1. Path Lighting — Guiding the Way

Create safe, inviting routes along walkways and edges with soft, glare-free pools of light.

Technique

• Space fixtures 10–15 ft apart for overlapping pools of light; stagger sides for a natural rhythm.
• Aim optics downward; use shields to hide the light source from typical sightlines.
• Keep heads inside bed lines to avoid mower/edger conflict.

Best For

• Walkways, drives, patios, garden paths, and entry approaches.

2. Accent Lighting — Highlight the Focal Points

Direct attention to trees, sculptures, and architectural details with controlled beams.

Technique

• Uplight: Place at base and angle 30–45° to model form and height.
• Downlight: Mount above and aim downward to emulate natural falloff.
• Cross-light: Use two angles to reveal texture and reduce harsh shadows.

Best For

• Trees, columns, statues, signage, and façade features.

3. Wall Washing — Soft, Even Illumination

Bathe surfaces with uniform light to extend visual width and create calm backgrounds.

Technique

• Use wide optics (60°–120°) and set fixtures 1–2 ft off the surface.
• Aim slightly downward to avoid hot spots; keep spacing even along the plane.
• Blend with accent points to establish hierarchy.

Best For

• House façades, privacy fences, retaining walls, garden borders.

4. Grazing — Reveal Texture and Depth

Skim light along surfaces to amplify tactile details and shadow relief.

Technique

• Place within 6–12 in of the surface; aim parallel to the plane.
• Use narrow beams (15°–30°) for dramatic shadow play.
• Limit quantity — impactful when used sparingly.

Best For

• Stone walls, bark-heavy trunks, ribbed siding, architectural columns.

5. Silhouetting — Bold Contrast

Backlight a subject so it reads as a clean, dramatic outline against a lit surface.

Technique

• Place a wash light behind the subject, aimed at a wall or fence.
• Hide the fixture; adjust intensity so the outline remains distinct.
• Use frosted lenses to soften spill and maintain contour.

Best For

• Sculptures, structural shrubs, pergolas, distinctive plant forms.

6. Shadowing — Movement and Mystery

Project an object’s profile onto a background to add soft drama and motion.

Technique

• Place the fixture in front of the subject, aimed toward the backdrop.
• Change distance to control edge softness; use open-form plants for best effect.
• Dim slightly for a natural, calming look.

Best For

• Trellises, delicate trees, wrought iron, sculptures.

7. Downlighting & Moonlighting — Imitate Nature

Create gentle, naturalistic light that falls from above, echoing moonlight through foliage.

Technique

• Mount fixtures 15–30 ft high in trees or structures; aim through branches.
• Use wide beams and soften with lenses for mottled patterns on the ground.
• Hide wiring; choose long-life fixtures to minimise service climbs.

Best For

• Patios, lawns, seating areas, driveways, and feature trees.

8. Uplighting — Dramatic & Architectural

Pull the eye upward to give height and prominence to vertical elements.

Technique

• Place close to the base; angle to sculpt form.
• Narrow beams for trees; wider for façades and broad columns.
• Combine with cross-lighting to temper harsh shadows.

Best For

• Trees, pillars, façade bays, statuary.

9. Step & Deck Lighting — Safety with Style

Define circulation routes with low-glare markers integrated into architecture.

Technique

• Install under treads, seat walls, or railing caps; focus on soft, even spread.
• Space consistently to maintain rhythm and visual comfort.
• Frosted lenses and integrated LEDs provide smooth diffusion.

Best For

• Decks, stairs, retaining walls, outdoor kitchens, docks.

10. Water & Reflection — Motion and Calm

Use light to animate water with shimmer and mirrored depth.

Technique

• Angle beams across the surface, not into it; avoid direct glare at viewing points.
• Use submersible/wet-rated fixtures (IP68 where submerged).
• Blend soft uplights with warm tones for a reflective glow.

Best For

• Ponds, waterfalls, spillways, fountains, pools.

11. Combining Techniques — Depth & Balance

Layer multiple methods to build hierarchy, depth, and a cohesive nightscape.

12. The Striker Advantage

Strength you can feel. Beauty you can see. Precision in every detail.

• Solid black brass construction for durability and corrosion resistance.
• Refined optics and beam control for professional, glare-managed results.
• IP65+ protection and long-life LEDs to thrive in Canadian seasons.