If you have steps leading up to your home or business, you know that it can be difficult to safely cross them at night. Darkness and shadows obscure the steps, and as a result you or your guests could trip and fall. This is a particularly dangerous situation for the elderly who face the possibility of a broken bone from even a short fall. To increase visibility of the stairs, you should install a set of surface mount step lights. These are easier to install than their recessed cousins, and they allow you to see the steps at night. There are many options for these, though, and choosing the best ones for your specific needs will depend upon many factors. If you have questions or concerns about making the right selection, you should consult with an expert. He will ask you exactly what you want to do with your lighting and then he can recommend the best surface mount step lights and installation products and steps you will need in order to add these to your home or business. Carefully following these expert guidelines can help you to prevent accidents and non-working lights due to mis-installation.

When you are trying to decide if you need surface mount or recessed lights, it will be a good idea to look at the material you intend to affix your lights to. If your stairs are stone or brick, then surface mount step lights would be the best option for you. All you will need to do will be to screw the mounting bracket into your stair before attaching the front of the light.

Many people are concerned that by having surface mount step lights they will extend too far out from the stair and pose an obstacle. This is not the case with most models, however. The average depth of these lights is 2-2.25 inches. While the round ones have a 3-3.5? diameter, and square models can be 3.5? x 2.5?. These lights are small enough to fit along the faces of each stair. They are also cost effective enough that you will not have to break the budget in order to have surface mount step lights for each of your stairs, no matter how many you will need.

When you are selecting your surface mount step lights keep in mind the design effect that you wish to impart. These lights are created so that the beam is directed downward, toward the step. This prevents a harsh glare an upward light would have. Although their design is intended to allow you and your guests to see the stairs, the finish of the fixture itself should also have an aesthetic quality to it. There are many possible finishes from which you can choose. These include brass, antiqued, and black. Your personal tastes will dictate the best finish option for you.

Choosing this equipment is not difficult to do, but if you need assistance in finding the best surface mount step lights for your home or business, it would be best to ask an expert who will help to guide you through the steps for the selection of these lights.