Lowe Outdoor Lighting (2024)

FAQs

What is the average cost to install outdoor lighting? ›

How much does an outdoor lighting system cost? The average price of an outdoor lighting installation is between $3000-$20,000. In comparison a solar light installation of the same size ranges $200-$1600, and a big box store low voltage system not including installation runs $695-$3600.

Of all the exterior light options, flood lights cast the widest beam. This makes them the best choice for lighting dark outdoor spaces like an alley, driveway or workshop entry. Flood lights are also good for guests and family as they navigate your driveway and walkways.

LED lights are sensitive to prolonged exposure to extreme heat, and without a way for the hot air to escape, the heat will begin to damage the LED itself, causing it to prematurely fail. LED lights always need to be installed with a heat sink to allow the hot air to escape and the bulb to stay at a lower temperature.

The recommended IP grade for outdoor lights is IP66 or higher. A water protection level of six means your outdoor lights can even resist heavy rain. If you anticipate your outdoor lighting fixtures periodically submerging in water, an IP67 or IP68 rating, which corresponds to flood protection—will be advantageous.

If you are installing hardwired outdoor lighting, it's best to hire an electrician to ensure that the wiring is installed safely and up to code. This will not only ensure your safety but also prevent any potential damage to your property.

Weather Resistance: Outdoor lighting fixtures need to withstand exposure to the elements, including rain, wind, and extreme temperatures. Ensuring that the fixtures are weather-resistant involves additional design considerations and materials, adding to the overall cost.

Warm lights, such as 2000K-3000K, tend to work best for these purposes. They are not too harsh on the eyes but still give enough light for everyone to be able to move around safely and see what is around them.

A Porch Light Can Keep Intruders Away

It is harder to sneak around the property of a well lit home, so having some sort of night lights can successfully ward off seedy people. On the other hand, leaving a porch light on while you are away for work or vacation may signal to burglars that no one is home.

As a result, Northwest Outdoor Lighting recommends a warm color tone (specifically 2,700K to 3,200K). This applies to ALL lights on the outside of your residence, such as carriage lamps, entry lamps and obtrusive flood lamps.

Most LED bulbs are designed to disperse this heat into the air around them. An enclosed fixture makes this difficult and can lead to overheating. An LED bulb operating above its rated operating temperature will have a much shorter lifespan, which can increase your costs by having to replace them prematurely.

What is the common problem with LED lights? ›

Flickering and dimming issues with LED lighting can be a concern for users. Low quality LED bulbs and drivers are more likely to experience flickering issues. Problems can also occur in high-quality lights if mistakes are made in the installation process. Another cause for this issue is loose electrical connections.

Outdoor lights should not be left on for prolonged periods of time or overnight. Even LED lights can overheat and cause a fire if exposed to dry leaves or flammable substances. When used properly, LED lights are safe and an energy-efficient way to add lighting outdoors while cutting costs.

Recommended Lumens for Specific Outdoor Needs

Landscape lights: 50-300 lumens. Path lights: 100-200 lumens. Landscape spotlights: 120 lumens.

40 watts is the ideal amount of brightness for outdoor areas at home. People can see clearly without going blind, it looks pretty, and still shows off the best parts of your landscape. 80 watts and lower are dark sky lighting approved.

Brightness is an important factor to consider when choosing LED lights for your backyard. If you want to create a bright and welcoming space, floodlights may be the best option for you. However, if you're looking to create a cozy and intimate atmosphere, string lights or pathway lights may be a better choice.

Average outdoor lighting installation cost

Landscape lighting costs $80 to $300 per fixture or $800 to $6,000 total on average, including labor. Outdoor lighting is installed by a handyman or electrician and is commonly used to illuminate a porch, garage, yard, or home exterior.

The cost to hire an electrician ranges from $85 to $105 per hour, and installing recessed lights in an existing home takes about two and a half hours per fixture. Including labor and materials, recessed or canless light installation costs $200 to $250 per fixture.

In general, expect to pay between $35 and $100 per hour for electrician labor. Job complexity: As mentioned above, complex installations requiring more time and expertise will likely cost you more in labor fees. Make sure to discuss the project details with your electrician beforehand to get an accurate estimate.

The cost of installing outdoor lighting can vary, but you can expect to pay between $400 and $1,000 on average for lamppost installation.