How much does outdoor lighting cost? A breakdown

Outdoor lighting can make a deck, patio, entryway or garden look great once the sun has set. Not only that, it provides important illumination for people to use those areas safely. Costs are always an important part of any building project and outdoor lighting is no different. Luckily, there is plenty of information available to help you plan a budget with a good degree of precision, giving you control over the costs you’ll incur.

The cost of outdoor lighting greatly depends on how and what the light will be used for. More powerful and extravagant lighting for large outdoor lighting projects will be more costly. Smaller, simpler setups will be less expensive. On top of this, there is the type and brand of light fixture you’ll be looking to buy with everything from low to high-end options available depending on your budget and preference.

Light systems that are highly technical with more complex configurations will also be naturally more expensive to install. This is because of the time and expertise required to do the job well.

The choice of bulbs will also have a bearing on the final cost. Incandescent and halogen bulbs have traditionally been used but high-quality LED lighting is now starting to dominate. They typically have a higher upfront cost but easily make that cost back due to their longevity and energy-efficient qualities.

Related article: LED lights - the definitive guide

There’s a huge number of outdoor lighting products available in the market in Australia today, making it difficult to narrow down your shortlist. An efficient way of doing so is to consider lights by type, seeing which unique traits stand out to you while considering their costs at the same time.

For those with safety and security concerns, lights for your paths through the yard are a great option. Many of these are solar LEDs, so when it gets dark you don't need to worry about manually turning them on. Some also have motion sensors so they don't waste the battery if the lights don't need to be on.

Step lights are a great way to add some visibility to the stairs on your property. They also come in a variety of styles so you can match the rest of your outside décor. Some are designed to light the stairway from beneath each step, and another may be used as a wall light. In either case, these tend to have a higher price tag due to the small sizing and difficulty of installation.

The landscape lighting cost depends on the style, brand, and materials used, but these hover around $20 - $200+ for the light itself. If professional installation is required, it will probably cost you around $100 per hour in Australia, the time for which will depend on the complexity of the job at hand.

Floodlights produce a wide radius of light, which, for residential usage, can light entire decks, porches, and driveways. Because of the brightness and their ideal usage for years to come, these are a very popular option for an outdoor space.

You can expect to pay a fair bit more for these, as they're designed for stronger lights and longevity. At their lowest, top picks range from $40-$250+. In terms of installation, the same hourly rate applies though the cost to install a floodlight can sometimes be less than a series of step lights that require more work by comparison.

Portable lights can be a great addition to your outside lighting design. They have the advantage of being mobile and can be moved around for different events and usages. Many of these are also cordless, featuring rechargeable batteries and LED bulbs. Even further, some have wi-fi and Bluetooth capabilities.

For these lighting fixtures, there's a wide variety in pricing, with more expensive types going for $350+ and those on the lower end under $100.

Solar power lights are a popular option because of their ease of use, low cost to run, and sustainability. These are solid options for garden lighting, as they can enhance the look of your plants and serve as a bit of light for early morning and late-night gardening.

These tend to have a lower installation cost as they don't have wiring, just the panels. But the costs of the lights themselves are variable, with higher quality and brightness lights going from $60 to over $200.

When people think of string lights, most likely their minds will move toward indoor lighting. However, they can also be used outside. Unlike some other lights, these can be in various colours and are more versatile than other lights that need to be anchored into the ground or walls.

They tend to be on the lower end of prices, with many options under $20. Lights made from glass and plastic, especially those that are dimmable, can climb upwards of $70.

Because of their attachment to a cord rather than the need to be affixed to a wall or siding, you don't need to know much about how to install landscape lighting of this kind. One still needs to be careful not to link too many together or expose them to harsh weather conditions, but these generally don't need any special expertise.

Depending on the state you reside in, for installation costs you can plan for around $80-$120 per hour for an electrician, on top of the price of the lights and any special wiring or preparation that needs to be done. Always get a few quotes from different professionals before making your final decision and don’t be afraid to ask for a breakdown either for full transparency.

The running costs of outdoor lighting vary depending on the bulb used. Government and industry data show that LEDs use 75% less energy than halogens leading to significant savings over time. Replacements also tend to add up, which is why it's equally important to think about the construction and materials of the bulb for durability as well as the type.

Although outdoor lights are designed to withstand rain and other weather conditions, it's still important to keep up with maintenance, cleaning not only the lights themselves but their surroundings. This will essentially increase their longevity, making sure you get as much value out of them as possible.

Using a timer for the lights will also increase their longevity and lower your power bill. Running the lights when they aren't needed can lead to them dimming or losing power quicker, resulting in them not being as bright in the dark. This will inevitably mean you’ll need to replace them sooner than you should.

Related article: Outdoor lights - the complete guide

Now you know the factors that can influence how much outdoor lighting costs you’ll be better placed to plan ahead based on a budget within your means. Outdoor lighting can be a key part of adding atmosphere to your deck or garden while being essential for safety in the evening. It’s an essential really and one you can get done quickly and easily with costs that you can control and manage.

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