Average Cost to Install Outdoor Lighting

$105 Per outdoor light Find out how much your project will cost
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How Much Does it Cost to Install Outdoor Lighting?

If you'd like to install electric lights on your property, whether it's solar lights, LED bulb, halogen bulb, garden lighting, path lights, security lights  or even a landscape lighting system, there are many lighting options to choose from. You can expect the cost to install for outdoor lighting installation to come to $45 - $165 per light for basic grade, typically. This figure includes the light itself, plus electrical contractor labor. On average, a total of 6 lights will be needed.

Reasons to Install Outdoor Lighting

  1. It offers a different sort of safety as well, making your house easy for first response personnel to find in case of an emergency.
  2. It also helps prevent falls, by allowing your family and visitors to make their way safely along your walkway and stairs.
  3. Well-chosen lighting design beautifies your yard by literally highlighting its most attractive features.
  4. It extends the usability of amenities such as a swimming pool or outdoor kitchen.

When you're in the market to sell your home, the right lighting design will add welcoming curb appeal to potential buyers.

Types of Outdoor Light

Outdoor Lighting Type

Location

Installation

POST LANTERN

Driveway; patio or entertaining area

Freestanding

CEILING LIGHT

Entranceway; covered porch or patio; overhang

Ceiling mounted

PATH OR STEP LIGHT

Outdoor stairs; walkways; driveways

Mounted in ground or stair risers

FLOODLIGHT

Where security is desired 

Wall mounted 9' high to discourage access

WALL LANTERN OR SCONCE

Next to house numbers at front entrance; either side of house or garage doors

Wall mounted

PENDANT OR HANGING LANTERN

Front door; porch; task lighting

Ceiling mounted

Lighting Cost Breakdown

Cost for outdoor lighting installation will normally include:

  • Materials and Supplies -- Materials include the light fixture, plus supplies such as conduit, connectors, fasteners, and junction boxes.
  • Labor -- Labor charge covers the outdoor lighting project. If an upgrade of your home electrical lighting system is needed, it will add to the electrician labor cost.

Get the Most for Your Money

Simplify your installation with LED lighting fixtures, which require only low-voltage wiring. Even though they are initially more expensive, they use 75 percent less electricity than their incandescent counterparts. Alternatively, use CFL (compact fluorescent lamp) bulbs as another energy-efficient choice. Either way, look for the Energy Star certification.

Look for outdoor lights bearing the International Dark Sky Association (IDA) Fixture Seal of Approval (FSA) to minimize light pollution. These may be mandated by your community.

Install outdoor space lighting with additional environmentally friendly features such as automatic daylight shut-off.


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