Lighting Up A Hardscape With In-Paver Lighting

By Michael Schiefer, Creative Force

Paver lights are typically positioned in a border to define an area. The paver lights shown here measure 2-1/2 inches in diameter. Instead of replacing the paver in a pattern, these lights install directly into the pavers flush with the surface.
Photo courtesy of Evening Star

A growing trend for hardscape contractors is to specify and install in-paver lighting. These lights are an easy way to upgrade clients, as they offer both style and safety benefits. Today's in-paver lighting offerings come in a series of sizes, colors and shapes, including circular, square, rectangle and octagon configurations.

''Originally Paver Lights were nothing but a novelty, comprised of a low-cost, geometric shaped fixture,'' asserts Anthony Patti, Evening Star Lighting, Inc. president and prior paver installer. ''The attention to producing the fixtures was geared toward low cost and simplicity in the manufacturing, not necessarily on functionality. Once installed, they had a relatively short life span, required periodic maintenance, and had little aesthetic value.'' As a result, Patti invented the PL250 Series, a circular in-paver lighting solution.

The contractor is shown laying pavers over a 12/2 underground circuit cable, which has been placed flat onto the sand setting bed. The cable was run in a continuous loop around the perimeter in close proximity to where the lighting fixtures will be positioned, starting at, and returning to, the power unit. The power unit can be mounted either inside or onto the outside of the structure in accordance with national and local electrical codes. Be sure to observe the correct polarity when splicing cables, or attaching the other cable end back to the power unit by noting the ridge or markings on one side of the cable. Photo courtesy of Evening Star

Kerr Lighting's Paver Lights are brick-shaped units that work with both concrete and clay pavers. Their reinforced design can withstand the load of a passenger car or light commercial vehicle. The light lens can be removed quickly and easily for fast bulb replacement. Three nominal 4 x 8 inch sizes are: the Brick Light (7 7/8 x 3 15/16 x 2 3/8 inches (LWH); the ''BC'' Light (9 x 4 1/2 x 2 3/8 inches LWH); and, the Casino Light (7 x 4 1/2 x 2 3/8 inches (LWH). Photo courtesy of Kerr Lighting

An existing interlocking concrete or clay brick pavement can be retrofitted with a PL250 Paver Lighting System. Spacing of six to seven feet between fixtures will offer an aesthetically pleasing effect. After measuring, mark the pavers selected to be core drilled to receive the fixture. Next, using a paver extractor tool, remove enough pavers in order to install the 12/2-circuit cable. It is important to lay the cable in close proximity to, but not directly under, the paver lights. To calculate even spacing, such as with a patio, begin by measuring the length and width. Example: L=18, W=12. Set your desired spacing for the fixtures. Assuming fixtures are to be placed at each corner, divide measurements by the total number of fixtures desired and subtract 1. The sum of your calculation will be the center-to-center spacing. Example: For a patio 18-feet long, with four fixtures, 18/(4-1) = 6 foot spacing. Next, mark your pavers with chalk where each fixture is to be placed. Use a suitable paver extractor to remove enough pavers so you can easily access the circuit cable.

The types of paver lights that take the place of pavers in the pattern are available from several manufacturers, including Evening Star, Kerr Lighting and Tahoe Lighting. Some offer smooth surfaces and some offer textured.

For some products, replaceable lamp modules have a 15,000-hour rating, and are also are available in various color options. When a hardscape plan also comprises a retaining wall system, consider incorporating lighting fixtures into the wall block pattern or under the wall cap. Fixtures, such as models offered by the aforementioned companies, offer a wide range of designs, faceplates, and forms of illumination, including bug repellant lamps.

This paver light fixture is comprised of two components: a permanently installed lamp support assembly and a replaceable and interchangeable lamp module. These lamp modules contain a 12-volt, 4-watt incandescent lamp in a sealed polycarbonate housing. The completed fixture quickly connects to standard 12/2-circuit cable with a reusable power-tap connector without cutting or splicing.

A core bit without the assistance of a pilot bit has a tendency to wander. This adjustable coring template assures quick and accurate starting and positioning of holes without the risk of scuffing. Photos courtesy of Evening Star

Tahoe Lighting offers a number of lighted paver options, including their Emerald ''In-Ground'' Paver Light for residential patios, sidewalks, concrete driveways or commercial lighting. Each Emerald Light is seven watts. Dimensions are 6x6 by 2-1/4 inches deep.

General Installation Tips for Low-Voltage Paver Lights

Fixtures and power units shall not be installed within 10 feet (3.05 m) of a pool, spa or fountain. Select a power unit with output capacity greater than the total wattage of all the fixtures combined. However, the total wattage of the system must not exceed your power unit's rated output capacity. Hang the power unit outdoors at least 1-foot above the ground and plug into a GFCI protected outdoor electrical outlet with a weatherproof receptacle cover. Use 12/2 SPT-3 low voltage cable.

Lighted pavers are an easy way to add a dramatic look to any pathway or patio area. They offer a safety and cool factor.