Author: Dominion Lightworks

Thinking about lighting up your house with permanent trim lights?

You’re not alone. More and more homeowners in Virginia are ditching the ladders and tangled holiday lights for a clean, year-round setup that looks amazing in every season.

These lights are sleek, smart, and built to last. Plus, they take your curb appeal up a notch – without any extra work once they’re up.

But let’s get real: one of the first things you probably want to know is how much this all costs.

In this post we’ll shed some light on how much trim lights cost, and the factors that affect your final bill. We’ll also break down our permanent trim lighting prices.

How Much Does Trim Lights Cost?

Trim light installations cost somewhere between $20 and $35 per linear foot in Virginia.

So, for a house with about 150 feet of roofline, you’re looking at a ballpark of $3,000 to $5,250.

If your house has more corners, levels, or extra trim, that number can climb. Bigger homes with around 250 to 400 feet of roofline might land in the $6,000 to $12,000 range.

DIY kits are an option too. You can save money upfront, but it means handling everything yourself like ladder work, wiring, mounting, and making it all look clean. Materials alone for DIY usually cost around $12 to $18 per foot, depending on the quality you go for.

So in short:

• Pro install (with materials and labor): $20 – $35 per foot
• DIY (materials only): $12 – $18 per foot
• Small homes: $3,000 to $5,000
• Larger homes: $6,000+ and up

Let’s get into what makes that number go up or down in a sec.

Also Read: How Much Does Christmas Light Installation Cost?

Our Permanent Trim Light Prices

At Dominion Lightworks, we offer two main types of permanent trim lighting:

• Outward-facing
• Under-soffit lighting

Both look great, and both fall in about the same price range. Most of the time, you can expect to pay between $25 and $35 per linear foot, depending on how complex the install is.

Things like the number of cuts, angles, roof breaks, and dormers can affect the total. So, homes with simpler rooflines tend to be on the lower end of that range.

Most residential jobs can expect to spend $2,500 – $4,500 on the front fascia.

Factors That Affect The Cost Of Trim Lights

There are quite a few things that play into the final price. Some are obvious like how big your house is while others might surprise you.

Here’s what really matters when figuring out how much you’ll pay:

#1 Total Linear Feet

This one’s pretty obvious, but it’s worth mentioning.

The more roofline you want covered, the more you’re going to pay.

Most contractors measure the perimeter of your roofline where you want the lights installed. If your roofline is straightforward with just a few peaks and turns, that keeps things cheaper.

But if it wraps around, has a bunch of angles, or includes back patios or garages, it adds up fast.

And while more feet = more money, some installers offer discounts for bigger jobs. So your per-foot cost might actually go down a little with larger installs.

Also Read: Is Uplighting Worth It?

#2 Home Complexity

Got a simple ranch house with clean rooflines? Lucky you.

Your installation is going to be way cheaper than your neighbor with the Victorian-style home that has more peaks and valleys than the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Complex rooflines mean more cuts, more connections, and more time for installation. Every corner, peak, and architectural detail adds to the labor cost. Multi-story homes require ladders, scaffolding, or even lifts in some cases.

So if your house has a lot of dormers, bay windows, or intricate trim work, expect to pay more.

It’s not just about the difficulty. It’s about the time it takes to do the job right.

#3 Type Of Trim Light System

There’s a wide range of trim light systems out there.

Some are basic, with limited colors and simple settings. Others are full-blown smart lighting setups with an app, scheduling, color-changing zones, and music syncing.

The fancier the tech, the higher the price.

Smart systems with tons of features cost more than standard ones that just turn on and off.

So if you want lights you can control from your phone, program for holidays, or animate for game day, expect to pay for that added functionality.

#4 Quality Of Materials

You can find cheap trim lights online for next to nothing. But you get what you pay for.

Quality materials matter, especially in Virginia where we deal with hot summers, cold winters, and plenty of moisture. Cheap lights might work fine for a year or two, but then you’re dealing with failures, color shifting, and water damage.

Also Read: Where To Place Landscape Lighting?

Higher-end lights are brighter, last longer, and hold up better to weather changes

Same goes for the channels or trim pieces they sit in. Aluminum mounting tracks look cleaner and last longer than plastic ones.

Also, better-quality systems usually come with longer warranties. That might not seem like a big deal at first, but it’s peace of mind down the road if anything fails.

#5 Installation Method

How your lights get installed makes a huge difference in cost.

There are basically three approaches:

• Clip-on systems that attach to existing gutters or trim
• Channel systems that require mounting tracks
• Integrated systems that become part of your home’s architecture

Clip-on systems are the cheapest to install but might not look as clean. Channel systems offer the best appearance but require more labor. Integrated systems are the most expensive but give you that seamless, built-in look.

#6 Your Location

Since we’re talking about Virginia, your prices will reflect the general cost of labor in the area.

Some parts of the state like Northern Virginia or the more urban spots tend to be a little pricier than rural areas. Installers in cities often have more overhead, which can drive costs up.

Cities like Arlington, Alexandria, and Fairfax typically see higher prices than smaller towns. But you also have more contractors to choose from, which can create some competition and keep prices reasonable.

Also, some companies charge travel fees if you’re far from their usual service zone. It’s not always a huge bump, but it’s something to ask about.

#7 Power Source And Controls

This is the tech side of things, and it can also affect how much trim lights cost.

Most systems need a nearby outdoor outlet or hardwiring into an existing power source. If you’ve already got a good spot, great. If not, an electrician may need to install something, which adds to the total cost.

And depending on the control setup (manual switch, app-based, or connected to your smart home) there may be extra components involved.

The fancier the setup, the more you’ll pay. But also, the cooler it is to show off.

Bottom Line

You’re probably looking at spending somewhere between $3,000 and $7,000 for a full setup in Virginia. That number will swing depending on your house size, the system you choose, and a few other things we talked about.

If you’re serious about it, your best bet is to get a few quotes. Most companies will do a free estimate, and it gives you a good feel for what’s out there.

Trim lights aren’t exactly cheap, but they’re also not just a one-season deal. They add real curb appeal, make your life easier during the holidays, and they look awesome!

Thinking about lighting up your yard, garden, or walkway?

Low-voltage landscape lighting is a great way to add some serious curb appeal without breaking the bank. But before you run out and buy a bunch of lights, there’s one small detail that can make a huge difference: wire gauge.

It’s not the most exciting part of the project, but using the wrong wire size can cause problems like dim lights, power issues, or worse.

In this post, we’ll show you what gauge wire to use for landscape lighting.

Common Wire Gauges For Landscape Lighting

There are a few wire sizes people typically use for low-voltage landscape lighting.

You’ll mostly see 14 gauge, 12 gauge, and 10 gauge wires. The smaller the number, the thicker the wire. And thicker wire carries power more efficiently over longer distances.

Let’s take a look at each of these:

14 Gauge Wire

This one’s the lightest-duty wire of the bunch.

It’s fine for short runs, like under 50 feet, and for lower wattage lights. If you’re just powering a couple of path lights close to your transformer, 14 gauge might work just fine.

That said, don’t push it too hard. It’s not built for big setups or long distances. Use it only when your layout is small and simple.

Also Read: How To Design Landscape Lighting

12 Gauge Wire

This is the go-to for most landscape lighting projects.

It’s a great middle-ground – flexible, easy to work with, and can handle a decent amount of wattage without losing voltage.

You can run up to 100 feet with this stuff in most cases, assuming your total wattage isn’t crazy high.

If you’re not sure where to start, start with 12-gauge. It’s the most popular choice for a reason. Strong enough for most jobs, but still affordable and easy to manage.

10 Gauge Wire

This is thick, durable, and perfect for long runs or high-powered lighting setups.

If you’ve got a long stretch of lights, or you’re stringing together a bunch of fixtures, 10-gauge keeps your system strong and consistent.

It costs more and it’s a little harder to bend and tuck into tight spots, but it’s worth it when your setup demands more power.

Also Read: Is Landscape Lighting Worth It?

How To Choose The Right Gauge For Your Project

Picking the right wire gauge isn’t complicated, but it does take a little planning.

The two main things to think about are how far your wire needs to run and how much power your lights will use.

The longer the run and the higher the wattage, the more power your wire has to carry. And thinner wires just can’t handle that as well as thicker ones.

Once you’ve added up the total wattage and measured the farthest distance from your transformer to the last light, use that info to pick your gauge.

There are plenty of wire gauge charts online that can give you an exact match, but a good rule of thumb is: short and simple setups can use thinner wire, and longer or more complex systems need thicker wire.

Why Voltage Drops Matter

Another thing you need to be aware of is voltage drops.

As electricity travels through a wire, a bit of it gets lost along the way. The longer the wire and the more power it’s moving, the more gets lost. That’s a voltage drop.

It means your 12-volt light might only be getting 10 volts by the time power reaches it.

When that happens, lights get dim. Sometimes they flicker. In worst-case scenarios, they might not turn on at all.

You don’t want to spend time installing everything only to find half your lights are underperforming.

Using the right gauge wire helps prevent that. Thicker wire keeps voltage drop to a minimum so all your lights shine bright and evenly – just like you planned.

Pro Tips For Running Landscape Lighting Wire

Once you’ve picked the right wire, it’s time to lay it out and hook everything up.

The actual install isn’t hard, but a few simple moves like the ones below can make your setup cleaner, more reliable, and easier to tweak later if needed:

• Leave extra slack at each fixture so you can reposition lights later without needing to rewire everything.
• Use waterproof connectors that seal out moisture and protect against corrosion.
• Avoid unnecessary splices. Fewer connections means fewer things that can go wrong.
• Bury the wire 6 to 12 inches deep to keep it safe from foot traffic, pets, and lawn equipment.

Also make sure to plan your layout before you dig. Walk it out and mark spots with flags or chalk.

Also Read: Where To Place Landscape Lighting?

Bottom Line

The gauge wire you choose has a big impact on how your landscape lighting performs.

Go too thin, and you’ll end up with dim or flickering lights. Go too thick, and you might spend a bit more – but your system will run strong and smooth.

In most cases, 12-gauge wire is the sweet spot, but for long runs or high-wattage setups, 10-gauge is the better move.

And if you’re working with a small, simple layout, 14-gauge might be just fine.

FAQs

Can I Mix Different Wire Gauges?

You can, but it’s not ideal. Mixing gauges can cause uneven voltage across your system.

If you have to do it (like extending an existing line) make sure the thicker wire is feeding into the thinner one, not the other way around.

Still, it’s better to keep things consistent whenever possible.

Does It Matter If I Go Thicker Than Needed?

No! Going thicker is totally fine. You’re just reducing the chance of voltage drop. It might cost a little more and be a bit bulkier to work with, but there’s no downside in terms of performance.

If anything, it gives you more wiggle room for adding lights later.

Is Stranded Or Solid Wire Better For Outdoor Lighting?

Stranded wire is usually the way to go for outdoor use. It’s more flexible, easier to pull through tight spots, and it handles movement better without breaking. Solid wire is stiffer and a little more fragile if bent repeatedly.

For landscape lighting, stranded wire just makes life easier.

 

So, you’re thinking about landscape lighting—great choice! It’s an awesome way to make your outdoor space look amazing at night and really showcase your yard’s best features.

But with so many options, it can be tough to figure out the best spots to place your lights.

Don’t worry though! In this post, we’ll give you 8 solid ideas to help you decide where to place landscape lighting without overthinking it.

#1 Pathways And Walkways

One of the first places to think about lighting is your pathways and walkways.

You want to be able to see where you’re walking, right? Well, lights along these paths make it easy to navigate, especially if you’re walking around at night.

Plus, they create a warm, inviting atmosphere.

You can use small, low-to-the-ground lights or even go for some cool stake lights to line your path. They don’t have to be super bright, just enough to guide you safely from one spot to another.

This doesn’t just look nice; it adds safety too. No one wants to trip over a rock or uneven ground in the dark. Pathway lighting is a smart, practical choice.

Also Read: How To Design Landscape Lighting

#2 Entrances

Your front door is the first thing people see when they come to visit, so why not light it up?

Well-placed lighting around your entrance helps make your house feel extra welcoming. It gives that “come on in” vibe that makes guests feel at home and adds some charm to your entryway.

Plus, it’s perfect for making your home stand out from the street.

For this, you can use lights like sconces on either side of the door or a cool pendant light hanging above.

Just make sure the lighting is warm and soft. Harsh, bright lights can feel a little too intense, while soft lighting creates a cozy atmosphere that invites people to stay a little longer.

#3 Trees And Plants

Lighting trees and plants is like turning your garden into a piece of art.

It’s not all about function here; it’s about creating a mood. When you light up trees, shrubs, or plants, you get a cool effect where shadows play against the leaves and branches. It makes your backyard look magical, almost like a fairy tale.

Try using spotlights to shine upward and highlight the trunks of larger trees. For smaller plants, you can opt for ground-level lights that create a softer, diffused glow.

It’s a simple trick that makes everything look more dramatic without being over the top.

Also Read: Is Uplighting Worth It?

#4 Decks, Patios, And Stairs

If you love hanging out on your deck or patio, lighting is a must to keep the vibe going after dark. You don’t want to end the party just because the sun went down, right?

Lighting around your outdoor hangout areas keeps things safe and stylish.

Plus, it’s an awesome way to create a cozy, intimate setting when you’re hosting friends or just chilling with family.

You can install lights along the deck’s edge, under the steps, or even built into the railing.

You can even go for string lights above your deck for a relaxed, festive vibe.

Stairs are another spot where lights are super helpful. Step lights are great for preventing accidents and creating a cool effect that adds a little extra flair to your outdoor space.

#5 Driveways

Your driveway is another place to consider when planning where to put landscape lights.

You don’t need to go overboard, but a little lighting along your driveway can help guide guests and drivers at night. Plus, it gives your home a more polished look.

You could use low lights along the edges of your driveway, or even mount some wall lights on fences or walls nearby. This keeps your driveway well-lit and adds a little security, which is always a good thing.

If you have a long driveway, try putting lights every few feet to create a nice even glow.

Just remember to keep the lights soft and subtle so they don’t blind you when you’re pulling in.

#6 Architectural Features

Got a gorgeous stone facade? Beautiful columns? Unique window details? Show them off!

Architectural features can look even more stunning when they’re lit up properly. Plus, lighting these parts of your home helps bring out the character and personality of your space.

You can use floodlights to highlight larger features, like big walls or columns. For smaller details, like window frames or a cool door, accent lights or spotlights work well.

Just make sure the lights focus on the best parts, and remember, less is more.

A subtle light will add depth without taking away from the charm of the architecture itself.

Also Read: How Much Does Landscape Lighting Cost?

#7 Outdoor Structures

Do you have a gazebo, pergola, or trellis in your backyard?

Lighting these can completely change the way your backyard looks at night! These structures are already great focal points, but with some landscape lights, they can become the center of attention after dark.

String lights, pendant lights, or even small lanterns can add a warm, inviting glow to them.

For a more dramatic effect, consider uplighting on the posts of your gazebo or trellis.

It’s a great way to bring out the structure’s design and create an ambiance perfect for those evening hangouts or dinners outside.

If you’re using the space for entertainment, lighting can also help set the scene for fun evenings under the stars.

#8 Water Features

Got a pond, fountain, or pool? You’ve got to light it up!

Water features are stunning on their own, but lighting them at night makes them magical.

Just imagine the soft light reflecting off the water while you sit outside, sipping a drink, and listening to the sound of flowing water!

For ponds or fountains, submersible lights work perfectly. They add a soft, glowing reflection to the water that looks super peaceful and inviting. For pools, LED lights work great. Not only do they light up the water, but they also make the surrounding area feel like a resort.

That said, be mindful of how much light you use. You want the lights to complement the water’s movement, not overpower it.

Bottom Line

There you have it – eight awesome ideas for where to place landscape lighting.

Now it’s your turn to get creative with your outdoor lighting. You’ve got the ideas—now it’s time to make them shine!

You don’t have to do everything at once. Start with one or two areas that matter most to you, then build from there. Before you know it, your yard will transform into a nighttime oasis that’s as functional as it is beautiful.

So, you’ve decided to spruce up your outdoor space with some landscape lighting?

Great choice! A well-lit yard doesn’t just look great—it makes your home safer, more inviting, and way more functional after the sun goes down.

But where do you even start? Don’t worry, we’re here to help!

In this post, we’ll show you how to design landscape lighting that looks amazing and practical.

#1 Pick The Spots You Want To Light Up

The first thing to think about when planning your landscape lighting is what you want to highlight. You don’t have to light up the whole yard, just the parts that are important or look best at night.

Maybe it’s your front door, so guests can find their way easily. Or maybe it’s that gorgeous tree in your backyard that deserves to be the star of the show.

Walk around your property at night and think about what catches your eye.

Is there a pathway that could use some guidance lights? A garden bed that needs a little glow?

Start jotting these ideas down.

Once you’ve figured that out, consider how you want those spots to feel. Do you want your backyard to feel welcoming and warm, or do you prefer something more dramatic and spotlighted?

These decisions can help guide the type of lighting you use later on.

Also Read: Where to place landscape lighting?

#2 Choose The Right Type Of Lighting

Now comes the fun part: picking the right type of lighting.

There are a few main types of landscape lighting, and each has a different effect on your space:

• Ambient lighting creates a soft, overall glow, perfect for general lighting in your yard.
• Task lighting is focused and helps you see specific areas, like pathways or grilling spots.
• Accent lighting draws attention to specific features, like trees, statues, or water fountains.
• Decorative lighting can be anything fun or whimsical, like string lights or lanterns. They add personality and charm.

The important thing here is balance. Too much of one type can make things feel overdone or too dark in places. It’s like creating the perfect playlist – you want a good mix.

#3 Pick Out The Best Fixtures

Once you know what kind of lighting you need, it’s time to pick the right fixtures.

You want something that matches your space and your goals.

For example, if you’re lighting up a pathway, you might go with low-voltage pathway lights. If you’ve got a tree to highlight, a spot light might work best.

Fixtures come in different finishes, like bronze, stainless steel, or plastic. Make sure you choose materials that can withstand the weather in your area. You don’t want your lights to rust or fade after one season.

We recommend fixtures that are rated for outdoor use and have a waterproof rating. The last thing you want is to spend time and money on lights that stop working after a few rainstorms.

Also, don’t forget to think about the height and angle of your fixtures.

You want the light to fall exactly where you want it. This can take a little testing and adjusting, but trust me, it’s worth it when you see the effect you’re going for.

Also Read: Is Landscape Lighting Worth It?

#4 Map Out Your Lighting Plan

Now that you’ve got a rough idea of what you want, it’s time to put it all together.

Grab a piece of paper (or your phone) and sketch out a simple map of your yard. Mark where you want to place each light and what type it’ll be.

This step might feel a little tedious, but trust me, it’s worth it.

Having a plan helps you avoid mistakes like buying too many lights or ending up with uneven coverage. It also makes installation way easier. If you’re working with a professional, this map will help them understand exactly what you’re envisioning.

Plus, it’s satisfying to see everything laid out in front of you. Like a treasure map, but for awesome lighting.

Some Tips For Mapping The Lights

Make sure to space the lights far enough apart that they’re not too bright or dim, and try to keep them in places where they won’t be tripping hazards. If you’ve got a long driveway, for example, you can place lights along the edges for safety, but don’t overdo it.

A good rule of thumb is to place lights where they’ll add to the atmosphere without drawing attention to the lights themselves.

You don’t want the fixtures to steal the show – they’re just there to enhance the space.

#5 Think About Practical Stuff

It’s easy to get caught up in making your landscape look amazing, but don’t forget about the practical stuff like:

How are you going to power all these lights?

Are you running electrical wires or using solar-powered lights?

If you’re going with electrical lighting, you’ll need to make sure you have a safe, weatherproof outlet or transformer. If you’re not comfortable dealing with electrical work, it’s a good idea to hire an electrician to help you out.

On the other hand, solar lights are easy to install and don’t need any wiring. The downside is that they can be a little less powerful than electric lights, and they rely on sunlight to charge during the day.

So, if your yard has lots of shade, solar lights might not be the best option.

You’ll also want to think about the placement of the lights in relation to where you’re getting your power source. The last thing you want is a tangled mess of wires running across your yard.

Take time to plan your wiring system or solar light placements so everything stays neat and functional.

Also Read: How Much Does Landscape Lighting Cost?

#6 Incorporate Control Systems

A control system is a great addition to your landscape lighting.

There are lots of smart lighting systems available these days that allow you to control your outdoor lights with your phone or even with voice commands.

Imagine being able to adjust your garden lights without leaving the couch!

Another option is using timers.

Timers are a simple way to set your lights to turn on and off automatically. This can save you energy and help create a consistent lighting schedule, which is especially useful if you’re not home every evening.

If you really want to get fancy, you can even set up different lighting scenes. For example, a bright light setup for when you’re having a party, or soft, subtle lights for a quiet evening outside.

#7 Watch Out For Light Pollution

Lighting is great but there’s a balance to strike.

Over-lighting your yard or using lights that spill into the sky can contribute to light pollution.

This is when excess light interferes with the natural darkness of the night sky, which can disrupt wildlife and even affect your sleep patterns.

To avoid this, make sure your lights are directed exactly where you want them, not spilling all over the place. Shielded fixtures can help with this, and be mindful of the brightness of your lights. You don’t need a stadium’s worth of light in your yard.

A subtle, well-placed glow is all you need for a magical effect.

#8 Keep Maintenance In Mind

Like any part of your home, landscape lighting needs some TLC.

It’s important to clean the fixtures regularly and check that all the bulbs are working. Over time, the lenses can get cloudy, and dirt can build up on the lights, reducing their effectiveness.

A little cleaning once a season can keep everything looking fresh.

Also, make sure to check the wiring (if you’re using electric lights) for any damage or wear and tear. Outdoor lighting can last for a long time, but you may need to replace bulbs or fix a light fixture here and there.

If you’re using solar lights, make sure the solar panels are clean and get enough sunlight.

Wrapping Up

And there you have it – everything you need to design a killer landscape lighting setup.

Start by picking the spots you want to highlight, then choose the right type of lighting and fixtures for each area. Map out your plan, think about practical details, and incorporate smart controls if you’re into that.

Be mindful of light pollution, and don’t forget to factor in maintenance.

Take your time with each step, and don’t stress too much.

Once you’re done, grab a drink, sit back, and enjoy the view. Your yard is about to become your new favorite hangout spot.