Low voltage landscape lighting systems are pretty simple. You have a transformer with a timer and/or photocell plugged into one of your outlets. From there 12 gauge wire runs to each of your fixtures. Where connections are made you will have some silicone filled wire nuts. That’s it.
You probably don’t care too much about what wire I use or even about the stainless steel box that powers the landscape lights… but the fixtures that actually produce the light? Those matter. Here are some of our favorite manufacturers and fixtures.
Best LED Low Voltage Landscape Lights: Path Lights
a stone pathway with grass and trees
AMP SummitPro – A versatile fixture with a style that works in most gardens. Like all the AMP fixtures we use, this a brass fixture with a high quality LED bulb.
CAST Lighting Large China Hat Low Voltage Path Area Landscape Light – Similar to the AMP SummitPro but sand-cast bronze and copper. If you believe that you get what you pay for, this is the fixture for you (and you can buy it here if you don’t want to wait for me install it).
Hinkley Piza – Available in a number of finishes, this is my go-to for modern paths. You can see it above and here in this modern ranch entry design and install we did. The fixtures are now 7+ years old and look and function great.
Best LED Outdoor Lighting Fixtures: Spot Lights
a close-up of a gavel
AMP ONE G2 – Solid brass with a dimmable integrated LED bulb. Incredibly versatile and very high quality.
FX Luminaire CC – Dang that’s a pretty light. If you want a cutting edge lighting system with a smart controller, zoning, color change, and beautiful fixtures FX Luminaire is the way to go. Just be sure to hire a landscape lighting pro to design and install it, since they are more complex than most lighting systems.
VOLT Brass Well Light – For a fixture that sits down in the ground (no tripping, mow right over the top) this is a very solid choice.
Best Landscape Lighting Fixtures: Specialty
a few bells from a wall
AMP GC Torrent Pro – A rotating light that casts a beautiful glow on stone walls or wood screens.
Kichler Twinkler Pendant – My experience with Kichler path lights has been really poor, but this pendant is great for patio covers.
AMP Salty Dog Underwater Light – Excellent for streams and large ponds.
Ready to discuss your landscape lighting project? Contact our designer, Ben Bowen, for a free landscape lighting consultation today. You won’t regret it, especially during the months it gets dark by 5pm here in Portland!
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