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LED Light Maintenance - 6 Tips for Seasonally Repairing/Maintaining Your Deck, Dock & Landscape Lighting
In this post, we have put together 6 tips for checking your LED outdoor lighting system. This will help you ensure that everything is working efficiently and at its best. Check that all your lights are functional, it’s much easier to know what’s not working when the entire system is powered on. Check the output voltage of your transformer, anything less than 11vDC would require attention. Replace any burned out LEDs, using the same wattage LED. Increasing wattage can overload the circuit and decreasing it could increase the voltage going to your other fixtures, causing them to burn out prematurely. Bury exposed cables, in high traffic areas it may be common for cables to make their way to the surface. Ensuring all your cables are buried will reduce any trip hazards and prevent rodents from chewing through them. Checking for loose connections, if a light is dim or flickering you may want to double-check and see a cable is loose or has gone bad. Adding dielectric grease on connections you find that are loose. Dielectric grease will help fight corrosion and ensure longevity in your connections. Clean lenses and brush off fixtures. LEDs are known for maintaining a cool temperature, most LEDs won’t get hot enough to melt snow. Depending on the size of the fixture, you can use a toothbrush or broom to brush off any excess snow that may be piled up on your LEDs. Doing this two times a year should make your system last for many years and not keeping up with basic maintenance might cost you big in the future by forcing you to replace multiple fixtures and or/ multiple cables. Unsure of how long your warranty lasts? Please contact our customer care team to double-check your warranty period/ status. Not up to doing the maintenance yourself? Please contact us to see if there is a DEKOR PRO in your area that can assist.
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New Colored LED Lights For Decks, Docks, Landscaping and Hardscaping
DEKOR Lighting has expanded your outdoor lighting options with colored LED landscape lighting. Our Dek Dots, Dock Dots, Yard Dots, and Paver Dots are now available in red, amber, green and blue. These new lights use the same robust housings and familiar Plug-N-Play connector system as our traditional white lights, and are built with vibrantly colored CREE LEDs instead of a lens or filter to guarantee fade-free shine for the lifetime of the installation. Stargazer Red Spectral Spread: 620nm to 630nm Our eyes have rods and cones that help us see under varying light conditions. Red light primarily activates cones but not rods, allowing our pupils to stay dilated in the dark while providing enough illumination to read. In addition to minimizing the adjustment time that you’d experience switching between white light and darkness, red lights help your eyes maintain better peripheral vision than if you use a white light in the dark. Great for: Illuminating the area around your telescope or star-gazing deck Fences and walkways near open, wild-life heavy areas like forests or open space Leading pedestrians back towards higher illumination levels from a dark area Sea-Turtle Safe Amber Spectral Spread: 585nm to 595nm When it comes to keeping beaches safe for adult female sea turtles to lay eggs and hatchlings to successfully find the ocean, the rule of thumb is “Keep it long; keep it low”. The latter portion refers to using fixtures that keep the beam angle low to the ground, and the former refers to the wavelength of light. Sea turtle lighting is considered any illumination source with the majority of light emitted at a wavelength of 580nm or longer. DEKOR’s amber lights use natively colored LEDs, not a lens over a white light, to keep the vast majority of the light around 590nm. Great for: Beach walkways, pathways, and beach-front decks Areas with heavy insect populations – amber and yellow lights attract fewer bugs Anywhere you want a very warm light color experience High-Visibility Green Spectral Spread: 510nm to 530nm Green light has tactical uses because the human eye is most sensitive to wavelengths around 525nm, but we simply love the beautiful color! Whether used as a year-round accent under trees or to spread some holiday cheer, these crisp green lights are sure to dazzle. Great for: Seasonal and specialty accent lighting Showing off contrast in materials such as marble in an unconventional way Pairing with red lights to indicate port and starboard on a dock Brilliant Blue Spectral Spread: 460nm to 470nm As with green, pure blue light can be linked to a variety of specialty use cases, but you don’t need a special reason to add Brilliant Blue to your landscape or hardscape. The beautiful, short-wavelength blue is just as at home around the pool as it is piercing through the fog at the end of a driveway. Great for: High-visibility needs, such as a driveway entrance that visitors tend to miss Aquatic hardscaped areas like pools and ponds Using natively colored LEDs in our products guarantees the purest possible colors will illuminate and accent your installation without compromising the consistence of the beam angle. While the beautiful colors will be right at home in any seasonal display, these rugged lights are designed to the same quality standards of all DEKOR products. Whether in red, white, or blue, we believe in lighting for life. Colored LED Stair Light Kit – Indoor From: $94.33 USD Colored LED Stair Dek Dot Light Kit From: $243.37 USD Colored LED Stair Dek Dot Light Kit – Outdoor From: $313.33 USD Colored LED Stair Dek Dot Lights Starting At: $27.36 USD Colored LED Recessed Up/Down Light Kit – Outdoor From: $354.87 USD LED Colored Yard Lights – Yard Dots Light Kit From: $327.21 USD Outdoor LED Colored Paver Lights – Paver Dot Kit From: $362.65 USD Colored LED Dock Dot Light Kit From: $329.13 USD Colored LED Dek Dot Light Kit – Outdoor From: $313.33 USD
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DIY Deck Remodel: A Summer Project and Backyard Retreat
Gallery From Ken: This DIY project in Hamilton, Ontario was fully designed, constructed and detailed by myself over the course of this past summer, including 850+ square feet of Covington interlock patio, a Triple H Concrete product. The maintenance-free deck is approximately 360 square feet of Solstice Decking, coordinated in two-tone color to match both the high-end Jacuzzi J-420 spa, as well as the two-tone interlock. As you can see, I have creatively utilized a DEKOR® Perfect Panel within my project to illuminate the step up onto my second tier deck. The powered electronics are also quite unique within this project, as they are located within a weatherproof utility box beneath a 24-inch slate inlay that enhances the center of the lower deck. This panel is easily lifted up to access the electronics if required for service. Coupled with the low voltage LED step lighting, as well as the halogen soffit lighting from above, this outdoor oasis has certainly added great value and aesthetic appeal to my backyard retreat. The last photos detail the use of the glass Perfect Panel. DEKOR® Products featured DEKOR® Dek Dots LED Deck Lights DEKOR® Perfect Panels Glass Panel
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A Fantastic Dock by Chattanooga, Tennessee's Dr. Dock
Gallery We recently completed a dock that the client allowed me to be creative from design to completion details. Once I found your products online and did my research. It was quickly apparent that your attention to detail and quality was second to none. Please take a look at what I was able to do with your products. I am very proud of the outcome as I am sure you will be as well … Thanks again for such a great product! Scott Anderson, Dr. Dock, Chattanooga, TN, April 18, 2012 DEKOR™ Products Used In This Dock Project Pier to dock: 20 – 5 1/2″ Post caps lit 4-sides (Antique Metal Black) Dock corner step down: 8 pack – Recessed stair lights Dock roof Columns: 22 – Recessed down lights (Hidden above each column in custom bracket) Second Level Sundeck: 11 – 3 1/2″ Post caps lit 4-sides (Antique Metal Black) Illuminations Balusters, inside Cumeru handrails with Lit Open basket Balusters in diamond pattern About DR. DOCK Inc. Scott Anderson, licensed contractor, and owner of Dr. Dock Inc. specializes in dock building. We Custom design each dock to our clients needs and wishes. From a small pier to a fully customized dream dock. We are here to make your dream dock come true. Take a look at our docks and you will see the difference. Only the best Quality, responsive services, creative ideas … that is Dr. Dock Inc. For more information call: DR. DOCK Chattanooga, TN P. 423-236-5455 C. 423-619-9055 F. 423-236-5455 www.drdock.net
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Deck Remodel by Straitline Features Innovative Design and Spectacular Lighting
Gallery This Greenwood Village, Colorado project was a complete facelift. The existing deck consisted of boring square lines and rotting floor joists. The small staircase was poorly positioned and the grill resided in a corner against the railing. Our remodel consisted of new composite Moistureshield decking throughout and a new radius curve between pillars. The new portion of the curve is supported using custom timber post and beam work, complemented by matching knee braces. The stairs were expanded and reshaped for better and more comfortable use. The existing grill was replaced with a new built-in Wolf 30” cooktop set in a custom leathered finish granite countertop. Below the grill sits a matching Wolf warming drawer and to the side, storage doors. Supporting the grill area is more custom timber work. The underside of the deck was outfitted with a Colorado Deck Drain Experts water removal system, allowing dry space below, even in the heaviest of rains. What really set this deck apart was the lighting. Using DEKOR™ riser lights paired with DEKOR™ post caps, ample soft light is provided. In the late evening, this project shines, thanks to DEKOR™ lighting! About Straitline Decks, Inc. The Straitline companies started in 1994 when owner Don Rasmussen founded Straitline Framing. He began building quality homes all over Colorado’s Front Range with the mission statement: A professional framing company that doesn’t follow industry standards, but instead sets standards in which everyone else is measured. Services include: single family and custom homes, commercial and multi-family units, and remodels and exterior trim. After Straitline Framing grew into a successful business, Straitline Timber was formed. Utilizing the best craftsmen in the business, the timber division offers services of: custom timber trusses, design and engineering, millwork services, and construction services. With a broad range of skills and abilities, Straitline Custom Decks and Outdoor Living was formed. Combined with our framing and timber services, the deck division offers complete start-to-finish services which start with an initial conceptual design using industry standard software. Once we have drawn the conceptual plans to your satisfaction, we then produce final drawings for city/county approval. After your project has a permit, our in-house employed craftsmen build your project quickly and efficiently to your complete satisfaction. We are your one stop shop! Additionally, our wide range of abilities allows us to incorporate exciting and different elements into your project to make each outdoor living space tailored to meet each client’s specific needs. Utilizing our showroom, we allow you to not only see but also touch materials you are considering for your project. No surprises! Visit www.straitlinedecks.com and call 303-565-1535 today for your free consultation! We look forward to designing and building your next outdoor living project! For more information call: STRAITLINE Custom Decks and Outdoor Living Evergreen, Colorado O. 303-670-0322 P. 303-565-1535 www.straitlinedecks.com Serving Denver, Boulder, all Colorado since 1994
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A Custom Work of Deck Art in Portland, Oregon
A Portland, OR homeowner created a custom work of art by upgrading their cedar deck with DEKOR balusters. Gallery Homeowner’s quote: “The deck Luke built for us far surpasses our vision and expectations! Luke listened to our ideas and had many suggestions to make the deck more attractive. His attention to details made the end result a work of deck art! Having a construction team at your house on a daily basis can feel like an intrusion, but Luke and his workers were professional and pleasant and made the experience very positive. We would certainly hire him for future projects!” Materials Pre-stained ( natural cedar ) 2×6 Tight Knot Ultra Deck Clear cedar rails with DEKOR Antique Metal Black LED Balusters Stainless steel fasteners About Luke Swayze Construction, Inc. Luke Swayze Construction, Inc. has been a well established Construction company since 2006. We design and build custom decks creating some of the most exotic you’ll find on the market. We are qualified and trained to install all DEKOR products. For more information call: Luke Swayze Construction, Inc. Portland, Oregon O. 503-841-0777 F. 877-777-1954 www.lukeswayzeconstruction.com Serving NW Oregon and SW Washington
Read moreThe Wood Craftiness of Ohio's Custom Railing Inc.
Gallery Cincinnati homeowners replace their old deck railing with something special. Cincinnati homeowners decided to enhance their deck and already beautiful outdoor area with new deck railings and deck lighting. Impressed by the craftsmanship of our wood handrail and railings and intrigued by the lighted baluster and post cap samples Custom Railing had on display at the home show, they contacted us to design, build and install the deck upgrade they wanted: custom wood handrail and deck posts in exotic hardwoods (massaranduba), DEKOR aluminum balusters with lights, and DEKOR post cap lights The new balusters, lighting and gorgeous hardwood elements made a tremendous difference – warm, inviting, and beautiful. The selections dramatically enhanced the homeowners outdoor living space; it was beyond what they were hoping for! About Custom Railing Custom Railing has been crafting custom wood railings, wood posts, wood handrail, and iron railings for customers in Ohio and the Tri-State area since 1997. We design, build, and install custom stair railings, balconies, deck railings and more. Our custom crafted products are investments that hold up over time and offer you the satisfaction of owning a uniquely beautiful addition to your home. For more information call: Custom Railing Inc. Cincinnati, OH O. 513.367.6700 F. 513.367.6777 Serving Cincinnati, Dayton, Louisville, Indianapolis, Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana, and the Tri-State Area.
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