Street lights are found on every city street, of course. But if you have a parking lot or land that surrounds your building, you should consider installing additional street lights to showcase your business. Street lights make your property safer by discouraging crime and by making it easier for both your customers and employees to see as they enter and exit the building.

As you study street lights information, you need to consider their primary purpose in your landscape. Aside from providing illumination, different types of street lights generally perform three functions:

1. Beacon street lights direct the light into the sky, as well as on to the ground, to help customers locate your place of business.

2. Security street lights focus the lights on targeted areas of your parking lot to deter crime.

3. Roadway street lights work to guide customers and employees to designated parking areas.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Choose the right poles for your street lights

Decide how tall you want your poles to be. Base your decision on the function you wish for the poles to perform. If you need roadway lights, they may not need to be set on poles as tall as those used for security lights. Also consider if you are going with a utilitarian look or a more decorative style.

I recommend: The ANTIQUE Street Lamps offers posts for street lights in cast aluminum, cast iron and a cast iron and steel alloy. Main Street Lighting also offers a street lights list that includes decorative poles.

Pick light fixtures to match the poles you chose for your street lights

Just as poles can be plain or fancy, you can choose lights that are very functional and simple, or lights that are extremely elaborate. Keep in mind the function you wish your lights to perform.

I recommend: The street lights list on LightMart.com features decorative design metal light fixtures. The Fancy Street Clock and Light Co. offers decorative street lights on its website.

Buy the poles and street lights as a complete package

You can pick the set that best matches the function you wish your street lights to perform. There are many options to choose from, and you may be able to find street lights that perform more than one function.

I recommend: Residential Landscape Lighting and Design offers a large selection of street light kits. You can find street lights at Progress Energy for commercial parking lots and walkways. Light patterns vary in size and come in circular and oval patterns.

Get custom designed street lights for your property

With custom street lights, you can get the functions you want with the poles and fixtures you want. This is a great way to set your exterior décor apart from the rest of the neighborhood.

I recommend: Niland Company offers you the chance to customize the street lights on its website. Once you design the street lights, you can get a price quote from them. Illuminator Wholesaler, a street lights provider, can help you set up street lights best suited for your property.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Before installing any street lights on your property, make sure you comply with all local building codes with regard to style and function. In most cities, you must also get building permits before you can install street lights on your property.