The national average price tag for installing outdoor lighting near you is around $4,000. Therefore, it will cost between $2,000 and $3,000 to complete a project that consists solely of incandescent path lights and deck lights. Installation costs for high-end lighting with designer, motion, and solar-powered lighting range from $5,000 to $9,000.

Outdoor lighting is the perfect way to make your home both safer and stunning! Especially if you have decked out outdoor areas that often host get-togethers – those extra lights will turn any gathering into an absolute showstopper. In addition, utilizing this guide as a resource will assist you in developing an accurate cost estimate for your outdoor lighting project.

Factors Influencing the Cost of Landscape Lighting Installation

There are a lot of different things that go into determining how much outdoor lighting will cost. These include power sources, trenching, and retrofitting of existing buildings. Therefore, every choice you make will have some impact on the total cost of the project.

Existing Landscaping

The process of retrofitting outdoor lighting into a mature landscape that already exists might be more challenging and expensive. Contractors are required to work beneath or around features such as enormous bushes, rows of plants, and mature hardscaping. 

Additionally, they must work around large shrubs. As a result, there is a potential that contractors will cause harm to an already existing design, which will further drive up expenses.

Wiring

The amount of wire you’ll use will be proportional to the distance that separates your residence and the lights. Therefore, you need to install more wiring if the lights are located further away from your house. The cost of installing brand-new electrical wiring can range anywhere from $3 to $5 per linear foot.

Digging and Trenching

The cost of trenching is anywhere from $4 to $12 per linear foot. Trenches will need to be dug if you intend to lay down electrical wires and cables. However, it is more secure, and the end result is of higher quality. Your wiring will also have a longer lifespan due to the fact that it is shielded from severe weather and sudden temperature shifts.

Types of Lights and Fixtures

The kind of lighting you go with will be one of the most significant contributors to the total cost. For example, lighting a straightforward route for as little as $50 per light is easy, but lighting a gazebo or pool might reach up to $500 per lighting fixture.

Solar vs. Hardwired

In most cases, the cost of solar and hardwired light is comparable per unit. There are two primary distinctions: the initial cost of installation and the ongoing cost of maintenance. 

Solar lights do not require any wire to be run from your home and do not use any electricity from your home’s electrical supply. Therefore, solar lights are more cost-effective and efficient than their hardwired counterparts. The one disadvantage of using solar lights is that they are not going to be as dependable as hard-wired lighting.

Do Outside Lights Need To Be On Their Own Circuit?

Yes, outdoor lights should be on their dedicated circuits. This is because outdoor lighting may draw more amperage than interior lights due to their size and number of fixtures. Additionally, having them on a separate circuit will prevent them from tripping off when too many indoor appliances are in use.

Furthermore, if an outdoor light does trip off, it can easily be identified as the source of the problem and quickly remedied separately from any internal issues. Ultimately, this helps ensure that your home’s electrical system remains safe and efficient for years.

Do You Need An Armoured Cable For Outside Lights?

Armoured cable is commonly used in outdoor areas where the wiring may be exposed to physical damage. It’s crucial to ensure that you use armoured cables if you are installing outside lights, as these are specifically designed for challenging environments. 

Armoured cable comprises an insulated inner core and a protective layer of metal, usually steel or aluminium, which helps protect the internal wiring from being damaged by external factors.

If you are using standard wiring outdoors, then it is more likely to become damaged over time due to exposure to moisture and other elements. With armoured cable, your lighting will be protected against any potential damage caused by outside elements.

It’s also essential to ensure that whichever type of cable you choose is suitable for the task. Armoured cable may be more expensive than standard wiring, but it will provide your outside lights with much better protection and help ensure they last longer.

In conclusion, if you install outside lights, consider using armoured cable. The additional cost can be worth it as it will provide extra protection from elements such as moisture and physical damage. You can also rest assured that your lighting installation is safe and secure for years to come.

Outdoor Lighting: Do-It-Yourself Vs. Hiring An Electrician

When it comes to outdoor lighting, homeowners have two significant options: do-it-yourself installation or hiring an electrician. Each has its advantages and disadvantages, and the right decision depends on your specific needs.

For those who want to save money and feel comfortable with basic electrical wiring, DIY installation could be the way to go. There are many products available that make this process relatively straightforward, such as low-voltage lights or solar light kits.

All you need is a screwdriver, pliers, a drill, and other essential tools. In addition, if you’re willing to take on a more complex project like installing landscape lighting or post lanterns, there are also kits available for those purposes.

However, if you have a large-scale project or are concerned about safety, it’s best to hire an electrician. An experienced and licensed electrician will be able to assess your needs and provide the best solution for your outdoor lighting design. In addition, they can make sure that the job is done correctly and safely. This is especially important when dealing with high-voltage lights or wiring in wet conditions.

No matter which option you choose, ensure that you take all necessary safety precautions when working with electricity and always follow the instructions in any kits or materials provided by manufacturers. Doing so will help ensure you get the most out of your outdoor lighting setup while avoiding potential risks.

When in doubt, consult an electrician who can advise and assist in ensuring that your outdoor lighting installation is done correctly and safely. With the right setup, you’ll be able to enjoy your outdoor space for years to come.

Palmetto Outdoor Lighting will be here every step of the way when it comes to your outdoor lighting needs. We offer various services, including installation and repair, to ensure that your lighting is always up-to-date and working correctly. Contact us today to discuss your project! 

We look forward to hearing from you!