Building a "Billie Jean" Sidewalk

Step 2 Choosing panels and lights

I considered various light sources- everything from those closet tap lights, to rope lighting. I decided I wanted to stick with low voltage just in case there were any moisture issues; I didn't want to get into putting this thing on a GFCI or something. For the best combination of low power, low cost, good brightness, and instant-on behavior I decided on ultra bright white LEDs. I decided to use just two LEDs per step. In retrospect, maybe using 4 per step would give a more even light spread, but two aren't bad at all and plenty bright.

Next I had to think about the means to make a translucent step that could easily support 300 lbs or more. Acrylic was a pretty easy choice given other materials (like polycarbonate) are either more expensive or harder to work with. I did some crude calculations to determine that 1/2 inch panels would be sufficiently strong if supported on 4 sides. Our sidewalk extends 12 feet from the front door with a 3 foot jog at the end. I decided on using six panels, each 2 feet square, to span the distance. There would be roughly a foot or more on each end of the sidewalk not accounted for, but it'd work out pretty good.

I left the paper layer on what would be the top side of the panels. It was already a decent color and it diffused the LED light very well. It also protected the acrylic, in case I reuse it for a different project in the future.

Comments

[xadevox]

where can i get acrylic panels and how much are they?

[flaming_pele!]

Most hardware stores don't carry acrylic that is thick enough, so you need to look for a plastics supplier. If you can find something local to you, you'll save a lot of money in shipping (the panels are pretty heavy). I bought mine online though, somewhere like http://freckleface.com/shopsite_sc/store/html/acrylicsheet.html. The price varies with the size and thickness of panels you use - the 1/2" stuff runs about 9 bucks per square foot.

[xadevox]

dang... so if i wanted to make say 20 panels thatd be like $360! dang! haha

[gtsky303]

actually $720 (20 panels x 4 sq ft each x $9 per sq ft), I wonder why acrylic cost so much. From what I found the frosted/colored translucent panels cost more.