We’re outlining the ways we upgraded our backyard landscape lighting setup with budget friendly automation.
In This Post
Choosing The Right System
Landscape lighting can seem like a daunting addition to your outdoor space, but there are countless DIY options that are, quite literally, plug and play! We’ve used just about every system available including Philips Hue, solar and low voltage, and they all have their place. When choosing the right solution for your home, the three main things to consider are cost, power location and sunshine. Hue is pretty costly but offers control with a great app and can run multiple fixtures from one plug. Solar is great if your yard receives direct sunlight, but can be fickle in poor weather and on cloudy days.
For the simplest, most fool-proof automated landscape lighting setup, a solid low-voltage system is tough to beat. The concept is pretty simple. A transformer plugs into an outlet, wires run out from the transformer and the individual lights clamp onto the wires. Easy! The simplest of these all-in-one kits can be picked up for less than $100! Obviously, more features and lights you add, the higher the cost.
Our Transformer is mounted under the deck, hidden from view. This sturdy model has been in service for almost a decade!
Our Backyard Setup
We built our system with a transformer similar to this one. It features a timer and a sensor that automatically turns the system on at dusk and off at dawn. We’ve had this unit in place for around 10 years and it’s still performing flawlessly! The wire, on the other hand, had seen better days. We decided to start fresh with all new low-voltage wire. We strung it out in two separate paths to reach all of the areas of the yard. We then added a pair of these wall wash fixtures to light up our DIY trellises.
Wall Wash fixtures spread light in a much wider, gentler pattern than traditional spotlights.
The Details
While we were at it, we added a handful of these solar lights along the fence line. This area of the yard had traditionally been very dark, with low visibility along the sidewalk. It does, however get excellent sun exposure between the houses throughout the day.
These small solar lights are a great addition to easily light up a fence, retaining wall, or outdoor stairs!
The solar lights do a great job of drawing the eye toward the fence, making the tiny yard feel even larger. And of course, it makes our sidewalk path more visible when guests arrive after the sun has set!
Of course, it’s also easy to mix and match the systems like we’ve done here! We’re happy how everything turned out and how little it cost to get us here. The backyard is finally in a form that allows us to host as many people as we like at any time of day or night!
PS: Need more landscape and lighting inspo? Check out our DIY planter boxes, front yard Hue system, and solar light addition at our Michigan home.
Perfect timing! We’re sprucing up our backyard and fence lights were on my list!
Question – how far apart do you recommend spacing the fence mounted lights?
We put one on each post, so for a slightly moody vibe, 6-8 feet apart should do the trick.
What flowers are on the trellis? I thought at one point you had clematis, but these look different? They’re gorgeous!
These are roses! They’re more fruitful, so happy we made the switch.