I'm working on a big landscaping project that's going to cost around $50-60K. Everything is falling into place, but the quote for landscape lighting seems way out of whack. They've estimated about $4-5K just for a few path lights and a spotlight on a gorgeous Japanese maple tree. Am I losing it thinking I could just use a couple of hundred bucks in solar lights instead?
3 Answers
Solar lights can work well if they get enough sunlight, which should be the case if you’re planting a tree there. The downside is that they often don’t last the entire night and may need to be replaced more frequently.
High-end metal landscape lights can range from $200 to $500 each, plus the costs of installation and electrical work. If you just want something simple, sure, there are cheaper plastic options available.
Honestly, if you need proper landscape lighting, $4-5K isn’t wildly out of the question. Factors like a transformer, running lines, and quality lights all add up. Sure, there are cheaper options, but quality counts for dependable lighting.
I think $4-5K makes more sense in a high cost of living area. I'm curious if anyone who's spent on wired lighting feels it was worth it versus going with solar options.
True, the brightness and battery life are significant factors, but you can snag a solar spotlight for about $50. Even if I had to replace it every three years, I’d still be saving money in the long run.