.
Contact Austin Outdoor Lighting Design for Premium Outdoor Lighting and Expert Installation
Austin Outdoor Lighting Design helps homeowners and businesses compare spotlights vs. floodlights. Whether you’re looking for landscape lighting types or need reliable installation, you can rely on us. We’ve been transforming outdoor spaces with excellence since 2008.
Contact us to obtain a free quote.