July 22, 2025

Copper vs Stainless Steel Pole Spots: Which is Right for Your Garden?

When it comes to professional garden lighting, the materials you choose can have just as much impact as the design itself. At Lighting for Gardens, our pole spots are crafted from two premium materials — 316 steel and solid natural copper — giving you both durability and style in one elegant package.

But which one is right for your project? Let’s explore the benefits of both, along with some of the key features that make our pole spots a flexible and high-performance choice for any outdoor space.

Why Use Pole Spots?

Our pole spots are a favourite among professional designers and homeowners alike for their versatility. These lights are fully adjustable, allowing you to aim the beam in virtually any direction — perfect for creating dynamic effects or highlighting key features of your garden.

The elevated design raises the fitting above low planting, making it ideal for downlighting paths, flowerbeds, or steps, especially where traditional wall-mounted lights aren’t an option. They can also be used for uplighting, particularly where ground cover would otherwise obstruct the beam.

Pole spots are also highly adaptable: need a taller fitting? Simply add an extension pole to achieve the height you need.

Customisable Lighting

One of the standout features of our pole spots is their retrofit lamp design. This means you can choose the brightness, beam angle, and colour temperature that best suits your garden. Whether you’re aiming for warm ambient tones for entertaining, or a crisp, focused beam to highlight a sculpture or tree, the choice is yours.

The Case for Copper

Natural copper offers timeless charm and a unique visual appeal. Over time, it develops a rich patina that blends beautifully with garden landscapes, ageing gracefully without sacrificing structural integrity. This living finish gives copper fittings a character all their own, making them a favourite in traditional or rustic garden designs.

Copper is also naturally corrosion-resistant, making it a wise investment for long-term outdoor use, even in damp or coastal environments.

You can view the Elipta Pole Spor Solo - Copper here.

The Strength of Stainless Steel

If your garden design leans towards the contemporary, 316 stainless steel offers a clean, modern look with exceptional resilience. Its sleek, silver finish complements modern paving, architectural features, and minimalist planting schemes.

This stainless steel resists rust, tarnishing, and pitting — even in the harshest UK weather conditions — ensuring that your fittings will continue to perform and look sharp for years to come.

The Verdict

Ultimately, the choice between copper and stainless steel comes down to aesthetic preference and environmental context. If you want a fixture that blends into the natural surroundings and evolves with your garden, copper may be your ideal match. If you prefer a crisp, modern look with long-term performance, stainless steel is the way to go.

Special Offer: Save on Our Stainless Steel Pole Spot

Our Pole Spot Solo in 316 Stainless Steel (12V) is currently on sale — making it the perfect time to invest in long-lasting, high-performance outdoor lighting.

This elegant fitting combines minimalist style with durability, designed to withstand the harshest UK weather conditions. Ideal for highlighting features, paths, and planting, it's a favourite among designers for good reason.