Field guide
Lighting outdoor steps and level changes
Practical ways to light garden steps, ramps and level changes so each tread edge stays readable after dark and in rain.
Light the tread edge, not the staircase
The useful information is where the next foot lands. A soft edge wash across each tread usually helps more than one bright fitting aimed down the whole flight.
Fitting choices that avoid glare
Low-level wall lights, recessed markers and shielded step lights can reveal edges without shining into eyes. Avoid fittings that look good from the patio but blind the person walking up.
Wet weather and contrast checks
Rain can flatten contrast and make pale stone, dark timber or algae patches hard to read. Check the route once in poor weather before treating the lighting plan as finished.