Outdoor lighting can make a garden safer, easier to use after dark and much more attractive, but the cost varies enormously depending on whether you want one simple wall light or a complete professionally wired garden lighting scheme.
In the UK in 2026, a basic outdoor light installation can cost around £100–£250, while a small garden lighting project with several fittings may cost around £500–£1,500. Larger professionally designed schemes with buried armoured cable, multiple lighting zones, smart controls and premium fittings can reach £2,000–£5,000 or more.
The biggest factor is usually not the price of the light fitting itself. It is how the electrician gets a safe electrical supply to the required location.
Replacing an existing exterior wall light can be relatively straightforward. Running new power through the garden to illuminate trees, paths, steps and a garden room requires considerably more work.
This guide explains how much outdoor lighting costs to install in the UK in 2026, including electrician charges, garden lights, security lighting, cabling, smart controls and the factors that can push the price higher.
If you’re still deciding what type of lighting you want, our guide to garden lighting ideas can help you plan the design before asking electricians for quotes.
Average outdoor lighting installation cost in the UK
For budgeting, these are useful broad 2026 ranges:
| Outdoor lighting job | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| Replace existing exterior wall light | £100–£180 |
| Install one new outdoor wall light | £150–£300 |
| Install security/PIR light | £150–£300 |
| Install 4–6 garden lights | £500–£1,200 |
| Small garden lighting scheme | £500–£1,500 |
| Medium landscaped garden lighting | £1,000–£2,500 |
| Large/premium garden lighting scheme | £2,000–£5,000+ |
| Outdoor socket | £150–£300+ |
| Electrician labour | Around £45–£80 per hour |
| Garden light fitting | £20–£300+ each |
These are budgeting figures rather than fixed quotations.
The final price depends heavily on:
- existing electrical supply;
- distance from the house;
- number of lights;
- cable route;
- trenching;
- garden surfaces;
- controls;
- quality of fittings.
How much does it cost to install one outdoor light?
If there is already a suitable electrical supply nearby, fitting one outdoor light may cost around:
£100–£250
including labour but usually excluding an expensive decorative fitting.
For example, replacing an existing exterior light beside a back door can be relatively straightforward.
The electrician may only need to:
- safely isolate the circuit;
- remove the existing fitting;
- check the wiring;
- install the new light;
- seal and secure it correctly;
- test the circuit.
The project becomes more expensive if there is no existing supply.
How much does a new exterior wall light point cost?
Installing a light where no fitting previously existed may cost around:
£150–£300+
because additional wiring is required.
The electrician may need to run cable through:
- loft;
- wall cavity;
- kitchen;
- garage;
- utility area.
They may also need to install or modify a switch.
If the cable route is awkward, the installation can take considerably longer than mounting the light itself.
How much does an outdoor light fitting cost?
Outdoor lights vary enormously in price.
Basic wall light
Around:
£20–£60
Modern exterior wall light
Around:
£40–£120
PIR security light
Around:
£30–£150
Garden spike light
Around:
£20–£100 each
In-ground light
Around:
£40–£150+ each
Premium architectural light
Around:
£100–£300+ each
Designer fixtures can go significantly higher.
If you need ten lights, product choice alone can therefore change your budget by more than £1,000.
How much does it cost to install garden lighting?
A small professional garden lighting setup can cost approximately:
£500–£1,500
while more substantial schemes can cost:
£1,500–£5,000+.
For example, a garden lighting project might include:
- path lights;
- tree uplights;
- step lighting;
- patio wall lights;
- power supply;
- cable;
- transformer or drivers where required;
- controls.
The price depends on how much infrastructure needs installing below or around the garden.
Example cost for six garden lights
Imagine you want six garden lights.
Lights: 6 × £60 = £360
Cable and electrical materials: £150
Electrician labour: £400
Testing and installation: £100
Example total: £1,010
This is only an illustrative example.
If the same lights require significant trenching and long cable runs, the price could be much higher.
Why is garden lighting more expensive than indoor lighting?
The outside environment creates additional installation requirements.
Outdoor electrical systems need to cope with:
- rain;
- moisture;
- temperature changes;
- physical damage;
- soil;
- gardening activity.
Cabling also needs suitable protection.
A garden light 20 metres from the house requires far more installation work than a ceiling light connected to existing wiring indoors.
What cable is used for garden lighting?
The exact cable and installation method depend on the system and route.
For many mains-powered outdoor installations, appropriately specified armoured cable may be used because it provides physical protection.
The electrician will determine:
- cable type;
- size;
- route;
- protection;
- circuit arrangement
based on the installation.
Do not simply bury ordinary indoor flex in the garden.
Outdoor electrical installations need to be designed appropriately for their environment.
How much does buried garden cable cost?
There is no useful universal per-metre price because trenching conditions vary enormously.
A short run through soft soil may be relatively simple.
Running cable beneath:
- paving;
- concrete;
- driveway;
- established landscaping;
can cost substantially more.
If excavation is needed, garden reinstatement may also need to be included.
This is why outdoor electrics should ideally be planned before landscaping is completed.
Is it cheaper to install outdoor lighting during landscaping?
Usually, yes.
If the garden is already being excavated for:
- paving;
- drainage;
- new lawn;
- retaining walls;
- garden rooms;
it can be an excellent opportunity to install electrical infrastructure.
Cable routes and ducts can be planned before the final surfaces go down.
Trying to add the same lights afterwards may mean lifting expensive finished paving.
How much does it cost to install pathway lights?
A basic path lighting project might cost around:
£500–£1,200
depending on the number of fittings and wiring.
Path lights can include:
- bollards;
- low-level posts;
- recessed lights;
- spike lights.
The installation cost often depends more on cable routing than the lights.
Our guide to garden lighting ideas covers different ways to illuminate paths without making the garden look like an airport runway.
How much does tree uplighting cost?
Tree uplighting can be relatively affordable once the electrical infrastructure exists.
A suitable garden spotlight may cost:
£30–£150+
while professional installation adds labour and cabling.
Several trees illuminated as part of one system can therefore be more economical than arranging separate visits.
Uplighting works particularly well for:
- mature trees;
- architectural planting;
- feature walls;
- large shrubs.
How much does patio lighting cost?
A patio lighting project might cost around:
£400–£1,500+
depending on the scheme.
You could combine:
- wall lights;
- step lights;
- overhead lighting;
- planter lighting;
- recessed fittings.
If the patio is being constructed from scratch, install conduits or suitable cable routes before paving.
How much does deck lighting cost?
Deck lighting can cost around:
£400–£1,500+
depending on deck size and number of fittings.
Recessed LED deck lights can create a subtle effect around:
- steps;
- edges;
- seating areas.
Access beneath the deck can make cable installation relatively easy in some cases.
How much does outdoor step lighting cost?
Step lights are especially useful because they combine design with safety.
A single integrated fitting may cost around:
£30–£120+
but installing multiple lights requires cable routes through or around the steps.
If steps are being constructed as part of landscaping, plan the lighting at the same time.
Retrofitting wiring into finished masonry can be much more difficult.
How much does security lighting cost?
A typical PIR security light installation may cost around:
£150–£300
assuming the electrician can access a suitable nearby supply.
The fitting itself might cost:
£30–£150+
depending on:
- brightness;
- sensor range;
- adjustability;
- smart features;
- camera integration.
Security lighting should illuminate useful areas without unnecessarily shining into neighbouring properties.
PIR lighting vs permanently switched lighting
PIR lighting
Activates when movement is detected.
Useful for:
- driveways;
- side passages;
- entrances;
- security areas.
Switched lighting
Controlled manually.
Useful for:
- patios;
- entertaining;
- decorative garden lighting.
Many gardens use both.
For example:
PIR security light at side gate
plus:
manually controlled decorative patio lighting.
How much does smart outdoor lighting cost?
Smart outdoor lighting can range from a few smart bulbs to a complete professionally controlled system.
A small setup might cost:
£200–£500
while a larger smart garden system can cost:
£1,000–£3,000+.
Features may include:
- phone control;
- schedules;
- timers;
- dimming;
- colour change;
- motion automation;
- sunset/sunrise activation.
Do not spend heavily on smart controls before getting the basic lighting layout right.
A badly positioned smart spotlight is still badly positioned.
Can outdoor lights come on automatically at sunset?
Yes.
Controls can include:
- photocells;
- astronomical timers;
- smart-home schedules.
This can be useful for decorative lighting.
Instead of manually switching garden lights on every evening, they can activate around sunset and switch off later.
Timers also prevent lights running unnecessarily all night.
How much does it cost to add an outdoor socket?
Installing an outdoor socket typically costs around:
£150–£300+
depending on the cable route and existing electrical installation.
An outside socket is useful for:
- lawn equipment;
- pressure washer;
- garden tools;
- outdoor entertainment.
If garden lighting and an outdoor socket are both needed, installing them during the same electrical project may be more efficient.
For broader socket pricing, see our guide to how much extra sockets cost to install.
Can garden lighting and sockets use the same circuit?
Possibly, depending on the electrical design.
The electrician needs to consider:
- load;
- circuit protection;
- cable size;
- existing installation.
Do not assume the nearest indoor socket can simply be extended indefinitely throughout the garden.
The system should be designed for the intended use.
Does outdoor lighting need RCD protection?
Outdoor electrical equipment generally requires appropriate protection due to the increased risks associated with outdoor environments.
The electrician will assess:
- circuit;
- consumer unit;
- protective devices;
- installation method.
If your consumer unit is older, the electrician may identify upgrades needed before additional outdoor circuits can be installed.
What IP rating should outdoor lights have?
Outdoor fittings need a level of protection appropriate for their location.
You will commonly see IP ratings such as:
- IP44;
- IP54;
- IP65;
- IP67.
But there is no single rating that is automatically right for every exterior light.
A sheltered wall light under a porch has different exposure from an in-ground fitting that may sit in heavy rain.
Choose fittings designed for the exact environment.
What does IP65 mean?
An IP rating describes protection against:
- solid objects/dust;
- water.
The first digit refers broadly to solids.
The second relates to water ingress.
An IP65 fitting provides a high level of dust protection and protection against water jets, but suitability still depends on the installation location.
Do not select purely by the number without considering what the fitting is designed for.
Do outdoor lights need a qualified electrician?
For fixed mains electrical installations, using a qualified electrician is the sensible approach.
The electrician can make sure:
- cable is appropriate;
- circuit protection is correct;
- connections are suitable for outdoor conditions;
- installation is tested.
Solar lights and some plug-in low-voltage systems are different because they may not require alterations to fixed wiring.
Solar outdoor lights vs wired lights
Solar lighting is considerably cheaper to install because no electrical cable is required.
Solar lighting advantages
- simple installation;
- no electrician;
- low purchase price;
- easy to reposition.
Solar lighting disadvantages
- brightness varies;
- battery performance declines;
- dependent on sunlight;
- less suitable for strong task/security lighting.
Wired lighting generally provides more reliable output.
Are solar garden lights worth it?
They can be excellent for inexpensive decorative lighting.
Use them for:
- borders;
- small paths;
- planters.
For areas where reliable illumination is important, such as:
- steps;
- entrances;
- security zones,
professionally wired lighting can be more dependable.
Low-voltage vs mains garden lighting
Some garden lighting systems operate at low voltage through a transformer.
Advantages can include:
- easier layout changes;
- suitability for particular garden systems.
Mains-powered systems can provide strong performance but require more careful electrical installation.
The best approach depends on:
- garden size;
- fitting type;
- desired brightness;
- installation route.
How many outdoor lights do I need?
More is not always better.
One of the most common landscaping mistakes is illuminating every feature.
Instead, choose focal points.
For example:
- one tree;
- main path;
- steps;
- seating area;
- feature wall.
Darkness is part of good outdoor lighting design.
Contrast makes the illuminated areas stand out.
What colour temperature is best for garden lighting?
Warm white is particularly popular because it creates a softer appearance around:
- plants;
- stone;
- timber;
- brick.
Very cold white light can sometimes make a residential garden feel harsh.
For decorative garden lighting, around 2700K–3000K is often chosen for a warmer effect.
Security and utility lighting may use a different temperature depending on preference.
Should all outdoor lights be the same colour temperature?
Usually, keeping decorative lighting relatively consistent creates a more professional appearance.
Imagine:
warm tree lights + blue-white path lights + yellow wall lights.
The combination can look accidental.
You can vary brightness and beam angle while keeping the overall tone coordinated.
How much electricity does garden lighting use?
Modern LED outdoor lighting can use relatively little electricity.
For example, ten 5W lights use:
10 × 5W = 50W
If they run for five hours:
0.05 kW × 5 = 0.25 kWh
The cost then depends on your electricity tariff.
Timers and sensors can reduce unnecessary use further.
LED outdoor lighting vs halogen
LED is now generally the practical choice for most residential exterior lighting.
Advantages include:
- lower energy consumption;
- long operating life;
- low heat output;
- wide range of colour temperatures.
Older halogen systems can consume significantly more electricity for similar lighting.
Does garden lighting improve home security?
It can improve visibility around:
- entrances;
- pathways;
- side passages;
- driveways.
Motion-activated lighting may also draw attention to movement.
However, lighting is only one part of home security.
If security is a major priority, it can be combined with cameras or other measures.
Our 2026 CCTV installation cost guide explains the cost of professional camera systems.
Outdoor lighting and CCTV: should they be installed together?
This can make sense.
Both systems may need:
- exterior cable routes;
- electrical supplies;
- access to similar parts of the house.
Planning them together can reduce duplicated disruption.
Lighting can also improve camera visibility at night, although many modern cameras have their own night-vision technology.
How much does driveway lighting cost?
A driveway lighting project may cost:
£500–£2,000+
depending on size.
Options include:
- wall lights;
- bollards;
- recessed driveway lights;
- gatepost lighting;
- PIR security lights.
Installing cable beneath a finished driveway is much more difficult than installing it during construction.
How much does garden-room lighting cost?
If the garden room already has an electrical supply, adding exterior lights may be relatively straightforward.
If power needs running from the house, the complete electrical project can cost considerably more.
Garden room electrics may include:
- sockets;
- internal lighting;
- exterior lighting;
- heating;
- network connections.
It is usually better to plan all of these together.
Should I install lighting before or after planting?
Ideally, plan lighting after the main landscape design is known but before everything is finished.
You need to know:
- where trees will be;
- where paths go;
- where seating sits.
But installing cable before all finished surfaces are complete is much easier.
For mature planting, route cable carefully to avoid unnecessary root damage.
What happens if I want to add lights later?
You can.
However, adding lights after the garden is completed may require:
- lifting paving;
- digging lawns;
- disturbing borders.
One sensible strategy during a renovation is installing spare ducting to future areas even if you do not buy every light immediately.
This can make future upgrades easier.
What should an outdoor lighting quote include?
Ask whether the quote covers:
- light fittings;
- cable;
- electrical accessories;
- trenching;
- outdoor junction boxes;
- transformer/drivers;
- switches;
- controls;
- testing;
- making good;
- VAT where applicable.
Also ask who is responsible for reinstating:
- lawn;
- paving;
- borders.
An electrician may install the electrical system but not carry out landscaping repairs.
Example outdoor lighting budgets
Example 1: back-door wall light
Light: £50
Labour: £100
Estimated total: £150
Example 2: patio lighting
Four lights: £240
Cable/materials: £150
Labour: £400
Estimated total: £790
Example 3: full garden scheme
Twelve premium lights: £1,200
Cable and controls: £500
Electrical installation: £1,000
Groundworks: £600
Estimated total: £3,300
These examples illustrate how quickly scale changes the budget.
Is £1,000 expensive for garden lighting?
Not necessarily.
For several professionally installed lights with new external cabling, £1,000 can be perfectly reasonable.
Ask:
- how many lights;
- cable length;
- trenching;
- controls;
- fittings
are included.
£1,000 for one basic wall light would clearly be a different matter.
Can outdoor lighting add value to a garden?
Good lighting can certainly improve how the outdoor space looks and functions in the evening.
It can make:
- seating areas more usable;
- paths easier to navigate;
- landscaping more dramatic.
But there is no guaranteed monetary increase in property value.
Install it because it improves the home rather than relying on a fixed investment return.
How can I reduce outdoor lighting installation costs?
Install during landscaping
Avoid reopening completed surfaces.
Use fewer, better-positioned lights
You do not need to illuminate everything.
Keep cable runs efficient
Long routes increase labour and materials.
Group the work
Add lighting and outdoor sockets together.
Use solar lights where appropriate
Ideal for non-critical decorative areas.
Use LED fittings
Lower long-term electricity use.
Common outdoor lighting mistakes
Installing too many lights
Darkness creates contrast.
Choosing very cold white lighting everywhere
It can make gardens feel harsh.
Using indoor fittings outside
Use equipment suitable for exterior conditions.
Forgetting cable routes during landscaping
Plan early.
Positioning uplights where they cause glare
Aim them carefully.
Lighting neighbours’ windows
Keep beams within your own space where possible.
Choosing fittings before designing the scheme
Decide what you actually want to illuminate first.
Ignoring future maintenance
Make sure fittings and connections remain accessible.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to install outdoor lighting in the UK?
A single exterior light can cost around £100–£250, while a small professionally wired garden lighting scheme commonly costs around £500–£1,500. Larger systems can cost £2,000–£5,000 or more.
How much does an electrician charge to install an outdoor light?
A straightforward fitting may cost around £100–£250, depending on whether suitable wiring already exists.
How much does garden lighting cost?
For several professionally installed lights, budget around £500–£1,500 for a smaller scheme and £1,000–£2,500+ for more substantial gardens.
Is outdoor lighting expensive to run?
Modern LED garden lighting can consume relatively little electricity. The total depends on wattage, number of lights and hours of use.
Do outdoor lights need an electrician?
Fixed mains-powered exterior lighting should generally be installed by a qualified electrician. Solar and some plug-in systems may not require fixed-wiring work.
Is solar lighting cheaper than wired garden lighting?
Yes, substantially, because no buried electrical supply is needed. However, wired lighting generally provides more reliable illumination.
Can I add an outdoor socket at the same time?
Yes. Combining the two projects can make sense if new exterior wiring is already being installed.
Can CCTV and security lighting be installed together?
Yes. Planning both together can reduce duplicated cable routes and disruption.
Final thoughts: how much should you budget for outdoor lighting?
For a single straightforward exterior fitting, £100–£250 is a sensible 2026 starting budget.
For a small professionally wired garden scheme, expect approximately:
£500–£1,500
while larger designs involving:
multiple zones + premium lights + buried cable + smart controls
can move towards:
£2,000–£5,000+.
The best way to control the cost is to plan the lighting before landscaping is finished and illuminate only the areas that genuinely benefit from it.
For design inspiration, see our 15 garden lighting ideas.
If you also need outdoor power, our guide to extra socket installation costs can help you plan the electrical side.
And if lighting forms part of a wider home-security upgrade, our CCTV installation cost guide explains what professional camera systems can cost.
When you’re ready to get the work done, you can use The Right Guy to discover local electricians, landscapers and home-security professionals.
Author: The Right Guy Team
UK service guides published by The Right Guy Ltd.