Tools and Materials
Some tools may require batteries. Check the manufacturer’s specifications to see if they are included. Shop Batteries
Product costs, availability and item numbers may vary online or by market.
Key Takeaways
- Landscape lighting boosts curb appeal while improving safety and visibility around your home.
- Choose the right fixture types (spotlights, floodlights, path lights or a combination) based on your lighting goals.
- Low-voltage systems offer reliable performance and are ideal for most DIY installations.
- Plan your layout in advance to ensure proper coverage and access to a GFCI outlet.
- Always call 811 before digging to avoid underground utilities.
- Test your system before burying cables to ensure everything works and looks right.
- Use a timer (like a dusk-to-dawn one) for convenience and energy efficiency.
Choose Your Lights
Landscape lighting can add a high-end look to your home, and makes it safer too. The first step is to choose your lighting. There are many types of lights and fixtures to choose from. Outdoor spotlights can highlight specific features, while floodlights can illuminate a wide area. Driveway lights help guests looking for your home know where to turn at night.
You can decide what type of lights you want in which areas with a flashlight. At night, use a flashlight with the ability to switch between spot and flood mode to see how different lighting styles look in different areas.
Types of Landscape Lights
There are two ways to power your outdoor lighting. Solar-powered landscape lighting is easy to install and has no wiring. Low-voltage landscape lighting, which is the type covered in our video, plugs into any outdoor GCFI outlet and works great as a decorative touch or to illuminate a path. We used a lighting kit that comes with all the necessary components for our project, but if you’re designing your own theme or adding to an existing kit, remember to choose a finish that matches.
Place the Lights
Make sure lights are placed for lighting coverage and access to electrical power.
Before beginning any excavation, check for underground utilities. Call the North America One Call Referral Service (just dial 811) for a national directory of utility companies.
Instructions
Install the Lights
Once installed, test your lights before covering the trench.
