The Cost of Garden Lighting – What to Expect From Manufacturers

The Cost of Garden Lighting – What to Expect From Manufacturers

The cost of landscape lighting varies greatly, depending on the type of design you want. The materials, installation, and labor will all add up to a considerable sum of money.

Generally, you can expect to spend about $3-$10 per square foot on a professional landscape lighting project. However, the more involved and elaborate the design is, the higher the price will be.

Material

Lighting is a major component of any landscaping project, so it’s no surprise that it can be a significant cost. Fortunately, the cost can be minimized with careful planning and budgeting. The cost of a light fixture will vary widely depending on its purpose and material choice, but the best way to get an accurate estimate is to talk with a professional landscape lighting specialist. A qualified installer can provide a free quote that will include everything from the wattage of the lights to the estimated installation time and cost, plus tips and tricks of the trade.

The big picture: The most expensive item is typically the garden light manufacturer fixtures themselves. These will likely comprise the bulk of your landscaping investment. Using high-quality outdoor lights will ensure the long-term function of your landscape, and the price of each fixture should be well worth it in the long run. In order to keep your budget in check, be sure to limit the number of lights you install at once.

Design

Lighting is an important part of garden design and can help to create a sense of drama or to add interest. It can also be used to increase safety by illuminating walkways and steps, which may otherwise be difficult to navigate at night.

The types of garden lights used will vary according to the goals of a lighting scheme, as well as the size and type of space being illuminated. For instance, a small courtyard might not require as much lighting as a large lawn and patio.

Landscape designers and contractors have a wide variety of garden lighting options to choose from, including uplights, ground-level lights, and spotlights.

A good lighting scheme will complement the features in your garden at night without overshadowing them or competing with porch lights, says Mark Feldman, chief home officer of Riverbend Home (opens in new tab). Using uplights can create a dramatic effect by highlighting trees and creating strong shadows beneath them.

Production

Lighting your garden can have a significant impact on how you enjoy it, day and night. From security to ambience, there is no doubt that the right lights can transform your outdoor space from a darkened recess into a cosy sanctuary.

The most obvious use of lights is to illuminate your garden in a way that allows you to navigate safely after dark. But there are many other ways to utilise them, such as creating an interesting focal point or highlighting a key feature in your yard.

For the best effect possible, choose a lighting style that combines a wide beam with a more subtle directional light source. You may also want to consider a cleverly designed fixture that uses multiple light bulbs to create the most efficient glow around your property. This is a clever little trick that will save you from having to purchase new lighting fixtures as often as your existing ones burn out.

Installation

If you choose to have garden lighting installed, expect to pay around $125 per fixture. This includes a commercial-spec transformer and a timer, plus labor costs.

The brightness of the lights you choose can determine the cost, as well. Generally speaking, brighter lights are more suitable for decorative and functional purposes, while softer light is better for safety reasons.

Another important factor that affects the cost of your landscape lighting project is how much wiring you need. If you want to use hardwired fixtures, you’ll have to pay a licensed electrician to mount the wires and dig trenches for them.

To illuminate large areas, you might want to consider floodlights. These are more expensive, but they offer a wide angle and can light up larger areas of your yard.