Landscape lighting

Checking to see if you guys have recommendations for good landscape lighting?

I'm looking for simple and traditional, low voltage landscape lighting for the front of the house. Really not interested in the junk at Menards or Homedepot but seems like the next option beyond those sources is $$$$.

What do you guys use that you can give the good, bad and ugly about?

 

I suggest the Malibu line with all metal bodies and glass lenses. Parts are available and sometimes interchangeable. Pay extra for the led lights. If you have lots of light positions do not use more than 75 percent of the total output. If you need more positions then buy a dual transformer and run two lines out so no dimming at the ends of the runs. The cheaper stuff at box stores will work, but fading, cracking plastic and poor connections will cause problems.
I suggest using waterproof wire ties that have dielectric grease in them instead of the factory connectors. Use lowest gauge wire you can afford and always leave extra at the ends and bury to avoid lawn mover strikes etc. If I was to put in ground now I would put in 3/4" PVC pipe to run the lines but that is if you have open areas to lay it.
All commercial systems cost more for 5 lights than a complete Malibu system .

 

Really depends on budget. Kichler makes really good stuff, but it’s a lot more than the stuff at Lowe’s Or Home Depot.
I used Portfolio LED landscape lights from Lowe’s. It’s been there a couple of years with no issues, besides having the connectors go bad. I’ve only had to replace the ones that have been run over in the driveway.
Like the previous poster said, the connectors that come with them are garbage. I replaced them with these:

Kichler 15529BL Accessory Pro Connector, Brown, Pack of 10

Kichler 15529BL Accessory Pro Connector, Brown, Pack of 10

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004BN14TI/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_jcNSBb051E15Y

They are very good, and you’ll save some time and trouble by using something like that up front. Wirenuts with grease will work also, but I feel like these are more durable.

Like you said, the stuff at the big box stores isn’t the best, but there is a huge gulf in pricing after that.

 

Been using the Portfolio LEDs from Lowes, not really that cheap $35ish each. But worth it over the halogen's; cheaper but more maint. and less longevity. Just finished replacing all my halogens as the go out. You can also use a many more LED's on a power supply due to less current draw each.

 

I went with Volt.

https://www.voltlighting.com/

It is good quality stuff.

John

 

Yeah Volt is certainly on my short list.

 

I'm putting in landscape lighting the next week or two. I went with Kichler. It's a little more pricier than the Home Depot/Lowes/Menards, but to me, it's worth it.