Brick lights can be installed on walls in the place of bricks or in brick walkways. Also known as paver lights, these brick-shaped lighting fixtures are typically used to help light up pathways and add a decorative touch. They can usually be found wherever exterior lights are sold, though a wider variety is probably available from online stores. When choosing brick lights, consider where they will be installed, how bright you want them to be, and whether or not wiring electrical lights in that space will be difficult.
Some brick lights are designed for specific locations. Poolside lights, for instance, will usually be rated specifically to withstand water splashing from the pool. Electrical light fixtures near any body of water generally have to be designed to handle the possible moisture for safety reasons. It is also important that paver lights to be embedded into a walkway are specially designed for such a location. Bricks lights designed for a wall could crack or break if installed in a walkway because they may not be able to withstand the weight.
Most lights of this type can be installed when a wall or walkway is being built, or they can be put in place after a brick is removed from an existing structure. Many come in standard brick sizes to make this easier. Other shapes, such as round lights, are also available, but these are generally easier to put in when the brick wall is being built. The surface of a brick light that will be placed in a wall can be smooth to create a solid glow or louvered to shine light down toward the ground. These are often used to light up a walkway next to a wall when other types of lights would be in the way.
Some brick lights are high voltage and should typically be wired by a qualified electrician. You can also choose low-voltage lighting, which has a built-in transformer that makes it easier and safer for most people to install. The transformer allows the lights to be plugged into a standard electrical outlet. These can work well on the sides of walkways, where the wires can be hidden along the edge and underneath the ground. Solar lights, such as what might be used in an outdoor walkway, eliminate the need for wiring at all and can be placed anywhere they get sunlight during the day.
Once you have decided the size of the lights you want and whether you want them to be wired, low voltage or solar, then you can choose how bright you want them. LED lights are long-lasting and economical but will usually not be as bright as standard bulbs and fixtures. You can also choose between such features as clear, frosted or colored light fixtures, which will generally affect the brightness and the overall look.
