Garden lighting is often one of the last elements considered in a new garden project. The planting is finished, the paving is laid, and the hard landscaping looks perfect – only then does the client realise they would like to use the garden in the evening as well.
At this stage, adding lighting can be problematic. Installing cables under newly laid patios, paths or steps often means lifting or cutting into expensive surfaces. What should have been a relatively simple addition can quickly become disruptive and costly. With a small amount of forward planning, this situation can be avoided entirely.
Designing a Garden with Future Lighting in Mind
When creating a new garden design, it is not essential for the client to commit to a full lighting scheme immediately. However, it is sensible to prepare the garden for lighting, even if the final design or budget is not yet agreed.
For garden designers and landscapers, this means allowing for cable routes during the construction phase. Installing infrastructure while hard landscaping is being laid adds very little time or cost to the project, but can save significant expense in the future.
Installing Cables During Construction
The most effective approach is to install lighting cables at the same time as paths, patios and steps are built.
A cable would usually run from the origin of the installation – commonly the house or garage – and pass underneath hard landscaping to areas where lighting may be required later. These areas might include:
- Steps and level changes
- Seating and dining areas
- Feature planting or trees
- Garden paths and boundaries
At this stage, exact light positions are not critical. Identifying general zones is usually sufficient.
We recommend using SWA (steel wire armoured) cable for durability and protection. Cable ends should be securely capped to prevent water ingress, and their locations clearly marked and recorded on a plan.
Where possible, leave a loop of cable at each location rather than cutting it short. This gives the electrician enough cable to make safe connections when lighting is installed later.
Using Conduit for Future Cabling
An alternative option is to install plastic conduit pipes beneath hard landscaping. These should be wide enough to allow cable to be pulled through at a later date – typically 40mm or 50mm diameter.
Avoid sharp bends, as these can make cabling difficult, and consider adding draw strings for longer runs. While this method still requires cabling to be installed later, it prevents the need to disturb finished surfaces.
Flexible Lighting for Phased Projects
Preparing for garden lighting does not mean everything must be installed at once. Some clients may choose to install a small number of lights initially, with additional fittings added later as budgets allow.
By planning ahead, the garden remains flexible, future upgrades are straightforward, and disruption is kept to a minimum.
A Simple Step That Adds Long-Term Value
Garden lighting should be considered part of the overall garden design, not an afterthought. A small investment in planning and infrastructure during construction can save significant time and cost later.
For garden designers and landscapers, thinking about lighting early is a simple step that delivers long-term value – and ensures the garden can be enjoyed long after the sun goes down.