Dols96 April 10, 2025, 11:40 a.m.
Sketchy backyard needs lighting ASAP - what are the best outdoor motion sensor lights?
Just bought this old 70s house (yay housing market nightmare) and the backyard is straight-up horror movie dark. Like can't-see-your-hand-in-front-of-your-face level darkness once the sun goes down.
Wouldn't care that much BUT we've had a couple break-ins down the street last month, and my wife is freaking out every time she hears a noise at night. Pretty sure I saw someone cutting through our yard last week too, so now I'm paranoid af.
Need to light up several dead zones - back patio, side fence (where someone could easily hop over), sketchy wooded area, and the detached garage. Trying to avoid dropping thousands on a professional security system for now.
Total n00b at this stuff but can handle basic DIY. Have some existing light fixtures by the doors I could replace, but the problem areas would need something new. Solar would be clutch for the spots without wiring.
Any recommendations that won't break the bank but also won't die after the first rainstorm? Bonus points if they don't light up for every squirrel that runs by!
overtip April 12, 2025, 10:47 p.m.
This is exactly why we returned those ridiculous 3000-lumen monsters after two nights. Felt like living inside a Walmart parking lot. Now using multiple smaller lights strategically placed = perfect visibility without the prison yard vibe