All posts by sandybeachoutdoor

If you’re thinking about adding a screened-in porch to your home in Charleston, SC, Minneapolis, MN, or Louisville, KY, check out this Redfin article we were featured in: 7 Screened-in Porch Ideas That Beg You to Stay Awhile 

At Sandy Beach Lighting and Design Co., we believe that lighting should do more than just brighten your space – it should transform it. That’s why we’re thrilled to offer Gemstone Lights, the most versatile, customizable, and durable exterior lighting solution on the market. But what makes Gemstone Lights truly stand out, and why are we so passionate about integrating them into our designs? Let’s shed some light on it.

Why Gemstone Lights?

Gemstone Lights aren’t just another set of exterior lights. They are a fully customizable, year-round lighting system designed to enhance your property’s beauty and functionality. From seasonal celebrations to architectural highlighting, these lights are designed to adapt to your lifestyle.  

Endless Customization

With over 16 million color options, you have the freedom to create any look you desire – whether you’re celebrating the holidays, hosting a backyard party, or simply enhancing your home’s architectural features. Controlled through the Gemstone Lights HUB app, these lights are as flexible as they are stunning. Imagine setting the perfect mood with just a tap on your phone.

Unmatched Durability

Built to last, Gemstone Lights are designed to withstand the harshest weather conditions, from freezing temperatures to torrential rain. With an IP65 waterproof rating and an estimated 50,000-hour lifespan, they promise reliability and peace of mind, year after year.

Custom Track That Blends Seamlessly

As designers, we know that the daytime look of exterior lighting is just as important as the nighttime display. One of the standout features of Gemstone Lights is the fully customizable, close color-matched track system. It blends in beautifully with your home’s exterior, almost as if it was built with the house itself. During the day, the lights virtually disappear into the architecture, preserving the clean lines and aesthetic integrity of your property. At night, they come to life, illuminating your space with elegance and flair. This seamless integration is one of the reasons we confidently recommend Gemstone Lights to our clients.

True Warm White for Perfect Ambiance

Unlike many other products on the market, Gemstone Lights use **RGBWW technology**. What does this mean? In simple terms, the lights feature dedicated warm white LEDs rather than using colored LEDs to mimic warm white. This results in a true, natural warm white that enhances the ambiance of your outdoor spaces without the artificial tint commonly seen in other RGB products. Whether you’re hosting an evening gathering or simply enjoying a quiet night on the patio, the warm, inviting glow of Gemstone Lights sets the perfect mood.

Individual Light Control for Ultimate Reliability

Another reason we love Gemstone Lights is that each light is an individual. This means that if one light were to go out, the rest of the strand would continue to function perfectly. There’s no need to worry about a single malfunction taking down the entire system, as is the case with traditional string lights. This level of reliability and independence is a game-changer in the world of exterior lighting.

Unmatched Support and Lifetime Warranty

The quality of a product is only as good as the support behind it, and the team at Gemstone Lights is truly second to none. Through our partnership with Gemstone Lights, we are able to offer a lifetime warranty, technical support, and constant system upgrades. This ensures that your lighting system stays at the top of its game, year after year. Whether it’s a software update to enhance functionality or support with installation and maintenance, Gemstone Lights stands behind their product, and that gives us the confidence to stand behind it, too.

In 2024, Sandy Beach Lighting and Design Company hit a major milestone at the annual conference for the Association of Lighting Professionals in San Antonio, TX. The team was thrilled to receive an award for their exceptional holiday lighting work on a stunning home in West Lafayette, IN. Their dedication to creating beautiful and festive lighting designs truly shined through in this project. This recognition solidified their reputation as leaders in the industry, showcasing their innovative approach and attention to detail. The team’s passion for transforming spaces with light was truly exemplified in this award-winning project, setting the bar high for future endeavors.

Choosing the perfect outdoor lighting partner can be a daunting task. With so many companies and options available, it’s crucial to know what to look for to ensure a successful and visually stunning project. At The Sandy Beach Lighting & Design Company, we’re passionate about helping our clients create the outdoor space of their dreams. But we also understand that we may not always be the right fit for everyone.

That’s why we’ve put together this guide, “Setting the Bar High: 5 Non-Negotiable Tips for Picking the Best Outdoor Lighting Partner, Even If It’s Not Us.” Our goal is to empower you with the knowledge and tools you need to make an informed decision when selecting an outdoor lighting company, regardless of whether you ultimately choose our services.

We believe that everyone deserves to have access to exceptional outdoor lighting solutions, and by sharing our expertise, we aim to make the selection process easier and more enjoyable for all. So, let’s dive into these five essential tips that should never be compromised, no matter which outdoor lighting company you choose.
 

1. Choose a Dedicated Lighting Company with Certified Expertise

Entrusting your outdoor space transformation to a company that specializes in outdoor lighting design and installation ensures that you’re investing in the highest level of industry expertise. A dedicated lighting company that invests in specialized industry training, such as the Association of Outdoor Lighting Professionals (AOLP), demonstrates their commitment to maintaining the highest standards and staying up-to-date with the latest best practices.

By choosing a company with Certified Lighting Designers and installation technicians, you can expect:

• Mastery of the nuances and challenges specific to outdoor lighting projects
• Access to cutting-edge solutions tailored to your individual needs
• Confidence in knowing that your project is being handled by certified professionals

Working with a dedicated lighting company that values industry certifications and ongoing education guarantees a professionally managed experience, culminating in an outdoor space that will dazzle and delight for years to come.
 

2. Demand High-Quality Fixtures

Selecting top-notch fixtures is crucial for the success of your outdoor lighting project. When evaluating an outdoor lighting partner, ensure they prioritize high-quality materials and design features in their fixtures. Here are some key aspects to consider:

• Materials: Marine-grade virgin brass and CNC-machined, aircraft-grade aluminum offer exceptional durability and corrosion resistance.
• Single Source LEDs: This feature ensures consistent light output and color temperature across your entire lighting system.
• Proper Heat Sink: Effective heat sinks are vital for keeping LEDs cool, extending their lifespan, and maintaining optimal performance.
• High CRI: A Color Rendering Index (CRI) above 90 ensures that the colors in your outdoor space are accurately represented and vibrant.
• Field Serviceable: Fixtures that are easily serviceable on-site make maintenance and repairs more efficient, minimizing downtime.

By insisting on these high-quality features in your outdoor lighting fixtures, you’re investing in a solution that delivers superior performance, aesthetics, and longevity.
 

3. Insist on Fail-Proof Connections

Ensuring reliable and safe electrical connections in your outdoor lighting system is vital for its performance, safety, and longevity. That’s why it’s essential to work with an outdoor lighting partner that uses specialized products like LightingShrink to create fail-proof connections.

LightingShrink addresses common issues with low voltage lighting connections, such as melting and burning over time due to tree roots, plant growth, or thermal cycling. This innovative solution provides a fast and consistent way to make permanent direct burial connections.

Key features of LightingShrink include:

• Patented non-releasing, ratcheting crimping tool that ensures tight connections
• Tin coated, copper barrel stranded wire splice connectors for optimal conductivity and durability
• Heat shrink protection that ensures waterproof and reliably tight connections every time

By insisting on fail-proof connections using LightingShrink for your outdoor lighting project, you’ll be investing in a safe, reliable, and long-lasting solution that delivers exceptional performance and peace of mind.
 

4. Prioritize Maintenance and Service for Extended Warranty Benefits

A well-maintained outdoor lighting system not only looks great but also ensures optimal performance and longevity. When choosing an outdoor lighting partner, make sure they offer comprehensive maintenance and service support, regardless of the company you select.

Many manufacturers offer extended warranty benefits for lighting systems that undergo regular maintenance. However, most companies don’t emphasize that proper maintenance is necessary to claim warranty coverage.

A reliable maintenance and service program should include:

• Regular inspections: Routine checks to identify any issues or potential problems, such as damaged fixtures or exposed wires.
• Cleaning and adjustments: Periodic cleaning of fixtures, lenses, and bulbs, as well as adjustments to ensure proper lighting angles and coverage.
• System upgrades: Recommendations and implementation of any necessary upgrades to keep your system performing at its best and in line with the latest technologies.
• Responsive repairs: Prompt attention to any issues or malfunctions, ensuring your lighting system is always functioning safely and efficiently.

By prioritizing maintenance and service in your outdoor lighting project, you’re not only investing in a hassle-free experience and a lighting system that will continue to enhance the beauty and functionality of your outdoor space but also potentially extending warranty coverage for years to come.
 

5. Insist on Post-Installation Nighttime Walk-Throughs

After your outdoor lighting system is installed, it’s essential to evaluate its performance and visual impact during nighttime hours. When selecting an outdoor lighting partner, ensure they offer post-installation nighttime walk-throughs as part of their service, regardless of the company you choose.

A post-installation nighttime walk-through offers several benefits:

• Optimization: Identify any areas that require adjustments or improvements to achieve optimal lighting coverage, intensity, and ambiance.
• Fine-tuning: Make any necessary adjustments to fixture positions, angles, or brightness to ensure your lighting system is tailored to your specific needs and preferences.
• Satisfaction: A walk-through allows you to experience the full impact of your new lighting system and provide feedback, ensuring you’re completely satisfied with the final result.
• Troubleshooting: Identify and address any potential issues or concerns immediately, ensuring your lighting system is safe, efficient, and effective from day one.

By insisting on a post-installation nighttime walk-through, you’re ensuring that your outdoor lighting project is fine-tuned to meet your unique requirements and expectations, providing you with a beautifully illuminated outdoor space that you can enjoy for years to come.
 

Conclusion: Invest in Your Outdoor Lighting System

Your outdoor lighting system is a significant investment that can enhance the beauty, safety, and functionality of your outdoor space. Whether you choose our company or another outdoor lighting partner, we want to ensure that you make an informed decision and invest in the right solutions that meet your needs and preferences.

Remember to prioritize the following non-negotiable elements when selecting an outdoor lighting partner:

1. Choose a dedicated lighting company
2. Insist on high-quality fixtures
3. Prioritize fail-proof connections with innovative solutions like LightingShrink
4. Prioritize maintenance and service for extended warranty benefits
5. Insist on post-installation nighttime walk-throughs

By prioritizing these elements, you’ll be investing in a lighting system that delivers exceptional performance, safety, and longevity. We hope that you found this write-up informative and helpful, and we wish you the best of luck in your outdoor lighting project.

So you’re engaged!  Congratulations on your exciting news! If you’re like most couples, many of you will be planning to host either a portion or the entire event outdoors.  As you start planning your special day, there’s one important aspect you don’t want to overlook – event lighting. Trust us, the right lighting can make all the difference for your celebration. It can set the mood, create beautiful memories, and even keep your guests safe. In this post, we’re going to show you why outdoor event lighting is so important and give you some fun and creative ideas to light up your love.

1. Mood and Ambiance:  Lighting is magical! Imagine walking into a beautifully lit outdoor space.  This is what sets the tone for an unforgettable, picturesque celebration. Whether you’re going for a romantic, intimate vibe or a lively, energetic atmosphere, outdoor event lighting can help you achieve just that. From string lights overhead to outdoor chandeliers, the possibilities are endless.  You can share your vision with our lighting designer or we can design a space just for you.
2. Safety: We know you want your guests to have a great time, but their safety is always a top priority. With proper outdoor event lighting, your guests can easily navigate the venue even after the sun sets. Plus, well-lit areas just feel safer and can give you peace of mind on your big day.
3. Creative Expression: Your wedding should reflect your unique personality and style, and outdoor event lighting is the perfect opportunity to do just that. Whether you prefer a classic look or something bold and eclectic, the sky’s the limit. You can even incorporate your favorite colors or special symbols into your lighting design for a truly personalized touch.  If you can dream it, we can make it happen!
4. Photos: With all the memories you’ll be making on your special day, you want to make sure they’re captured in the most amazing way possible. Outdoor event lighting can provide a magical atmosphere for photos, one that both you and your guests will never forget!

When working with Sandy Beach Lighting and Design Company, know that you are in good hands.  We are a full-service lighting company, which means that we will handle everything from design, logistics, set-up, of course takedown.  We know how busy this day is for you and your family.. know that this is one last thing on your list!

There are countless benefits of having an outdoor audio system integrated with your outdoor space. Firstly, it enhances the overall ambiance of your outdoor space, allowing you to enjoy your favorite music while you relax in your garden, lounge by the pool, or host a barbecue with friends. Secondly, outdoor audio systems are weather-resistant and durable, which means that you can enjoy music in any weather condition without having to worry about the system getting damaged. Additionally, outdoor audio systems provide a high level of convenience as they can be controlled through your smartphone or tablet, allowing you to change tracks, adjust the volume, and stream music from popular music services, all with just a few taps. Overall, having an outdoor audio system can greatly improve your outdoor entertainment experience and bring life to your outdoor space.

Here at Sandy Beach Lighting and Design Co, we love to utilize the Sonance brand to provide our customers with an unparalleled sound quality and experience. The system has been designed to deliver high-quality audio that can rival the best indoor music systems, but with the added benefit of being weather-resistant and durable.

One of the key benefits of the Sonance outdoor audio system is its versatility. You can install the speakers almost anywhere – in the patio, garden, pool area, or even on the deck. The system is also wireless, so you don’t have to worry about messy cords or wires that can detract from the aesthetics of your outdoor space.

Another advantage of the Sonance outdoor audio system is its ease of use. The system comes with a simple and user-friendly app that you can use to control the music from your smartphone or tablet. You can use the app to stream music from popular music services like Spotify, Pandora, or Apple Music, or you can play music from your own library. The app also allows you to control the volume, change tracks, and even adjust the sound settings to suit your taste.

In terms of performance, the Sonance outdoor audio system is simply outstanding. The system uses state-of-the-art technology to deliver crisp, clear, and powerful sound that can fill any outdoor space. Whether you’re hosting a large party, relaxing by the pool, or simply enjoying a quiet night in the garden, the Sonance outdoor audio system will deliver an immersive audio experience that you’ll never forget.

In conclusion, the Sonance outdoor audio system is the perfect choice for anyone who wants to bring high-quality music to their outdoor space. With its combination of versatility, ease of use, and exceptional performance, the Sonance outdoor audio system is a must-have for any home. Whether you’re a music lover, an audiophile, or simply someone who wants to enjoy great music outdoors, the Sonance outdoor audio system is the perfect solution.

If you’re ready to take your outdoor entertainment to the next level with the Sonance outdoor audio system, contact us today to learn more!

Welcome to this blog, where we share our passion and expertise on the subject of outdoor lighting. With years of experience in designing the outdoor space and installing outdoor lighting systems, we understand the importance of not only making your property look beautiful at night, but also how it can increase security and functionality. In this post, we will be sharing with you the top reasons why your home and property need outdoor lighting.

Outdoor lighting is an essential aspect of any home or property. Not only does it add to the aesthetic appeal of your property, but it also provides safety and security to your home.  Here are my top 5 reasons why you need outdoor lighting at your home:

1. Safety and security: Outdoor lighting can deter crime by illuminating dark areas and making it easier to identify potential intruders.
2. Aesthetics: Outdoor lighting can enhance the appearance of a property and create a warm and inviting atmosphere.
3. Functionality: Outdoor lighting can provide visibility and improve functionality in outdoor spaces, such as walkways, steps, and driveways.
4. Energy efficiency: LED outdoor lighting is energy-efficient, which can help reduce energy costs and lower carbon emissions.
5. Increased property value: Outdoor lighting can increase the curb appeal of a property and add value to the home.

If you’re ready to enhance the beauty and functionality of your outdoor spaces, don’t hesitate to contact us for a consultation. We would be happy to help you create a personalized outdoor lighting plan that meets your specific needs and preferences. Remember that outdoor lighting is not only about aesthetics, but also providing safety and security to your home, so don’t wait any longer and start illuminating your property today!”