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Turn your garden or patio into a captivating outdoor environment with landscape lighting. But don't forget that the fixtures themselves are as important as the light they provide. At WanShi Stone, we find basalt to be an excellent material for landscape lighting design. The deep, dramatic appearance of the stone's natural texture, combined with its great strength produce effect unrivaled by other materials. Examine the elements by which basalt can create outdoor drama at night.
Why Basalt is Perfect for Landscape Lighting
Basalt is a hard, dense, dark gray to black igneous rock formed from rapidly cooled lava. WanShi Stone supplies basalt in several finishes including natural cleft, flamed, honed, or brushed. When combined with landscape lighting, the dark surface of the stone absorbs ambient light while reflecting directed light creating a wonderful contrast. An uplight aimed at a basalt retaining wall will cast very deep shadows and sharp highlights. A low voltage path light set into a basalt boulder can cast a soft glow in front of the cool, dark stone.
Basalt Lighting Features: Bollards, Steppers, and Accents
There are various ways to incorporate basalt into landscape lighting using WanShi Stone products:
Basalt bollard lights: Tall cylindrical fixtures with light emitted from the top or sides, ideal for driveways and walkways.
Basalt step lights: These are installed recessed into a vertical basalt riser at the front of the step. Light spills down over the step without creating glare.
Basalt sphere lights: These smooth basalt balls have integrated LEDs and appear as if the sphere itself is glowing warmly.
Basalt wall caps: Long rectangular shaped lighting is placed on the top of basalt retaining wall and casts light down the wall face.
Basalt paver lights: Small fixtures that are recessed into the surface of basalt patio pavers, casting a "starry night" effect on a terrace.
In all applications of basalt lighting, the stone adds a sense of natural weight and texture to anchor the light source, giving the lighting purpose.
Contrast and Shadow Play
The secret to effective, dramatic lighting is contrast. A lighter stone such as limestone or marble will reflect too much light and wash out your garden. The dark color of the basalt absorbs much of the ambient light, whereas an up light directed onto it will highlight its surfaces creating stark contrast and deep shadows. WanShi Stone recommends placing basalt fixtures around or in conjunction with lighting focused on trees and other features. The scenery around it will glow with dark, mysterious basalt elements, adding depth to the entire room. This contrast helps in modern, Japanese inspired or minimalist designs.
Durability in Outdoor Conditions
Outdoor light fixtures need to survive rain, snow, UV rays and changes in temperature. Basalt is one of the hardiest, most weather-resistant stones in the world. It does not flake, spall or crack in response to freeze-thaw cycles and the dark color is resistant to being stained by mineral deposits. At WanShi Stone, the basalt is cut and drilled to accommodate standard LED light modules, wiring and mounting hardware so that only the electronic components may need replacing during the life of the stone. When the electronics eventually die, the basalt housing will remain in pristine condition.
Design Styles That Benefit from Basalt Lighting
Modern: Clean lines, geometric shapes will work well with basalt bollard lights placed in rows or grids.
Japanese: Boulders will work well combined with basalt in naturalistic forms; perhaps sphere lights are placed on or in a natural basalt outcropping.
Southwestern or Desert: Rough, flamed basalt will complement the natural textures and colors of the southwest design. Warm amber colored lighting works well with the dark stone.
Coastal Modern: Smooth honed basalt paving with very small pin lighting fits nicely and is weather resistant than metal, stands up well to salty air.
WanShi Stone can custom-shape basalt to any design requirements you have.
Conclusion
Adding basalt from WanShi Stone to your landscape lighting design adds unparalleled drama, depth, durability and sophistication. The unique beauty of the dark volcanic stone provides stark contrast to luminous plants, walls and paths. Whether utilizing basalt bollard lights, spheres, steps or wall caps, you are sure to create a nighttime masterpiece in your outdoor living spaces. Contact WanShi Stone to discuss your design and learn more about the dramatic possibilities of basalt landscape lighting.