If you’re reading this, chances are you’ve been thinking about adding some low voltage landscape lighting to your yard. Maybe you’ve just had a new patio installed or spent hours getting your garden just right, and now you want to enjoy it after dark. But before diving in, you’re probably asking yourself the big question: “How much is this going to cost?”
It’s normal to feel a bit unsure when facing a home improvement project like this. You want your yard to look great, but you also need to stay within a budget. You might be wondering if landscape lighting is one of those upgrades that’s going to break the bank or if it’s something you can manage without too much hassle. The good news? Low voltage landscape lighting can be more affordable than you think, and it’s flexible enough to fit a range of budgets.
At Brookside Landscape and Design, we’ve helped homeowners all over the Kitsap Peninsula find lighting solutions that work for them, and we understand the concerns that come with the cost of a project like this. That’s why we’re here to give you a full breakdown of what you can expect to pay, so you can make the best decision for your home.
What Affects the Cost of Low Voltage Landscape Lighting?
Let’s start by looking at the factors that impact the overall cost of your landscape lighting project. It’s important to know that this isn’t a one-size-fits-all kind of thing. The price of low voltage lighting depends on several key factors:
- The Size of Your Yard
- The Number of Fixtures You Want
- The Type of Fixtures You Choose
- Labor and Installation Costs
- The Transformer and Wiring Setup
Let’s break each of these down a bit further.
- The Size of Your Yard
This might seem obvious, but the bigger your yard, the more lighting fixtures you’re going to need to properly illuminate it. If you’ve got a small front yard, you might only need a handful of fixtures to light up your walkway or highlight a few trees. On the other hand, if you’ve got a large backyard, you might want multiple lights to cover a patio, garden areas, pathways, and any other features you want to show off.
Generally speaking, the larger the space, the higher the cost—but that doesn’t mean you can’t start small and add more fixtures over time if you’re working with a tight budget.
- The Number of Fixtures You Want
The cost of low voltage landscape lighting is directly tied to the number of fixtures you need. Each fixture will come with its own price tag, and the more you have, the more your overall cost will increase. You’ll also need to factor in how far apart you want the lights to be. If you’re lighting a long pathway or a large area, you’ll need more fixtures spaced out properly for balanced lighting.
To give you an idea, a basic low voltage lighting system might start with 5–10 fixtures. If you’re adding lights to a small yard, this could be all you need. Larger properties might require 20 or more fixtures. The great thing about low voltage lighting is that it’s easy to expand later if you want to add more lights down the road.
- The Type of Fixtures You Choose
There are a lot of different types of landscape lighting fixtures out there, and their prices can vary widely depending on their quality, materials, and style. Some common fixture types include:
- Path Lights: These are the lights you’ll see lining walkways, driveways, or garden paths. They’re one of the more affordable types of fixtures, with prices ranging from $30 to $100 per light, depending on the brand and quality.
- Spotlights: If you want to highlight a tree, a sculpture, or your home’s architectural features, you’ll want to use spotlights. These tend to be a bit more expensive, ranging from $50 to $150 per light.
- Floodlights: These are used to light up larger areas, like a backyard or a large garden. Floodlights typically cost between $75 and $200 each.
- Deck and Step Lights: These are installed into the sides of decks, stairs, or other structures to provide soft, downward lighting. These are usually in the $50 to $120 range.
The material of the fixture also plays a role in the cost. For example, basic plastic or aluminum fixtures are more affordable, but if you’re looking for something durable and long-lasting, you might opt for brass or copper fixtures, which come with a higher price tag.
- Labor and Installation Costs
Unless you’re planning on doing the installation yourself, labor costs are going to be a part of your budget. The cost of installation can vary depending on the complexity of the project. If your lighting is fairly straightforward—say, lighting up a walkway or highlighting a garden bed—the labor costs will be lower than if you’re running wires under decks or through hardscaping.
In general, professional installation for low voltage landscape lighting can cost anywhere from $300 to $1,500 or more, depending on how many fixtures you’re installing and how much wiring and trenching is needed.
At Brookside Landscape and Design, we always make sure to work with homeowners to give them a clear idea of labor costs upfront, so there are no surprises when the bill arrives.
- The Transformer and Wiring Setup
Low voltage landscape lighting requires a transformer, which converts your home’s standard 120-volt power down to the 12 volts needed for your lighting system. The size and power of the transformer you need will depend on how many fixtures you have.
A basic transformer for a small system might cost around $150 to $300, while larger transformers for more extensive setups can range up to $500 or more. Wiring is also a factor. Most landscape lighting systems use 12-gauge or 14-gauge wire, and the amount you’ll need depends on the layout of your lights and the distance between them. You can expect to spend about $1 to $2 per foot of wire.
The Total Cost Breakdown
So, what does this all add up to? Let’s break it down into a typical small, medium, and large project:
- Small Yard (5–10 lights):
- Fixtures: $30 to $100 per light = $150 to $1,000
- Transformer: $150 to $300
- Wire: $50 to $150
- Installation: $300 to $800
- Total: $650 to $2,250
- Medium Yard (10–20 lights):
- Fixtures: $30 to $150 per light = $300 to $3,000
- Transformer: $200 to $400
- Wire: $100 to $300
- Installation: $500 to $1,200
- Total: $1,100 to $4,900
- Large Yard (20+ lights):
- Fixtures: $30 to $200 per light = $600 to $4,000+
- Transformer: $300 to $500+
- Wire: $200 to $500
- Installation: $1,000 to $2,000+
- Total: $2,100 to $7,000+
These are rough estimates, of course, and the exact cost of your project will depend on your specific needs and choices. At Brookside Landscape and Design, we make it a priority to work with you to create a system that fits your budget while delivering the look and functionality you want.
Why It’s Worth the Investment
You might be wondering if the cost of low voltage landscape lighting is really worth it. We get it—any home improvement project is an investment, and it’s important to know you’re getting value for your money.
Here’s the thing: low voltage lighting not only adds beauty to your home, but it also increases safety, improves your home’s curb appeal, and can even boost your property value. Plus, because it’s energy-efficient, the long-term operating costs are much lower than traditional high-voltage lighting systems.
At Brookside Landscape and Design, we believe in creating outdoor spaces that last. That’s why we use high-quality, durable materials and professional installation techniques to make sure your lighting system stands the test of time. And because it’s low voltage, you’ll enjoy the benefits of beautiful outdoor lighting without the high energy costs.
Ready to Light Up Your Yard?
Now that you have a clearer idea of how much low voltage landscape lighting costs, you’re one step closer to transforming your outdoor space. Whether you’re looking to light up a cozy patio or highlight your entire garden, we can help you design a lighting system that fits your style and your budget.
If you’re ready to get started or have more questions about costs, reach out to us at Brookside Landscape and Design. We’re here to help you every step of the way.
