How Much Does Landscape Lighting Cost?
Perhaps you’ve noticed your neighbor’s beautifully lit home. Maybe you’ve enjoyed an evening in a friend’s outdoor living space. Or maybe your home came with an outdated, inoperable lighting system and you’re excited to make updates.
Whatever the reason, you are now considering installing a landscape lighting system and you’re probably wondering – how much does landscape lighting cost?
This is a great question! The cost of landscape lighting varies greatly depending on the quality of lighting you want and who you hire to design and install the system.
Quality of Fixtures
First, it is important to distinguish between consumer grade fixtures - those found in big box stores and other retailers, and professional grade fixtures that are only available commercially through lighting contractors.
Consumer Grade Fixtures
Consumer grade fixtures are the least expensive landscape lighting option. They are often made of plastic or aluminum and are not designed to withstand the elements that outdoor lighting fixtures are exposed to daily. Also, less expensive lamps tend to be less efficient because they do not effectively dissipate residual heat into the air and away from the bulb. This will cause the light to dim over time and may eventually lead to bulb failure. Additionally, consumer grade fixtures tend to underperform their professional grade counterparts with regard to Kelvin temperature, lumen output, and beam spread. For example, inexpensive LEDs often produce cool, blue colored light even when the Kelvin temperature indicates that it should have a warmer tone.
Professional Grade Fixtures
Professional grade fixtures are usually made of brass or copper. These fixtures are made to withstand outdoor elements like sun, wind, and moisture. Additionally, they perform better and are more efficient than consumer grade fixtures. Ultimately, professional grade fixtures, though more expensive up front, will save money over time because they last longer.
WARNING! Not all professional grade fixtures are created equal. Within the larger category of professional grade fixtures, there are generally three levels of fixtures to choose from: basic, standard, and premium. Basic fixtures are just a step above consumer grade fixtures. From here, standard and premium fixtures will increase in quality and price respectively. Premium fixtures will be the most efficient, perform the best, and outlast all the others.
Landscape Lighting Design & Install
When determining the approximate cost of a landscape lighting system, the second factor to consider is who you hire to design and install the system. The pricing of outdoor lighting will vary depending on the designer and installer’s level of technical knowledge and experience installing outdoor lighting systems. The four general pricing categories for outdoor lighting are as follows: DIY, Professional Kits, Non-Specialized Contractors, and Outdoor Lighting Contractors.
DIY
$200 - $500+
For those of you who love a good weekend project, you may be considering buying and installing an outdoor lighting system yourself. Seemingly, this is the least expensive option. Big box stores and home improvement chains often advertise inexpensive outdoor lighting solutions that are readily available and easy to install. Choosing to DIY your outdoor lighting will likely cost anywhere from $200-$500 up front with lights, wire, and other necessary supplies. You know the old saying though – you get what you pay for – and DIY lighting is a great example of this.
PROS
Least expensive option up front.
CONS
You will need to install and maintain the system yourself.
Low quality, consumer grade fixtures.
For individuals less familiar with the technical aspects of lighting (i.e. Kelvin temperature, beam spread, lumen output, etc.), selecting the right lights for the job may be difficult.
Solar lights are common DIY landscape lighting options because they are super easy to install and do not require electricity. Solar lighting, however, can be unreliable and is significantly less effective than low voltage LED lights.
Inexperience with installation may lead to incorrect and ineffective placement of fixtures.
Lighting system may lack the functionality and extra features available with professionally installed lighting.
Professional Kits
$500 - $1500+
Professional Outdoor Lighting Kits take the guess work out of selecting lights, wire, and other equipment individually. These kits often include a transformer, wire, and a set number of accent lights and/or path lights. Choosing a professional kit will cost anywhere from $500 to $1500.
PROS
Fast and easy ordering.
Low cost up front.
CONS
You will need to install and maintain the system yourself.
Professional kits are generally not customizable so you will need to make do with the items included in the kit.
Your kit may consist of low quality, consumer grade fixtures that are less durable and won’t last.
While some professional kits may contain professional grade fixtures, pay close attention to the quality of fixtures and equipment, especially with lower priced options.
Inexperience with installation may lead to incorrect and ineffective placement of fixtures.
Lighting system may lack the functionality and extra features available with professionally installed lighting.
Non-Specialized Contractors
< $250 per light
There are many contractors that offer outdoor lighting services. Home builders, electricians, and landscaping contractors may offer outdoor lighting in addition to the other goods and services they provide. A home builder, for example, may offer basic outdoor lighting as an upgrade. Likewise, landscaping contractors often provide outdoor lighting services along with landscape design and installation. Options like this are attractive to homeowners because they offer a hands-off, one stop shopping experience.
PROS
Convenience of one stop shopping.
Professional installation.
CONS
Non-specialized contractors may use lower quality, basic fixtures (or even consumer grade fixtures) to reduce overhead expenses and increase profit margin.
Less focus on design and inexperience with installation may lead to incorrect and ineffective placement of fixtures.
You will be responsible for the maintenance of your system.
Lighting system may lack the functionality and extra features available with outdoor lighting only professionals.
Outdoor Lighting Contractors
$250 - $450 per light
The final option is hiring an outdoor lighting contractor who focuses exclusively on outdoor lighting design and installation. The price per light will depend on the cost of the fixture itself along with other materials needed and what is involved with the installation.
PROS
Focus on design – outdoor lighting contractors consider the technical, functional, and aesthetic qualities of each fixture and how the light will incorporate into and enhance the existing architectural and landscape features.
Outdoor lighting contractors have extensive technical knowledge of lighting and will select the appropriate light for each area or task.
Professional installation with expert wiring and placement of fixtures for optimal aesthetics, performance, and functionality.
High quality, professional grade fixtures with enhanced performance and durability.
Outdoor lighting contractors have a broader understanding of lighting techniques, trends, and products.
Outdoor lighting contractors will likely provide a maintenance plan or services with their custom installations.
Full customization with extra features like colored lights, timed or motion sensor capabilities, dimming, zoning, etc.
CONS
Higher Upfront Cost.
Done right, outdoor lighting is an incredible investment. A well-designed outdoor lighting system will look great, provide an extra layer of security for your home, and increase the functionality and safety of your outdoor spaces. However, a poorly designed and installed system could look unprofessional and may cause headaches and extra money down the road.
LANDSCAPE LIGHTING DESIGN & INSTALLATION
Considering landscape lighting? Not sure where to start?
You’ve come to the right place! After talking with countless homeowners, we’ve gathered all the information you will need when shopping for a new outdoor lighting system. Get landscape lighting ideas, design advice and inspiration, as well as practical information about choosing fixtures, hiring contractors, and so much more! Download our FREE landscape lighting guide today!
Landscape Lighting Charlotte, NC
Thinking about hiring a professional landscape lighting company in and around Charlotte, NC?
At Limelight, outdoor lighting is all we do! We offer design, installation, and maintenance services and would love to help you design a system that makes the most of your landscape — day and night.
Getting started is simple. Call Limelight Outdoor Lighting at (704) 989-3635 or follow the link below to get a FREE quote for your landscape lighting project.