At Reliable Design-Build-Remodel, we know that great homes aren’t just built—they’re illuminated with care, intention, and personality. Outdoor lighting is one of the most effective ways to enhance your home’s curb appeal, increase safety, and create a welcoming ambiance. Whether you’re looking to enjoy peaceful evenings on the patio or highlight your home’s architectural features, thoughtful lighting can make all the difference. Today, we’re answering some of the most common questions we hear from Birmingham homeowners about outdoor lighting.
What lighting is best for outdoor lighting?
Choosing the best lighting for your outdoor spaces depends on the function and style you’re aiming to achieve. For general illumination, LED lights are a top choice because they are energy-efficient, long-lasting, and available in various color temperatures to match your aesthetic. Pathway lights, floodlights, and spotlights serve functional purposes, like guiding guests safely or deterring intruders. Meanwhile, string lights, lanterns, and deck lights provide a softer, more decorative touch. We often recommend a layered lighting approach that mixes ambient, task, and accent lighting—similar to what you’d use inside your home—to create an outdoor space that’s both beautiful and functional.
What is the rule of thumb for outdoor lighting?
A simple rule of thumb we like to share is the “less is more” approach—especially when it comes to residential settings. Over-lighting can wash out your landscaping, cause glare, and reduce the relaxing atmosphere you’re trying to create. Focus on key areas: entries, paths, driveways, gathering spaces, and landscape features. Use lower lumen lights (around 100-300 lumens) for ambient lighting and higher lumen lights (700+ lumens) for security and spotlighting. Another practical rule? Fixtures should be spaced about 6-8 feet apart for pathways and 8-10 feet apart for larger areas. And don’t forget to use timers or motion sensors to maximize efficiency.
What is the average cost of installing outdoor lighting?
Installation costs for outdoor lighting can vary widely depending on the scope of your project. On average, homeowners in the Birmingham area spend between $2,000 and $6,000 for a professionally installed outdoor lighting system. This includes materials, labor, and design planning. A basic package might consist of a few path lights and a spotlight or two, while more elaborate systems could include uplighting for trees, deck lighting, and custom controls. If you go insane with it, your lighting budget can be in the tens of thousands of dollars, but if you’re going basic, it’ll be $2,000-$6,000 dollars.
Are outdoor lights expensive to run?
Not necessarily—especially if you’re using modern LED technology. LED outdoor lighting systems use about 80-90% less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs, and they last significantly longer—often up to 50,000 hours. To put it in perspective, a typical LED landscape light uses 4 to 8 watts, compared to the 35 to 50 watts used by older systems. With timers, motion sensors, and smart home integration, you can ensure your lights are only on when needed, reducing energy usage and monthly costs. In short, with the right setup, outdoor lighting is very affordable to maintain and operate.
Where should uplighting be placed outside?
Uplighting is one of our favorite techniques to dramatically enhance the look of your home and landscaping at night. These lights are typically placed at ground level, angled upward, to highlight architectural details, trees, sculptures, or textured walls. In Birmingham’s beautiful wooded neighborhoods, uplighting is perfect for showcasing tall trees or creating a sense of depth in your yard. We recommend placing uplights 12 to 18 inches away from the base of a tree or structure for a natural, soft spread of light. Be sure to shield uplights to prevent glare and aim them carefully so they draw the eye upward without spilling light into unwanted areas like windows or neighboring properties.
Outdoor lighting is more than just a practical necessity—it’s a key element in creating a home that feels safe, inviting, and distinctly yours. Whether you’re illuminating a cozy front porch, adding drama to your landscaping, or increasing security with motion-activated lights, there’s a solution for every style and budget. At Reliable Design-Build-Remodel, we believe your outdoor spaces should shine just as brightly as your indoor ones.
Reliable Design-Build-Remodel is a full service general construction firm and remodeling contractor operating in the Birmingham metro and Jefferson and Shelby County areas and surrounding communities, including Birmingham, Helena, Chelsea, Mountain Brook, Hoover, Homewood, Montevallo, Alabaster, Vestavia Hills, and Pelham, with over 30 years of servicing our valued clients. Offering full service suite of general remodeling, design and build services. Our specialties include bathroom remodeling, kitchen remodeling, exterior renovations, interior renovations, painting, and more!
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