Key takeaways
- Space path lights 6 to 10 feet apart
- Stagger sides and tuck fixtures behind plants
- Light turns, steps and ends of paths
- Check the overlap at night
Spacing
A good rule of thumb is to space path lights 6 to 10 feet apart, close enough that the pools of light touch or overlap without making a straight line of bright spots. Spacing depends on the beam and the height of the fixture. A taller fixture with a wide hat covers more ground.
Always check at night. A pool of light that looks fine on paper may leave gaps once it is on.
Placement
Stagger the fixtures on both sides of a wide path, or place them on one side of a narrow path. Put a light at each turn and at the top and bottom of steps. Tuck fixtures behind low plants so you see the glow and not the lamp.
Avoid placing lights where a mower, snow shovel or car will hit them.
Avoiding the runway look
A straight row of lights at regular intervals looks like an airport. Vary the spacing a little, stagger sides and let plants and curves guide the layout.
Choose fixtures with good shielding so the light falls on the path, not into your eyes.
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Quick answers
How tall should path lights be?
Often 12 to 24 inches, depending on the plants and the beam. Lower fixtures keep glare down, and taller ones cover more ground.
Do path lights need to be on both sides?
Not always. Narrow paths often need only one side, and wide paths look best with staggered fixtures on both sides.
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