What shapes the investment
- Number and type of fixtures
- LED versus other lighting technology
- Smart controls and zoning
- Wiring and transformer requirements
- Whether lighting is added to existing hardscape or planned with new construction
Outdoor Lighting
Outdoor Lighting Installation That Shows Your Property After Dark
A well-designed lighting system brings a property to life after the sun goes down, enhancing its beauty, security, and functionality. We design and install lighting that highlights pools, gardens, and patios while blending seamlessly with the rest of the landscape.
- 25+years of experience
- 10,000+projects completed
- In-housedesign-build crews
- LIC #715731licensed & insured
- 5-star
Start here
What you're looking for
The right approach follows how you want to use the space. Pick what you're actually after below, and the materials and layout mostly follow from it. Every project shown was built here in Southern California, so the choices are suited to this climate.
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01 A safer, more secure property Strategically placed lighting improves visibility along driveways and walkways and helps deter intruders. See security lighting -
02 A backyard built for evening entertaining Deck and patio lighting creates a warm, inviting outdoor living space that keeps guests outside after dark. See entertaining lighting -
03 Pools and water features that glow at night Underwater and accent fixtures enhance the beauty of pools, fountains, and ponds after sunset. See pool lighting -
04 Architectural and landscape highlights Accent and uplighting highlight trees, architectural features, and focal points across the property. See accent lighting
Service options
Energy-Efficient LED Lighting
Best for Anyone who wants long-lasting, low-energy lighting that still looks warm and inviting.
- Long-lasting and cost-effective over time
- Low energy draw compared to older fixture types
- Works across pathway, accent, and deck fixtures alike
- Available in a range of warm to cool color temperatures
- Sustainable choice for a full property system
On your property Low-voltage wiring runs underground from a central transformer. Fixture placement is planned during design, not added after planting is in.
- Pathways
- Garden beds
- Trees and architecture
- Patios and decks
Smart Outdoor Lighting Systems
Best for Homeowners who want scheduling, remote control, and customizable brightness from a phone or panel.
- Automated scheduling so lights turn on and off without a switch
- Remote and app-based control
- Customizable brightness for different moods and occasions
- Can be zoned by area of the property
- Integrates with existing low-voltage fixtures
On your property Needs a compatible transformer and, in most cases, a home network connection. We coordinate this during design.
- Pool and water feature lighting
- Entertaining areas
- Security lighting
- Whole-property systems
Pathway and Walkway Lighting
Best for Anyone who wants safer walkways and a well-lit approach to the house.
- Improves safety and visibility along driveways and garden paths
- Marks steps and grade changes after dark
- Low, downward-facing fixtures avoid glare
- Works with paver, natural stone, or concrete surfaces
- Extends the finished look of hardscape into the evening
On your property Fixture spacing depends on the width and length of the path. Conduit is best run under the base during construction.
- Driveways
- Entry walks
- Garden paths
- Steps and grade changes
How we work
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Before Site analysis
This is the cornerstone of the process. Our expert measures every detail of the property to design the fixture layout correctly.
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Consultation Initial consultation
With the site analysis in hand, you meet with a designer who guides fixture and layout choices based on your budget.
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Design Conceptual design
Hand sketches become a color plan showing where every fixture goes and what it will highlight.
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Final design Final design
A lifelike rendering shows how the finished lighting will look and feel once installed.
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Finished Construction
Crews run low-voltage wiring, set fixtures, and test the full system before it is complete.
Key decisions
Things worth knowing before a first consultation.
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LED versus other fixture types
LED fixtures cost more upfront but last longer and use less energy than older halogen systems.
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Smart controls versus a simple timer
Smart systems allow zoning, scheduling, and remote control. A basic timer is simpler but less flexible.
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Fixture placement and glare
Downward-facing and shielded fixtures avoid glare into windows or neighboring yards.
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Security versus ambiance
Security lighting favors brighter, broader coverage. Ambiance lighting uses softer, more selective accents.
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Wiring and conduit timing
Low-voltage wiring is easiest to run during construction, before paving and planting are finished.
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Integration with other features
Lighting is planned alongside patios, pools, and planting rather than added as an afterthought.
Investment and timeline
No quote written off a photograph can account for what your property is like.
What shapes the schedule
- Design and fixture selection
- Coordination with other trades during construction
- Transformer and control system setup
- Testing and adjustment after installation
Why complete lighting system was drawn together with the rest of the property
Decking, drainage, utilities, planting, shade and lighting all bear on where a feature goes and how it gets built. Settling them on one set of drawings is what keeps conduit out of the wrong trench and stops paving being cut to fit afterward.
- Whole-property planning Pathway, accent, deck, and pool lighting all designed on one plan.
- Wiring coordination Conduit run during construction so fixtures land where they are needed.
- Security and safety Entry, driveway, and step lighting improve visibility after dark.
- Ambiance and entertaining Softer accent and deck lighting extend evening use of the yard.
- Smart control integration Scheduling and zoning tie the whole system together from one control point.
Access, engineering, permits, finishes and scope vary a lot from one property to the next, so the investment and the schedule for your project are set once we have seen the site and the design is settled.
Tell us about the property and what you want the space to do. We will walk through the design, site and permitting factors likely to shape it.
What customers say
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An excellent experience! They replaced my old driveway and a side patio. That was 6 years ago and the work still looks new!
Gregg Oelker Google review · 6 years ago Outdoor living project -
I've done several projects with Pacific Outdoor Living and they are always so easy to work with. Their project managers are knowledgeable and in constant communication throughout the project.
Chris Sosa Google review · 1 year ago Outdoor living project
Frequently asked questions
Do you really do all landscaping services?
Yes. We offer just about any outdoor landscape and hardscape service, including custom pools, patios, driveways, ponds, outdoor fireplaces, custom masonry, custom carpentry, irrigation, outdoor lighting, and more.
Do I have to get my own permits?
You can, but we typically pull all permits needed for your job through our own in-house permitting department.
Do you employ your own crews?
Yes. We have in-house crews specially trained for every trade involved in building your project, each supervised by an on-site supervisor.
Will you check on the system after it is installed?
We include a monitoring period after installation to check settings and confirm everything is working as designed.
Do you offer landscaping maintenance after my job is done?
We do not offer ongoing maintenance services directly, but we are happy to recommend trusted local companies tailored to your needs.
Ready to get started?
Schedule a consultation with one of our designers to discuss your project goals and explore what's possible on your property.
What happens next: we set up a visit, measure the property and talk through what you want the space to do. Then you get a design to look at before you commit to anything.