Best Landscape Lighting Installation in Illinois Ranked

A well-designed landscape lighting system transforms your Illinois property, extending its beauty and functionality into the evening hours. It enhances safety, security, and ambiance, allowing you to enjoy your outdoor spaces long after sunset. Finding the right professional for your project is key to a successful installation that meets your needs, complies with local codes, and provides lasting value. This guide provides the essential information to help you understand your options and connect with qualified experts in your area.

American National Sprinkler & Lighting

924 Turret Ct, Mundelein, IL 60060

American National Sprinkler & Lighting is a Chicago, IL-based company specializing in lawn sprinkler system installation, repair, and outdoor lighting services. Established in 1984, the company has grown from a small team to a large operation with over 40 vehicles and 80 employees. They focus on designing and maintaining reliable sprinkler and lighting systems, with a service approach that emphasizes quick scheduling and efficient repairs, often completed within one to two days. The company operates seven days a week to accommodate customer schedules and prioritizes minimizing the time clients need to be at home.

5.0

446 Reviews

Artistic Outdoor Lighting Chicagoland's Landscape Lighting

260 Cortland Ave #9, Lombard, IL 60148

Artistic Outdoor Lighting Chicagoland's Landscape Lighting specializes in landscape and outdoor lighting installation in the Chicago, IL area. They focus on enhancing home safety, security, and curb appeal through expert LED lighting designs that highlight architectural and landscape features. The company serves suburban Chicagoland communities including Lake Forest, Barrington, St. Charles, Hinsdale, Orland Park, Oak Brook, and Wilmette. Their process includes detailed nighttime demonstrations and precise installation plans to ensure customer satisfaction and accurate results. Artistic Outdoor Lighting emphasizes energy-efficient LED technology to provide durable and low-maintenance outdoor lighting solutions.

5.0

193 Reviews

Vivid Outdoor Lighting

13715 Lakeshore Ct, Manhattan, IL 60442

Vivid Outdoor Lighting is a landscape lighting installation company serving Chicago, IL, and its suburbs. They specialize in custom outdoor lighting designs that enhance the beauty and security of residential properties. Their services include accent, architectural, pool, patio, garden, path, peak, and waterscape lighting. With over seven years in the lighting business, Vivid Outdoor Lighting has completed more than 1,000 installations and offers annual maintenance programs and superior warranties to support their work.

5.0

170 Reviews

Humbug Holiday Lighting of Chicago

chicago

Humbug Holiday Lighting of Chicago specializes in holiday and landscape lighting installation for outdoor spaces in Chicago, IL. They handle the entire process from installing and configuring lights to troubleshooting and removal after the season. This service helps homeowners enjoy festive lighting without the hassle of setup, maintenance, or storage.

5.0

141 Reviews

Ascend Irrigation, Inc

813 E Washington St, West Chicago, IL 60185

Ascend Irrigation, Inc is a Chicago, IL-based company specializing in landscape lighting installation, yard drainage, grading, and sprinkler system services. They design and install tailored irrigation and drainage solutions that promote efficient water use and help maintain healthy, vibrant outdoor spaces. Their expertise includes advanced irrigation technologies aimed at minimizing water waste and comprehensive drainage systems to prevent water buildup and erosion. With years of experience, Ascend Irrigation, Inc serves both residential and commercial properties, focusing on sustainable landscaping and outdoor lighting enhancements.

5.0

137 Reviews

See more providers in Illinois

Understanding Your Lighting Options: Low Voltage vs. Line Voltage

The first major decision in planning your outdoor illumination is choosing between low-voltage and line-voltage systems. Each has distinct advantages and applications suited for different goals.

Low-Voltage (12V) Lighting is the most common choice for residential properties in Illinois. These systems use a transformer to convert your standard 120V household power down to a safer 12 volts ^{1 2}. This safety factor makes the wiring easier to handle and allows for more flexible, DIY-friendly installations. Low-voltage lighting excels at creating subtle, ambient effects-perfect for highlighting architectural features, garden beds, and pathways. The fixtures themselves often have a higher upfront cost, but the installation labor is typically less expensive than for line-voltage systems ².

Line-Voltage (120V) Lighting connects directly to your home's electrical system, providing brighter, more intense illumination ^{3 2}. This makes it ideal for applications requiring strong light output, such as security lighting for large driveways or illuminating expansive commercial properties. However, due to the significant shock hazard, installation must be performed by a licensed electrician. The wiring must be buried deeper (often 18 inches or in conduit) to meet electrical code, which increases labor costs ^{1 3}. While the individual fixtures may cost less, the total installed price is often higher.

Quick Comparison: Low Voltage vs. Line Voltage

Key Technical Considerations for an Illinois Installation

Beyond choosing a system type, several technical factors are crucial for a professional-grade result that performs reliably year-round.

Navigating Local Codes: Illinois municipalities can have specific requirements for outdoor electrical work. Always check with your local building department regarding necessary permits or if a licensed electrician is required, even for low-voltage systems. Adhering to code is not just about legality-it's about safety and ensuring your system is insurable ^{4 5}.

Managing Voltage Drop (For Low-Voltage Systems): This is a critical planning step. As electricity travels through wire, it loses power, which can cause lights at the end of a long wire run to appear dim. To combat this, professionals use thicker, lower-gauge wire (like 10-gauge instead of 12-gauge) for longer runs and calculate the total "load" of all fixtures to ensure the transformer is properly sized ^{6 7}. Proper planning prevents disappointing results.

Ensuring Safety and Durability: All outdoor electrical connections must be waterproof. Use weatherproof wire connectors and junction boxes designed for wet locations. For line-voltage installations, this is non-negotiable and will be handled by your electrician. For low-voltage, using quality, sealed components protects the system from Illinois' rain, snow, and humidity.

Popular Lighting Techniques and Fixture Types

A professional design uses a combination of techniques to create depth and interest. Here are the most common applications:

• Path Lighting: Low-level fixtures that illuminate walkways, steps, and driveways for safety and guidance. Fixtures are typically staggered on both sides of a path.
• Uplighting: Placed at the base of an object to shine light upward. This technique is dramatic for highlighting trees, architectural columns, or textured walls.
• Downlighting (or Moonlighting): Fixtures mounted high in a tree or on a structure to cast a soft, natural wash of light downward, mimicking moonlight. Excellent for illuminating patios or large planting beds.
• Grazing: Positioning a light very close to a surface (like a stone wall or fence) to emphasize its texture by casting long shadows.
• Silhouetting: Placing a light behind an object and aiming it at a nearby wall to create a dramatic dark silhouette of the object's shape.
• Accent/Spot Lighting: Used to draw attention to a specific focal point, such as a statue, water feature, or specimen plant.

Common fixture types include well lights (buried in the ground), bullet lights (adjustable for accent or uplight), path lights, floodlights, and step lights. LED technology is now the standard for its exceptional energy efficiency, long lifespan (often 25,000+ hours), and availability in warm color temperatures that complement outdoor spaces.

What to Expect: Costs in Illinois

The total investment for landscape lighting in Illinois varies widely based on system type, number and quality of fixtures, site complexity, and labor. Here is a general cost framework based on current data:

• Basic System (4-5 LED Fixtures): A small starter system can cost around $1,500 installed ⁸.
• Average Residential System (10-20 LED Fixtures): A comprehensive design for a typical home often falls in the range of $2,000 to $6,000 installed ^{2 9 10}.
• Cost Per Fixture (Installed): A common way to estimate is $100 to $500 per fixture, which includes the fixture, transformer capacity, wiring, and professional labor. The wide range accounts for fixture quality (cast brass vs. plastic) and installation difficulty ^{9 10}.

Remember, low-voltage systems tend to have a higher fixture cost but lower installation cost, while line-voltage has lower fixture costs but higher installation costs due to electrician rates and deeper trenching ². Always request a detailed, itemized quote from your installer.

Planning Your Project: A Step-by-Step Guide

1. Define Your Goals: Start with a wish list. Is your priority safety on a dark path, security for the backyard, or entertaining ambiance on the patio? Your goals will guide the design.
2. Create a Rough Sketch: Draw a simple plan of your property. Mark your home's location, outbuildings, patios, paths, trees, and the features you want to highlight.
3. Determine Power Access: Identify where you can access an outdoor GFCI electrical outlet for a low-voltage transformer, or where a line-voltage system can be tied into your home's main panel.
4. Select Your System Type: Based on your goals, budget, and DIY comfort level, decide between a low-voltage or line-voltage system. For most residential ambiance, low-voltage is the recommended starting point.
5. Calculate Your Load: For low-voltage, list all potential fixtures with their wattage (or wattage equivalent for LEDs). Ensure the total does not exceed 80% of your transformer's capacity for optimal performance and longevity ^{11 7}.
6. Consult with Professionals: This is the most important step. Share your sketch and goals with experienced installers. They can provide expert design advice, handle complex calculations, ensure code compliance, and source professional-grade materials.

Maintaining Your Landscape Lighting System

To keep your system looking and performing its best with Illinois' changing seasons:

• Clean Fixtures Regularly: Wipe lenses and housings with a damp cloth to remove dirt, pollen, and debris that block light.
• Trim Plant Growth: Keep shrubs and grasses trimmed back from light fixtures to maintain the intended lighting effect and prevent overheating.
• Check for Damage: After winter storms or major yard work, inspect wires and fixtures for damage. Look for frayed wires, cracked housings, or standing water in fixtures.
• Adjust as Needed: Soil settling or plant growth can shift fixture aim. Periodically check and readjust lights to maintain the perfect angle.
• Winter Considerations: While LED systems are durable, you may choose to remove and store path lights in areas where heavy snow plowing occurs.

Frequently asked questions

Sources