Choosing the right lighting for your outdoor space can feel overwhelming. There are many options—fluorescent, incandescent, LED. But one critical choice often gets overlooked: low voltage vs. high voltage lighting.
This decision impacts your home’s safety, beauty, and energy efficiency. If you’re planning a new system or upgrading an old one, understanding the pros and cons of each lighting type is key. Let’s explore your options and show why working with Nite Time Décor, your local outdoor lighting expert, can make all the difference.
What Is Low Voltage Lighting?
Low voltage lighting uses 12 volts of electricity. A transformer converts the standard household 120V current down to a safe 12V. These systems are ideal for residential properties and decorative landscaping.
Pros of Low Voltage Lighting
Energy Efficient and Cost Effective
Low voltage lights use less power. You’ll save on electricity and reduce your carbon footprint. LED options give excellent light output while keeping energy costs low.
Safe for Families and Pets
Because they run at just 12 volts, low voltage systems are safer. There’s less risk of electrical shock, especially in wet conditions.
Easier and Cheaper to Install
Most systems plug into outdoor receptacles. You won’t need permits or licensed electricians for most installations. This keeps installation costs down.
Flexible and Easy to Move
Fixtures don’t need deep trenches or conduit. You can adjust or move lights easily to accommodate landscaping changes.
More Design Options
Low voltage lighting comes in many styles and finishes. You can light walkways, highlight plants, and create dramatic focal points with ease.
Ideal for Accent and Mood Lighting
These lights provide excellent beam control. You can create warm, inviting environments in your garden, patio, or yard.
Cons of Low Voltage Lighting
Requires a Transformer
A transformer is needed to reduce power from 120V to 12V. This adds a component to install and maintain.
May Dim Over Distance
Long cable runs can cause voltage drop. If not installed properly, lights can appear dimmer the farther they are from the transformer.
What Is High Voltage Lighting?
High voltage or “line voltage” lighting uses 120 volts of electricity—direct from your home’s electrical system. These are common in commercial spaces and areas requiring bright, wide coverage.
Pros of High Voltage Lighting
Bright and Powerful Light Output
High voltage systems produce intense light. They are great for large properties, parking lots, or uplighting big trees.
Fewer Fixtures Needed
One high voltage fixture can light a wide area. This reduces the number of fixtures required.
No Transformer Needed
These systems run on your home’s power supply. That means no need for a separate transformer.
Cons of High Voltage Lighting
Requires Professional Installation
Due to safety concerns and electrical codes, a licensed electrician must handle installation. This raises labor costs.
Higher Risk of Electric Shock
All fittings must be waterproof. Wet conditions can pose a serious hazard if not installed correctly.
Difficult to Modify
High voltage wires must be buried 18 inches underground. Making changes later can require major digging and disruption to your yard.
Can Cause Glare
Because they’re so bright, it’s harder to direct the beams. This can lead to glare and light pollution.
Low Voltage vs. High Voltage – Which Is Best for You?
Most homeowners prefer low voltage systems for flexibility, safety, and style. They’re easier to install, cost less to operate, and offer more control over lighting effects.
High voltage systems are better suited for security lighting or large-scale commercial spaces where maximum brightness is critical.
Still unsure what’s best? That’s where Nite Time Décor comes in.
Why Choose Nite Time Décor for Outdoor Lighting Installation?
Whether you prefer the versatility of low voltage lighting or the power of high voltage systems, Nite Time Décor is here to help you choose the perfect solution for your outdoor space. Our team of professional lighting experts will guide you through every step of the process—from custom design to professional installation—ensuring your property looks stunning and functions beautifully after dark. We proudly serve Halton, Burlington, Oakville, Hamilton, and Mississauga, offering free quotes and on-site lighting demos to help you visualize the transformation. Visit our website to explore our lighting gallery or give us a call today to get started. (800)952-3006
Are you considering installing a landscape lighting system that is specifically designed to meet your home’s unique features and needs? If so, you may have some important questions you need answered before making your decision.
When it comes to your home, you should always do your research before making any big purchases or installations. That’s why our lighting experts at Nite Time Decor Oakville want to make the research process that much easier for you.
To do so, we’ve provided answers to a number of landscape lighting FAQs to help you make an informed decision about designing and installing your very first landscape lighting system.
1. Besides making my home look nice, what advantages are there to landscape lighting?
There are many advantages to installing landscape lighting around your home.
First, it adds security without looking gaudy. No longer does a security light need to just be a flood light hung above the garage, but there are various lighting options and just having extra light around your property makes a thief think twice if a home is nicely lit.
Second, it adds safety. If your pathways, stairways, driveway and gardens are well-lit, you don’t have to worry about a guest tripping or losing their way in the dark.
Third, it extends the ability to use your outdoor space. It’s great when on those warm summer nights you can use your yard and deck late into the night, and still enjoy your landscaping (which sometimes looks even better at night)
Fourth, it adds value to your home – as much as a 50% return because of all the reasons mentioned above, plus it modernizes your home.
Like many of our most common landscape lighting FAQs, the question of DIY versus hiring a pro comes up often.
2. Why Do I need to Hire Someone? What about DIY?
There are many different types of landscape lighting and DIY kits, especially solar-powered, are widely available. It all depends on your lighting needs, and often the old adage is correct – you get what you pay for.
Most DIY kits are of inferior quality, with some needing to be replaced yearly. Plus, solar-powered lights tend not to be very bright, so they are not ideal for illuminating the architectural details of your home, and of course are dependent on the sun.
Plus, a landscape lighting company offers the artistry and know-how of their staff when it comes to design, product and installation, which is important if you’re dealing with electricity.
3. Is my hydro bill going to skyrocket?
Not really, especially if you choose to install low-voltage lighting. Many homeowners experience an increase of less than $50 a year, and that’s with high-voltage incandescent lights. With low-voltage LED lights, for example, if you have 5 lights, on for 5 hours/night every day for a year, homeowners will see an increase of only $6/ year!
Most customers also choose to install a timer, which is great for those times you are on vacation, or even if you just have a habit of forgetting to turn the lights off.
4. What should my outdoor lighting focus on?
When thinking of landscape lighting, the word “sophistication” should often come to mind. Focus on unique trees or bushes, a piece of art, a water feature, or even just your front door or peak of your home. Whether you are looking to illuminate a pathway or deck, the creative possibilities are endless.
5. Is there a lot of maintenance involved?
There doesn’t have to be. Most landscape lighting companies offer maintenance packages as well as warranties on their products. Often outdoor lighting should be examined in the spring to ensure nothing was damaged over the winter, or to trim back unwieldly bushes, but other than that, it can be as simple as flicking a switch.
6. How much does a landscape lighting system cost?
Landscape lighting systems can vary in cost, as they are designed and installed based on the unique needs of your family and your home.
Depending on what you are looking for, your landscape lighting system can range from minimal to intricate, with a price tag that reflects those lighting choices.
Whatever route you decide to take, the cost will come down to two main factors: the quantity of light fixtures your design requires and the desired effect you’re looking to achieve. Our landscape lighting professionals can work with your vision and budget to create the perfect lighting design for your home.
Cost is one of the most searched landscape lighting FAQs, and the answer often depends on the scope of your design and material choices.
7. Will an installation damage my yard?
Not at all. Our experienced landscape lighting technicians are trained to conduct a professional installation without damaging any parts of your lawn in the process. If any trench work in required to bury wires, our technicians will make a small incision and carefully place the wiring in the appropriate spot. When this occurs, your grass should recover after a normal rainfall, and no lasting marks should remain.
8. Is landscape lighting hard to operate and maintain?
Absolutely not. With programmable settings and customizable timers, you’ll be able to set your preferences and let your system do what it does best – illuminate your home and property!
While your landscape lighting system may require some occasional maintenance, our experienced technicians can help. Whether it’s repairing a fixture or replacing a wire, our lighting technicians are always available to help you out!
9. Can you explain the terminology for landscape lighting?
So you want to add some lighting to your landscape or extend the time you can spend on your deck. Whether you’re hoping to DIY the project or have it done professionally you’ll better know what’s available and the different techniques used if you’re familiar with the terminology and lingo the professionals use.
Understanding these terms and the various lighting techniques, you’ll understand that the options are almost limitless with some imagination and creativity.
If you’re browsing landscape lighting FAQs to understand the lingo used by professionals, this breakdown of terms will help clarify what to expect during your project.
Up Lighting
Up lighting is basically shining or pointing a light fixture up. Whether the fixture is placed at the bottom of a wall or fence, or part way up a pillar or tree, placing the light can be used to create shadows or silhouettes and create indirect light and enhance curb appeal. These types of fixtures are usually low voltage lights and are available in solar, halogen and LED. There are a lot of options and a wide variety of fixtures and finishes to choose from.
Down Lighting
Just like the name suggests, down lighting focuses light down. Whether the fixture is placed under the eaves of a house, under a bench, or uses a shield or hood and placed along a pathway, the light is pointed down. The light may be placed in such a way during the day that it’s virtually unseen.
Wash
Wash lighting is used to create a subtle glow over a broad canvas such as a wall, fence, or row of bushes. The colour of the canvas may amplify or mute the light and different colours of light can offer fun variety – a splash of red for Canada Day for instance.
Shadowing
Light casts shadows and when done on purpose can create a fantastic play of light on dark and highlight a variety of features around your yard. Shadows are often used to create moon lighting and silhouettes. When placing new lighting, be sure that unwanted shadows are not created that hide or partially hide important features such as stairs or pathways and become a safety hazard.
Silhouetting
Silhouetting is exactly what you’d expect. This technique is most effective when light is placed between a planting or other feature and a light coloured wall. Silhouettes provide indirect light (much like a wash) but the shadows created can be a kind of art all on their own.
Grazing
If you have a home with a great textured façade such as stone, grazing can be used to cast light upwards from the ground using shadows to highlight the feature.
Spotlighting
Is there one feature in your yard that you want to stand apart from the rest? A spotlight can make a single feature the star of the show. Often two or more spotlights are often used to make use of shadow and light from different angles.
Moon Lighting
This is a newer trend in outdoor lighting where designers try to mimic natural moon light usually by placing a light high up in a tree and allowing the natural movement and shadows of the leaves to cast subtle light on the ground. This is a great technique for a patio or walkway.
Have more questions? Here are some additional landscape lighting FAQs and tips for finding the right contractor.
10. How can I find the right outdoor lighting contractor?
It isn’t always easy to find the right contractor for residential landscape lighting systems. After being in business for over twenty years, Nite Time Décor Oakville understands the ways to find the right contractor for your residential landscape lighting systems. We’d like to share our time-tested wisdom with you so that choosing the right company is no longer a concern.
Find the portfolio
How can you know which company you’d like if you don’t have a sample of their work? Ask for a portfolio that shows examples of their residential landscape lighting systems, as well as an overview of their past experience. For example, Nite Time Décor lighting services has a long list of resources and a vibrant gallery to show to customers our sixteen years of success.
It’s important to also ask how many actual installations the company in question has completed successfully. Make sure the company isn’t one that focuses mainly on sale, and does installations on occasion. You’ll want to find a company that has completed a healthy amount of installations so that you can be rest assured your residential landscape lighting systems are installed properly.
What are their credentials?
In this day and age, you need some sort of accreditation to perform almost any professional job, and installing residential landscape lighting systems is no exception. At Nite Time Décor Oakville, we highly recommend looking for certain credentials before choosing a company.
You want your company to have liability insurance. They also require registration from Service Ontario and permits for operation. Finally, make sure they are trusted by their peers.
If the Better Business Bureau has accredited them, this is an important aspect in proving the company to be trustworthy. Looking for their accreditations from the BBB will also offer you a chance to look up the company’s ratings.
Worthwhile warranties and service
There isn’t much of a point to get high quality residential landscape lighting systems if you don’t have the professionals to help maintain the systems once they’ve been installed.
Find a company that offers warranties and maintenance guarantees so that you’re not left stranded in the event of disrepair. Nite Time Décor Oakville offers both a warranty for your Nite Time Décor lighting services, as well as a lifetime maintenance guarantee.
Furthermore, six months following the installation of your Nite Time Décor outdoor lighting system, we’ll check in to ensure your lights are running properly and to your satisfaction. If the company doesn’t offer either a warranty or maintenance guarantee, move on.
Look for consultations
Make sure the ego of the landscape lighting designers doesn’t get in the way. Sometimes the designer has one vision, and you have one that is entirely different. Make sure the company is willing to consult and work with you to find residential landscape lighting systems that match both your style and budget.
Contact Nite Time Décor
We’d love to answer your outdoor lighting questions or help you design a truly unique lighting plan.
To have any other landscape lighting FAQs answered or to request a quote, contact the professionals at Nite Time Décor. Our experienced team would be happy to answer any of your questions, and help you on your way to creating the outdoor lighting design of your dreams!
More Landscape Lighting FAQs
Still have questions? These additional landscape lighting articles might help:
With our long winter nights, outdoor lighting in Oakville and Burlington is as practical as it is pretty. However, some North American scientists have raised concerns that artificial night lighting can have a negative impact on trees. Here is what you should know about outdoor lighting and how you can maintain healthy trees while maximizing safety and highlighting your property’s attractive features.
Know your facts
Trees need light to survive. The type of light (the wavelength or colour), the brightness, and the duration (how many hours) of light over the course of a day all affect tree growth. Certain trees rely on the amount of light in a day to know when to grow, flower, seed, or go dormant. Fewer hours of daylight in the fall signal trees to drop their leaves and stop growing.
If some trees are brightly lit at night with certain colours of light, there is a possibility that they may miss the cues that winter is approaching. They may fail to drop all their leaves in time, and risk damage from heavy snowfalls. Or they may not go fully dormant in time for winter and risk damage from cold. While the risk of tree damage is low, there are still many things you can do to optimize the health of more sensitive trees.
Know your trees
Outdoor lighting does not bother most tree varieties. Most conifers, such as spruce or pine trees, for example, are not affected by night lighting. Some deciduous trees—particularly flowering trees—may be more susceptible to certain types of night lighting. Since young trees grow faster, their growth cycle may be more affected by night lighting.
Nite Time Decor outdoor lighting experts can help you identify which trees are more sensitive to outdoor lighting and can design the appropriate lighting plans for your home.
Choose appropriate light fixtures
If you have a spectacular tree or trees that you want to have lit at night, fear not! There are many lighting options that won’t damage even the most sensitive trees. Some LED technology, for example, does not emit light in the red or infrared spectrum, which are the wavelengths of light that can impact tree dormancy and flowering.
Low, diffuse lighting can also be appropriate if you want to highlight outdoor landscape features. Down lights can be positioned to highlight plantings at the base of trees, which will avoid shining light on most of the tree leaves.
Consider timers and zones
Professional outdoor lighting takes into account both esthetics and safety. If you are lighting trees for esthetics, consider creating lighting zones and having the tree lighting shut off at a set time each day. You can keep other lighting zones—such as walkways and doorways—continuously lit for safety and security. This not only saves electricity, but also minimizes any effect outdoor lighting may have on surrounding trees.
Create a dynamic lighting design
Designing for beauty, safety, security, and tree heath is a complex business. Why not let the experts in outdoor lighting help you create or update a lighting design that meets all your needs? For more information on how a Nite Time Decor landscape lighting expert can help you create a striking display for your home, contact us today or request a complimentary quote.
When looking to enhance the beauty and safety of your outdoor space with landscape lighting, selecting the right contractor is crucial. Whether you’re located in Oakville, Burlington, Ontario or the surrounding areas, choosing an experienced landscape lighting contractor can make a huge difference in the quality, functionality, and aesthetic appeal of your property. To ensure you make the best choice, here are the top 10 essential questions you should ask before hiring a landscape lighting professional.
Why Choosing the Right Landscape Lighting Contractor is Crucial
Landscape lighting does more than just illuminate your outdoor space—it creates ambiance, increases curb appeal, and enhances security around your property. Whether you’re looking to light up your garden, pool and water features, or pathways, the right contractor can help you design a system that complements your home and lifestyle. Choosing the wrong contractor, on the other hand, can lead to poor lighting designs, malfunctioning lights, or an inefficient system that wastes energy and costs more than necessary.
The key to ensuring your project is successful lies in asking the right questions and understanding the contractor’s qualifications, experience, and processes. Here’s what you need to know.
10 Essential Questions to Ask a Landscape Lighting Contractor
1. Are You Licensed and Insured?
Licensing and insurance are the cornerstones of a reliable landscape lighting contractor. In Ontario, contractors must be licensed to perform electrical work. This ensures they meet local regulations and have the skills necessary to install outdoor lighting systems safely. Additionally, insurance protects both you and the contractor in case of accidents or damages during installation. A contractor without proper licensing or insurance might leave you vulnerable to liability, potentially costing you more down the road.
Why It’s Important: Hiring a licensed and insured contractor ensures peace of mind. You won’t have to worry about legal issues or financial liabilities if something goes wrong.
2. What Types of Lighting Do You Specialize In?
Not all landscape lighting is created equal. There are various types of lighting that serve different purposes, such as path lighting, flood lights, accent lighting, and more. It’s important to hire a contractor who specializes in the types of lighting that best suit your needs.
Why It’s Important: Some contractors may only specialize in basic installations, while others may have expertise in energy-efficient, smart, or custom lighting designs. Make sure their skill set aligns with your vision.
3. Can You Provide References or Portfolios?
Ask for references from past clients and examples of previous work. A reputable contractor should be able to provide a portfolio of residential or commercial landscape lighting projects they’ve completed in Oakville, Burlington, Halton or surrounding areas. This will give you an idea of their style and expertise.
Why It’s Important: Seeing past work can help you gauge the quality of their craftsmanship. Speaking with past clients can also provide insight into their professionalism, reliability, and customer service.
4. How Do You Handle Outdoor Electrical Work?
Outdoor electrical work, such as wiring and installation of lights, must be done according to strict safety codes. Ask the contractor how they approach this part of the project and whether they work with certified electricians to ensure everything is up to code.
Why It’s Important: Electrical safety is crucial, and cutting corners can lead to short circuits, fire hazards, or other dangerous situations. The contractor should have clear plans for safely wiring your lights and complying with local codes.
5. What Is Your Approach to Custom Lighting Designs?
Every home and landscape is unique, and your lighting should reflect that. Ask how the contractor approaches custom lighting designs. Do they work with you to create a personalized plan, or do they have a one-size-fits-all solution?
Why It’s Important: Custom lighting can enhance the architectural features of your property and highlight your garden, trees, and other landscape elements in a way that generic solutions can’t. Be sure the contractor is willing to collaborate on a design that fits your needs and vision.
6. Do You Offer Any Warranty or Guarantee on Your Work?
A warranty or guarantee can provide peace of mind and protection in case something goes wrong after installation. Ask whether the contractor offers any kind of warranty on their workmanship or on the products they install.
Why It’s Important: A warranty ensures that the contractor stands behind their work and the materials they use. This can help protect your investment in case any of the lighting components fail or require repairs.
7. What Are the Expected Costs of Installation and Maintenance?
Before hiring a landscape lighting contractor, it’s important to get a clear breakdown of the costs involved. Ask about both the initial installation fees and any ongoing maintenance costs. Will there be any extra charges for wiring, lighting fixtures, or other materials? Do they offer any maintenance services after installation?
Why It’s Important: Knowing the full scope of costs up front helps you avoid surprises later. If the contractor doesn’t provide clear pricing or avoids answering your questions about cost, it’s a red flag.
8. How Do You Ensure Energy-Efficiency in Lighting Installations?
Energy efficiency is an important consideration for homeowners looking to minimize their electricity bills. Ask the contractor what steps they take to ensure the lighting system is energy-efficient. Do they use LED bulbs? Are the lights designed to minimize energy waste?
Why It’s Important: LED lights are more energy-efficient and have a longer lifespan than traditional bulbs. Opting for an energy-efficient lighting system can save you money in the long run and reduce your environmental impact.
9. What’s Your Timeline for Completion?
Ask how long the project will take from start to finish. A reputable contractor should be able to provide you with a realistic timeline for installation and should keep you informed of any delays or changes to the schedule.
Why It’s Important: A clear timeline helps you set expectations and plan for other activities around your property. Avoid contractors who give vague or overly optimistic timeframes, as this may lead to delays and frustration.
10. Can You Help with Permitting and Regulations in Oakville?
In some cases, outdoor lighting installations may require permits or approval from local authorities. Ask whether the contractor is familiar with the permitting process in Burlington or Oakville and whether they can handle the paperwork on your behalf.
Why It’s Important: Navigating local zoning laws and obtaining permits can be confusing, but a good contractor should be well-versed in the regulations. This can save you time and ensure the installation is compliant with all local laws.
Additional Considerations Before Hiring a Landscape Lighting Contractor
The Benefits of Landscape Lighting
Landscape lighting isn’t just about aesthetics—it also offers a number of functional benefits. Proper lighting can increase safety by illuminating walkways, staircases, driveways, and potential hazards, reducing the risk of accidents. It also enhances security by deterring burglars and increasing visibility at night. Moreover, strategically placed lights can highlight architectural features, trees, and other landscaping elements, boosting the overall curb appeal of your home.
What to Expect During the Installation Process
The installation process usually begins with a consultation and design phase, followed by a site visit where the contractor will map out the lighting layout. Depending on the complexity of the design, the installation can take anywhere from a few hours to a couple of days. The contractor will wire the lights, install fixtures, and ensure everything is functioning correctly before wrapping up the project.
Ongoing Maintenance and Repair Services
Ask the contractor if they offer ongoing maintenance services for your landscape lighting system. Regular checks and maintenance ensure your system remains in top working condition. It’s also essential to address any repairs promptly if lights burn out or wiring becomes damaged.
Conclusion: Trust Nite Time Décor – Oakville’s Landscape Lighting Experts
Choosing the right landscape lighting contractor can make all the difference in how your outdoor space looks, feels, and functions. At Nite Time Décor Oakville, we specialize in creating custom outdoor lighting solutions that enhance the beauty, safety, and value of your home.
With over 25 years of experience and hundreds of satisfied clients across Oakville, Burlington, and the surrounding areas, our team is trusted for professional design, expert installation, and reliable service. Whether you’re looking to highlight architectural features, illuminate pathways, or create a welcoming ambiance in your backyard, we have the knowledge and tools to bring your vision to life.
Don’t leave your landscape lighting project to chance—trust the experts at Nite Time Décor for high-quality results that last.
Contact us todayto schedule your free consultation and discover how we can help you transform your property after dark.
