Best Landscape Lighting Installation in Ohio Ranked

Outdoor lighting transforms your property, enhancing safety, security, and curb appeal after sunset. In Ohio, professional landscape lighting installation involves choosing the right system for your goals and navigating local requirements. This guide explains the key considerations, from system types and costs to Ohio-specific regulations, helping you connect with qualified local experts who can bring your vision to life.

Light Up Columbus

7455 Daron Ct Unit 300, Plain City, OH 43064

Light Up Columbus is a landscape and outdoor lighting company based in Columbus, OH. They specialize in creating customized lighting displays for homes, businesses, and public spaces throughout Central Ohio. Their services include design, installation, and maintenance of landscape, architectural, holiday, and event lighting, with a notable capability in customizable LED lighting controlled via an app. With nearly 20 years of experience, Light Up Columbus combines artistic design with technical expertise. They offer 24/7 availability for consultations and service.

5.0

118 Reviews

Flores Landscapes - Sergio Flores

2176 US-42, Delaware, OH 43015

Flores Landscapes - Sergio Flores is a full-service landscaping and hardscaping company based in Columbus, OH. They offer a wide range of outdoor services including lawn care, sod installation, artificial turf, landscape lighting, tree services, and hardscaping features such as patios, pathways, retaining walls, fire pits, and outdoor kitchens. With over 18 years of experience, Flores Landscapes serves the Central Ohio area, focusing on creating and maintaining outdoor living spaces that meet client visions. Their capabilities include custom outdoor entertainment areas and comprehensive landscape maintenance.

5.0

107 Reviews

Hydrotech Irrigation Services

Powell, OH 43065

Hydrotech Irrigation Services is a company based in Columbus, OH, specializing in residential and commercial irrigation and outdoor lighting. They offer custom sprinkler system installations with weather automation and Bluetooth features, as well as landscape lighting solutions with smart controls. The company has been serving Powell, Columbus, Hillard, Marysville, and surrounding areas for over 10 years. Hydrotech also has experience designing and building irrigation systems for sports fields and provides workmanship warranties on their projects.

4.9

195 Reviews

Outdoor Lighting Perspectives of Columbus

columbus

Outdoor Lighting Perspectives of Columbus specializes in low-voltage outdoor lighting installation in Columbus, OH. They offer a range of services including landscape lighting, deck and patio lighting, pathway lighting, and custom lighting designs for residential and commercial properties. With over 20 years of experience backed by a national brand, they focus on creating lighting solutions that enhance property aesthetics and provide lasting performance. The company also offers maintenance services to keep installations in good condition after setup.

4.9

183 Reviews

Humbug Holiday Lighting of Pickerington-Reynoldsburg-Canal Winchester

columbus

Humbug Holiday Lighting of Pickerington-Reynoldsburg-Canal Winchester provides holiday and outdoor landscape lighting installation services in Columbus, OH. They specialize in installing and uninstalling holiday lights, managing electrical setups, and handling storage needs to help customers enjoy festive home decorations without the usual effort. Their services focus on making holiday lighting convenient and visually appealing for local residents.

5.0

63 Reviews

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Understanding Your Lighting System Options

The first and most critical decision in any landscape lighting project is choosing between low-voltage and line-voltage systems. Each serves distinct purposes and comes with different installation requirements.

Low-Voltage (12V) Lighting is the most popular choice for residential properties in Ohio ¹. This system uses a transformer to reduce standard household current from 120 volts to a safer 12 volts. The lower voltage makes the wiring safer to handle, allows for easier adjustments, and is ideal for creating ambiance. Low-voltage lights are perfect for illuminating walkways, highlighting architectural features or garden beds, and adding soft glow to patios and decks ².

Line-Voltage (120V) Lighting uses standard household current and is typically reserved for applications requiring high-intensity illumination ¹. This includes security floodlights, bright porch or wall sconces, and task lighting for outdoor kitchens or workspaces. Due to the significant shock hazard, line-voltage installations require a licensed electrician, must be placed in conduit, or buried at a significant depth (often 18-24 inches) according to code ^{2 3}. It is not a DIY-friendly option.

Key Differences: Safety, Installation, and Application

Choosing between low-voltage and line-voltage systems hinges on three main factors: safety, installation complexity, and intended use.

• Safety: Low-voltage systems pose a minimal shock risk, making them much safer for homeowners and during installation ⁴. Line-voltage systems carry the same hazard as any indoor household circuit and must be treated with extreme caution.
• Installation: A significant advantage of low-voltage lighting is its DIY potential. Homeowners can often install these systems themselves, though checking local regulations is essential ⁵. The wiring is simpler, requiring only shallow burial or placement under mulch. Line-voltage installation is not DIY; it requires a professional electrician to ensure compliance with the National Electrical Code (NEC) and local amendments ^{3 4}.
• Application: Match the system to your goal. Use low-voltage lighting for accent, ambiance, and subtle path lighting. Choose line-voltage for areas that need powerful, broad illumination for security or specific tasks ^{1 2}.

Ohio-Specific Codes and Planning Considerations

While the NEC provides a national framework, local municipalities in Ohio may have specific amendments. Always verify requirements with your local building department before starting any project.

For Line-Voltage (120V) Systems: Professional installation is mandatory. An electrician will handle permits, ensure proper conduit use or burial depth, and connect to your home's electrical panel safely ³.

For Low-Voltage (12V) Systems: You generally do not need a licensed electrician, and permits are often not required ⁵. However, responsible planning is crucial:

• Transformer Placement: The transformer must be plugged into a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) protected outdoor outlet. It should be placed in a location that is accessible for future maintenance but protected from direct weather exposure if possible ⁶.
• Wire Sizing and Voltage Drop: This is the most common mistake in DIY low-voltage projects. As electricity travels through wire, it loses power (voltage). Using wire that is too thin for the length of your run or the number of fixtures will result in dim lights at the end of the line. For longer runs, a thicker gauge wire (like 10-gauge instead of 12- or 14-gauge) is necessary to minimize this drop ^{7 8}.
• Load Calculation: Your transformer must be sized correctly for the total wattage of all your lights, plus a buffer for future expansion. A common rule is to choose a transformer with a wattage capacity at least 20% higher than your total fixture wattage ⁹.

Cost of Landscape Lighting in Ohio

The investment for landscape lighting varies widely based on system type, fixture quality, and project scope. Understanding the cost components helps in budgeting effectively.

Average Total System Cost: For a complete professional installation covering key areas of a typical Ohio home, most homeowners spend between $2,000 and $6,000, with an average around $3,500 ^{10 11}. A basic, smaller system can start as low as $800 to $1,000, while extensive projects with premium, architectural-grade fixtures can easily exceed $10,000 ^{10 12}.

Cost Per Fixture: Fixtures are typically priced individually, ranging from $100 to over $500 each ¹⁰. Simple path lights cost less, while specialized well lights, bullet spotlights, or decorative lanterns command higher prices. The cost includes the fixture itself and the labor to install it.

Factors Influencing Cost:

• System Type: A line-voltage system often costs more due to the required electrician labor, conduit, and deeper trenching.
• Fixture Material & Quality: Brass, copper, and heavy-gauge aluminum fixtures last longer in Ohio's variable climate but cost more than plastic or thin metal options.
• Bulb Type: LED fixtures have a higher upfront cost but use minimal energy and can last for decades, offering long-term savings over halogen bulbs.
• Site Complexity: Installing lights in rocky soil, on retaining walls, or in mature landscaping with established root systems increases labor time.
• Control Systems: Adding timers, dimmers, dusk-to-dawn sensors, or smart home integration (like Wi-Fi or app control) adds to the project cost.

Design Principles for Effective Outdoor Lighting

A professional-looking installation follows core design principles to create a cohesive and beautiful effect.

• Layer the Light: Combine different types of lighting for depth. Use path lights for safety, uplights to graze trees or walls, and downlights from trees or structures to create moonlight effects.
• Avoid Light Trespass and Glare: Fixtures should be carefully aimed to illuminate your property without shining directly into neighbors' windows or the eyes of visitors. Use shields and choose fixtures with proper cut-offs.
• Highlight Focal Points: Draw attention to your home's best features-an architectural detail, a beautiful tree, or a water feature-while leaving less attractive areas in shadow.
• Less is Often More: Overlighting a space can make it feel sterile or harsh. The goal is to create pools of light that guide the eye and create intrigue, not to turn night into day.

Maintenance for Longevity in Ohio's Climate

Ohio's seasons-from humid summers to freezing, snowy winters-demand durable fixtures and simple upkeep.

• Seasonal Adjustments: Trim back plant growth that may block light beams in the spring and summer. After winter frost heave, check that path lights are still straight and stable.
• Cleaning: Periodically wipe lenses and fixture housings with a damp cloth to remove dirt, pollen, and debris that can reduce light output.
• Bulb Replacement: Even long-life LEDs will eventually need replacing. Ensure fixtures are cool before touching them.
• Transformer and Connection Check: Inspect the transformer for proper operation and ensure wire connections at the transformer and any splice points remain tight and waterproof.

Finding the Right Professional in Ohio

For a seamless and code-compliant installation, especially for line-voltage work or complex low-voltage designs, working with a professional is advisable. Look for providers with specific experience in outdoor lighting, who can provide a detailed plan, explain their product warranties, and offer examples of past work. They should be knowledgeable about Ohio's climate challenges and able to advise on the most durable materials and installation techniques for lasting performance.

Frequently asked questions

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