How much does landscape lighting cost?

DIY starter kit (6-8 path lights + transformer): $100-$300. DIY comprehensive system (path lights, uplights, floodlights, transformer): $500-$2,000. Professional installation: $2,000-$5,000 (small property, 10-15 fixtures), $5,000-$15,000+ (large property, 20-40+ fixtures). Per fixture (installed by a professional): $100-$300 (includes fixture, wiring, and labor). The biggest cost factors: number of fixtures, fixture quality (budget $15-$30 vs. premium $50-$100+ per fixture), and professional vs. DIY installation.

Can I install landscape lighting myself?

Yes. Low-voltage (12V) landscape lighting is one of the most DIY-friendly outdoor projects. No electrical license needed. The transformer plugs into a standard outdoor GFCI outlet. The low-voltage cable can be buried just 6 inches deep with no conduit. Most fixtures use simple quick-connect or piercing connectors (no wire stripping or splicing). Time: a few hours for a basic path lighting system, a full day for a comprehensive system with uplights and spotlights. The hardest part: designing the layout and aiming the spotlights for the best effect.

What are the best landscape lights?

For most homeowners: LED low-voltage fixtures from a quality brand (WAC Lighting, Kichler, Hinkley, or FX Luminaire for professional-grade; Hampton Bay, Malibu, or Portfolio for budget). LED is the standard (uses 75-80% less energy than halogen, lasts 10-25x longer). Choose warm white (2700K-3000K) for a natural, inviting glow. Brass and copper fixtures last the longest (they develop a natural patina and will not corrode). Plastic/resin fixtures are cheapest but may crack or fade in a few years.

How many landscape lights do I need?

Path lights: one every 6-8 feet along walkways. Uplights: 1-2 per large tree (placed at the base, aimed up into the canopy), 1-2 per architectural feature. Downlights: 1-2 per large tree (mounted in the tree, aimed down). Step lights: one per step or every other step. A typical front yard: 6-10 path lights + 3-5 uplights = 9-15 fixtures. A comprehensive front + back yard: 15-30+ fixtures. Start with fewer fixtures and add more later — it is easier to add lights than to remove over-lighting.

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Outdoor Living

Landscape Lighting Guide: Types, Design & Installation

Lumberama Editorial Team, Landscape Lighting & Outdoor Design Specialists Jun 15, 2026 14 min read

Types of Landscape Lights

Path lights: Small fixtures (12-18 inches tall) that illuminate walkways, driveways, and garden borders. The most common landscape light. Spaced 6-8 feet apart. Provide safe navigation and a welcoming glow. $15-$60 each.

Spotlights (uplights): Directional lights aimed upward to highlight trees, architectural features, and focal points. Creates dramatic shadows and texture. The most impactful landscape lighting technique. $20-$80 each.

Well lights (in-ground): Flush-mounted in the ground, shining upward. Invisible during the day. Used to uplight trees, columns, and walls without a visible fixture. $30-$100 each. Requires digging a hole for installation.

Floodlights: Wide-beam lights for illuminating large areas (driveways, yards, building facades). Provides security and visibility. $20-$100 each.

Step/deck lights: Small, low-profile lights mounted on or into steps, deck posts, and railings. Provides safety on stairs and edges. $15-$50 each.

String lights: Decorative lights strung between posts, trees, or structures. Creates ambiance for patios, pergolas, and dining areas. $20-$80 per strand. The easiest landscape lighting to install (no wiring, just plug in or solar).

Low-Voltage vs Line-Voltage

Low-voltage (12V): The standard for residential landscape lighting. Uses a transformer (plugs into a standard outdoor outlet) to step down 120V household power to 12V. Safe (12V will not cause a shock), energy-efficient, and DIY-friendly. The wires can be buried just 6 inches deep (no conduit needed). $200-$2,000+ for a complete system. The clear choice for most homeowners.

Line-voltage (120V): Full household current. Used for: large floodlights, hardwired outdoor fixtures, and commercial installations. Requires an electrician (conduit, proper burial depth, GFCI protection). More expensive to install. Not recommended for typical landscape lighting.

LED vs Halogen

LED is now the standard. Advantages over halogen: uses 75-80% less energy, lasts 40,000-50,000 hours (vs. 2,000-5,000 for halogen), does not get as hot, and available in warm white (2700K) that matches the warm glow of halogen. The only advantage of halogen: slightly warmer, more natural light quality (a subtle difference that most people do not notice with modern warm-white LEDs). New landscape lighting systems should always use LED.

Design Principles

Less is more: The goal is not to light everything — it is to create highlights and shadows. Over-lighting looks harsh and unnatural. Under-lighting looks mysterious and elegant.

Layer the light: Combine different techniques: uplighting (trees, architecture), downlighting (from trees or structures, simulating moonlight), path lighting (walkways), and accent lighting (focal points, water features, sculptures).

Highlight focal points: Large trees, architectural features, water features, and garden focal points deserve dedicated uplighting.

Warm white (2700K-3000K): The standard for landscape lighting. Creates a warm, inviting glow. Avoid cool white (4000K+) for residential landscapes (looks harsh and commercial).

Installation

Plan the layout on paper first. Install the transformer near an outdoor GFCI outlet (mount on a wall or post). Run the low-voltage cable from the transformer along the path of the lights (bury 6 inches deep or tuck under mulch). Connect each light to the cable (most low-voltage lights use quick-connect or piercing connectors). Adjust the aim of spotlights and uplights. Set the timer or photocell on the transformer.