Are you thinking of installing landscape lighting on your property? Planning this type of project involves understanding your budget. Therefore, it’s important to understand your options and the factors that influence the cost of landscape lighting.
Where and Why Do You Want Lighting?
The first step in identifying how much landscape lighting costs is choosing what you want to illuminate. Why do you want lighting in those areas of the property?
Some common reasons for installing landscape lighting include:
- To brighten or expand your entertaining space
- To enhance your home’s curb appeal at night
- To improve security
- To minimize fall hazards
To create a focal point in your yard, you’ll need less lighting than you would if you were illuminating a long, winding driveway. Security lighting has different features than patio lighting. The complexity of the materials, components and labor impacts the cost of the project.
Costs Involved in Landscape Lighting
You’ll have to consider the costs of materials and labor when pricing out a landscape lighting job. Depending on the scope of your project, however, you may have additional costs.
Wiring is priced out by the linear foot. Therefore, a complex layout with intricate wiring will cost more than a simple design. The cost of digging trenches is also designated by the extent of the labor. Longer, deeper trenches cost more to excavate than smaller, shorter ones.
The type and number of lights that you select make the greatest impact on your landscape lighting installation costs. Some lights require transformers or an additional power source. Installing a new transformer can add $300 to $1,500 to the cost of the project.
Itemizing these costs is only important if you plan on tackling the project yourself. The quote that you receive from a landscape lighting company may combine the costs associated with installation as well as materials. However, you should ask whether the labor is included in the price or charged by the hour.
5 Factors That Influence the Price
Familiarizing yourself with the elements that affect the cost of landscape lighting can help you prioritize and negotiate when you’re working with a professional.
The State of the Existing Landscape
Will you be retrofitting lighting into a mature landscape or starting from scratch? If the technicians have to work around hardscaping and mature plants, the job will usually cost more. You may also allocate some of your budget to repairing landscape damage after the lighting has been installed.
If you’re working with a new construction or bare landscape, you have more versatility when installing the lighting. The job is more streamlined and takes less time.
Hardwiring is usually preferred when adding lights to permanent outdoor living and entertaining spaces, like decks, sunrooms and pergolas. In these cases, it’s best to install the lighting when you build the space. You may pay more for a retrofit.
Type of Light
The type and quality of lights that you use significantly affect the total price. Some general price ranges for the installed cost of the most popular landscape lights include:
Pathway lighting – These cast light downward, brightening your step without interfering with the landscape at eye level. They cost between $50 and $150 per light.
Porch lights – Lighting porches and entryways is important for entertaining, security and safety. Each porch fixture costs between $65 and $250. Labor costs for porch lights are typically minimal.
Floodlights – Private properties don’t usually need enormous floodlights like tennis courts and football fields do. But a floodlight can provide much-needed visual clarity and security throughout your property. Installation of one floodlight costs between $75 and $400.
Security lights – Security lights can operate on a motion sensor and illuminate hidden areas of the home and property. They usually cost between $350 and $500.
Low-voltage lighting – Whereas line lighting runs on 120 volts, low-voltage lighting runs on 12 volts. These are energy efficient and safe to use in high-moisture conditions. Each fixture costs $90 to $150.
Uplights – Commonly used as a decorative focal point, these fixtures are mounted at ground level and put a spotlight on a landscaping or architectural feature. They cost between $100 and $400.
Downlights – These fixtures provide an atmospheric glow and can draw attention to a focal point or serve as safety lighting. Sometimes, they are referred to as “moon lighting” because they cast a cool, dappled radiance on the ground beneath them. Prices vary from $100 to $400.
Lamp post – These charming additions to a landscape are often located far from the home, which requires additional labor and wiring. Expect costs for a lamp post to range from $400 to $1,000.
Pool lighting – Your pool can enhance the landscape and look luxurious with the right lighting. These fixtures cost between $450 and $650.
Bulb Type
The type of bulb that each fixture requires affects your long-term landscape lighting costs. Some bulbs last longer, use less energy and cost less than others.
Here are the average prices of different landscape lighting bulbs:
- Incandescent – $0.50 to $5.00
- LED – These produce less heat and consume less energy than other types of bulbs and have a longer lifespan. They cost $0.70 to $8.00.
- CFL – These are not always ideal for high-humidity environments or enclosed light fixtures. However, they are more energy efficient and long lasting than incandescent bulbs. They cost $12 to $40.
- Halogen – These are more energy efficient than incandescent bulbs but produce a lot of heat and have a limited lifespan. They cost $2 to $5.
Climate and Environment
You have to take the climate and weather into consideration when installing outdoor landscape lighting. Fixtures that will be exposed to the elements must be made with weather-resistant materials. The wiring and electrical connections should be protected against external damage.
High-risk locations, which are prone to heavy wind, high rain and flooding, might require more expensive materials and intensive labor than areas with milder weather. If the technicians have to drill into dense soil or break up rock, you’ll also incur higher labor fees.
Bells and Whistles
Do you want a system that integrates with your smart home? Would you like a remote control for your landscape lighting? Additional features and accessories increase the price.
Some landscape lighting features that you might pay extra for include:
- Motion sensors
- Electrical outlet installation
- Dimmers
- Smart home compatibility
- Design and planning
- Service and maintenance
- Repairs and upgrades
At Washington Outdoor Lighting, we believe that good design is the key to effective and attractive landscape lighting. Therefore, we incorporate design and planning into all of our work with clients.
Hiring a Professional
Although you might be tempted to install landscape lighting yourself, you shouldn’t work with electricity if you don’t have specialized training. A professional electrician will ensure that the components are installed safely and will operate effectively. Hiring an expert often results in a more efficient system that meets your goals while using less power.
Lighting designers and technicians are also familiar with local outdoor lighting ordinances. They can plan a project that meets your needs and complies with code.
We offer a comprehensive process that puts you in the driver’s seat. From initial consultation to the completion of the project, we want you to be enthusiastic about the experience. Although you can’t put a price tag on your dreams, you can contact us to find out how much your landscape lighting ideas will cost.
