Extend Your Pacific Northwest Living Beyond Sunset
Here in Pierce County, we know the drill: stunning summer evenings that beg to be enjoyed, but by October, it’s dark by 5 PM. Those long, drizzly nights from November through March can make your property feel like a black hole. Whether you’re navigating your driveway in another December downpour or trying to enjoy your deck during our precious summer months, the right outdoor lighting transforms how you experience your home.
Charlie’s Electric has been illuminating Pierce County properties since 2005. With Charlie Clark’s 42 years as a Master Electrician, we understand the unique challenges our climate presents – and how to create outdoor lighting that stands up to Northwest weather while enhancing your 1900-1990 home’s beauty and security.
Call (253) 292-1878 to reclaim your outdoor spaces, rain or shine.
Why Pacific Northwest Homes Need Thoughtful Outdoor Lighting
Our Unique Regional Challenges
The Darkness Dilemma
- Winter: Dark at 4:30 PM
- 226 cloudy days per year
- Morning fog until 10 AM
- Tree canopy blocks ambient light
The Weather Reality
- 152 days of rain annually
- Sideways rain that finds every gap
- Salt air near the Sound
- Moss growing on everything
The Lifestyle Factor
- Outdoor living 4-5 months max
- Year-round dog walking in the dark
- Package deliveries in the rain
- Garbage night navigation
“Living in Tacoma means learning to love the rain, but that doesn’t mean stumbling around in the dark!” – Every Pierce County homeowner
Safety First: Essential Outdoor Lighting
Driveway and Pathway Illumination
No More Treacherous Trips Wet leaves. Moss-covered pavers. That step you always forget about. Pacific Northwest pathways are obstacle courses in the dark. We install:
- Weather-sealed LED path lights
- Motion-activated driveway lighting
- Non-glare options for rain reflection
- Proper drainage considerations
Entry and Porch Lighting Your guests shouldn’t need a flashlight to find your doorbell:
- Covered fixtures that shed rain
- Warm color temps for welcome feel
- Motion sensors for convenience
- Integration with existing doorbell systems
Security Lighting That Works
Deterrence Without Annoyance Nobody wants their yard lit up like a prison, but dark corners invite trouble:
- Smart motion detection zones
- Adjustable sensitivity (ignore cats!)
- Dawn-to-dusk automatic options
- Weather-resistant housings
Coverage Where It Counts Strategic placement for maximum effectiveness:
- All entry points covered
- Garage and workshop areas
- Dark corners eliminated
- Neighbor-friendly positioning
Aesthetic Lighting for Northwest Living
Deck and Patio Magic
Extend Your Outdoor Season Those rare perfect evenings deserve proper ambiance:
- Weatherproof string lights (commercial grade)
- Under-rail LED strips
- Post cap lights for definition
- Dimmer controls for mood setting
Built to Survive Pierce County Weather
- Marine-grade fixtures and connections
- Corrosion-resistant materials
- Proper GFCI protection
- Hidden wiring solutions
Landscape and Garden Lighting
Highlight Your Northwest Paradise Show off what makes your property special:
- Uplighting for mature evergreens
- Path lights through garden beds
- Water feature illumination
- Seasonal adjustment capabilities
Respect the Neighbors We design with community in mind:
- No light pollution
- Directional fixtures only
- Timer controls
- Dark sky friendly options
Architectural Accent Lighting
Showcase Your Home’s Character Whether it’s a 1920s Craftsman or 1970s Contemporary:
- Highlight unique architectural features
- Soffit-mounted downlights
- Period-appropriate fixture styles
- Color temperature matching
Special Considerations for 1900-1990 Homes
Working with Existing Electrical Systems
Common Challenges We Solve:
- No existing outdoor circuits
- Undersized wire from old installs
- Lack of GFCI protection
- Amateur previous installations
Our Approach:
- Run new dedicated circuits
- Proper load calculations
- Code-compliant GFCI protection
- Professional weatherproofing
Preserving Your Home’s Character
Fixture Selection Matters
- Craftsman-style for older homes
- Mid-century modern options
- Contemporary clean lines
- Custom solutions available
Installation Without Damage
- Careful routing to avoid siding damage
- Proper sealing techniques
- Matched paint touch-ups
- Respectful of architectural details
Pacific Northwest Tested Solutions
Moisture Management Mastery
Every Connection Protected Water finds a way – we stop it:
- Weatherproof junction boxes
- Sealed conduit connections
- Drip loops on all wiring
- Drainage-minded placement
Fixture Selection for Longevity Not all “outdoor” fixtures survive here:
- True wet-location ratings
- Stainless or brass construction
- Sealed LED technology
- 5-year minimum warranties
Smart Controls for Dark Seasons
Automation That Makes Sense Come home to a lit pathway every dark evening:
- Astronomical timers (adjust for seasons)
- Smart home integration options
- Remote control capabilities
- Vacation security modes
Energy Efficiency in the Gloom Those lights run October-March here:
- LED-only installations
- Motion sensors where appropriate
- Photocells for automatic control
- Zone controls for flexibility
Real Northwest Transformations
Lakewood Colonial (1965)
Challenge: Pitch-black driveway, slippery when wet Solution: LED driveway markers, motion floods at garage Result: “Finally feel safe getting home after dark”
University Place Rambler (1978)
Challenge: Beautiful backyard invisible after 5 PM Solution: Uplighting on specimen trees, deck ambiance lighting Result: “Our yard is stunning at night now – even in the rain!”
North End Craftsman (1923)
Challenge: Dark entry, packages stolen Solution: Period-appropriate porch lights, hidden security cameras Result: “Perfect blend of style and security”
Investment in Year-Round Enjoyment
Outdoor Lighting Packages
Essential Safety Package: $1,500-2,500
- Front entry lighting
- Basic path lights
- Motion security light
- All weatherproofing
Complete Property Package: $3,500-5,500
- Comprehensive path/driveway lighting
- Full security coverage
- Basic landscape accents
- Smart controls included
Premium Transformation: $6,000-10,000+
- All safety and security lighting
- Extensive landscape illumination
- Deck/patio ambiance systems
- Full automation and control
Why Professional Installation Matters
DIY Disasters We’ve Fixed:
- Solar lights that never work (not enough sun!)
- Low-voltage systems with voltage drop
- Exposed connections growing moss
- Overloaded indoor circuits
Our Installation Includes:
- Dedicated outdoor circuits
- Proper burial depths
- Commercial-grade components
- 5-year workmanship warranty
Seasonal Considerations
Summer Optimization
- Longer timer settings
- Entertainment lighting ready
- Adjustable for 10 PM sunsets
- Party-mode programming
Winter Reliability
- Components rated for freezing
- Snow-load considered
- Easy bulb access
- Backup power options
Year-Round Maintenance
- Annual inspection program
- Pre-winter weatherproofing
- Spring cleaning service
- Bulb replacement included
Common Pacific Northwest Questions
Will my lights work in all this rain? Absolutely. We use only wet-location rated fixtures with proper sealing. Your lights will work perfectly in our wettest weather.
What about moss and mildew? We position fixtures to minimize moisture retention and recommend easy-clean options. Annual maintenance keeps them looking great.
Do I need permits? Yes, for new circuits. We handle all permitting and ensure code compliance for your protection.
Can lights handle the wind storms? We secure all fixtures for our typical winter storms and use flexible mounting where appropriate.
Will they increase my winter power bill? LED technology uses 80% less power than old incandescent. Most customers see minimal impact with timer controls.
Special Offers for Outdoor Lighting
Pre-Winter Installation Special Book by September for 15% off labor
Security Lighting Bundle Motion lights + cameras + smart controls = 20% savings
Neighborhood Discount Refer a neighbor, both save $200
Light Up Your Northwest Nights
Don’t let our famous Pacific Northwest weather keep you in the dark. Whether you’re ensuring safe passage on a rainy night or creating an outdoor oasis for those perfect summer evenings, Charlie’s Electric has the experience and expertise to illuminate your property beautifully and reliably.
From simple security additions to complete landscape transformations, we understand what works in our unique climate – and what doesn’t.
Schedule Your Outdoor Lighting Consultation
Call: (253) 292-1878
Email: joshua@pugetsoundelectric.com
FREE Property Lighting Assessment Discover your home’s outdoor potential
Serving University Place, Tacoma, Lakewood, Steilacoom, Fircrest, and all of Pierce County
Charlie’s Electric – Brightening Pierce County Nights Since 2005
Licensed, Bonded & Insured • License #CHARLEL797MP
Master Electrician with 42 Years Experience