The right outdoor lighting transforms a patio from a daytime feature to a year-round evening destination. VistaScapes Design & Build integrates outdoor lighting into every outdoor living project we build in Broken Arrow, Tulsa, and the Tulsa metro — because a beautiful patio you can’t use after dark is a missed opportunity. This guide covers the outdoor lighting options we incorporate into our outdoor living designs across Oklahoma.
String Lights: The Most Popular Patio Lighting in Oklahoma
String lights — either Edison bulb café lights or smaller LED globe strings — remain the most popular patio lighting in Oklahoma because they’re warm, affordable, easy to install, and create an immediately welcoming atmosphere. We install string lights woven through pergola beams, hung between poles above patios, or suspended from patio covers. For permanent installations, we wire string lights to an outdoor GFCI outlet with a timer or smart switch so they can be controlled automatically. Commercial-grade outdoor string lights rated for continuous outdoor exposure last far longer than seasonal lights from big-box stores.
Recessed and Soffit Lighting for Covered Patios
Covered patios and pergolas with solid roofing provide the ideal surface for recessed LED lighting — installed flush in the ceiling material for a clean, architectural look. Recessed lights in covered patio ceilings provide functional task lighting for dining and food prep while adding ambiance without visible fixtures. We typically space 4-6 inch recessed lights on 4-foot centers for adequate coverage and wire them to a dimmer switch so light level can be adjusted for different activities. Weatherproof recessed fixtures rated for wet location are required for areas that receive weather exposure.
Landscape Lighting Around Patios in Oklahoma
Well-placed landscape lighting extends the visual impact of your outdoor living space into the surrounding yard. Path lighting along walkways improves safety and guides guests from driveway to patio. Uplights positioned at the base of trees create dramatic silhouettes and depth after dark. Spotlights aimed at outdoor fireplaces, water features, or specimen plants make these features visible and visually impactful at night. Seating wall cap lighting — low-voltage strip lights or individual puck lights recessed into wall caps — adds a subtle glow that defines the outdoor room boundary without harsh illumination. Call VistaScapes at 918-779-1317 to discuss outdoor lighting integration for your Broken Arrow or Tulsa project.
