Landscape lighting - what most people get WRONG about landscape lighting

[@aklighting8292]

Thanks for watching the video! If you want to learn more or need help, here are 3 options. 🔥FREE pdf download: The fundamentals of landscape lighting AND learn how you can make your lighting look professionally installed. course.aklighting.net/freepdfdownload ✅ Complete Start-to-Finish Course: Get affordable professional help so you can install your lights the right way. course.aklighting.net/diylandscapelightingstepbystepcourse 💻 Website: The One Stop for All DIY Landscape Lighting. diy.aklighting.net/homepage

[@montarotapia5523]

I couldn´t get the Free PDF 😑

[@aklighting8292]

@@montarotapia5523 Sorry about that. Check your promotions tab in your email. Sometimes it goes there. If you still can't find it, email me at [e-mail]

[@joeyjoey22]

there is something people misunderstand and many people don’t understand this and today this is what I’m going to show you, and the reason why I want to say this is because I saw someone do it wrong and it’s important to have a design. TLDR, you need a design.

[@blakedunaway7584]

I would actually pick the left over the right lol i don’t like the shadows created with doing the right

[@shinjukucalling763]

objectively stupid.

[@Cantor214]

At 3:45 I like the lighting of the pillar on the left (the one with just one spot light) better.

[@aklighting8292]

We all have our preferences. Glad you like that look.

[@wickedpawn5437]

NO WAY the left is better. You need to bring out the textures. Perfectly achieved on the second pillar. The pillar on the left is washed out, the bottom third is dark.

[@lennymo9088]

Thanks AK. Very helpful as I get ready to order.

[@JerseyPiney]

Honestly I’d pick the left pillar over the right one😂

[@mjgerges]

Thank you for encouraging and addressing those fears of installing or designing landscaping lighting. ;)

[@agya.psingh5150]

Thanks Can you suggest someone responsible in Atlanta Need to install about 100 lights in a large area.

[@rhtservicestech]

In regards to Misunderstanding #3, some landscape lighting does have to be in conduit. In particular those that use 120VAC. Those that use 12VDC system do not.

[@agya.psingh5150]

Thanks Can you suggest someone reasonable in Atlanta Need to install about 100 lights in a large area.

[@saadatorama]

lol. “You can do it. You can’t do it on your own”

[@jonduppong1527]

What tool is that being used to push the wires into the ground?

[@lesleytompkins7747]

I just tried to download your pdf and I got a 404 error message: file not found. Is the problem at my end or yours? Thanks!

[@Corihogg]

I picked the left pilar over the right.

[@michelledunn6712]

Asking the viewer to subscribe even before the content is like going to a restaurant and the waiter welcomes you by saying please be a loyal customer and come back, before serving you the food!

[@JEB2024]

I would use conduit where i can.. if you can protect and prolong the cable life, then why not

[@TobyCostaRica]

Because conduit is $1/ft now.

[@dallashill23]

Super expensive…

[@wisdomcalls2475]

Allen, you forgot to tell me, watch out for the Poison ivy 😩

[@texanfan93ify]

I work for Ewing Supply. They have great products for this at a low price. Way better quality than home depot or Lowes. See where one is in your area.

[@LaCrestaLife]

I ALMOST wanna do it myself now

[@aklighting8292]

You should do it! I have a course that will help the process go a lot more smoothly. It breaks the project down into manageable sizes.

[@thomasc.1283]

I installed my own landscape lighting by watching your channel. Thanks for sharing your tips. One question… since my transformer is 100 feet away from all the lightings, which V should I select? My transformer comes with 12, 13, 14, and 15.

[@aklighting8292]

It depends on how many lights you have and the watts. I would personally use 13 volt.

[@onsturn]

How do you test the load to determine which volt port to use?

[@ryannovak9726]

@@onsturn use a volt meter to test, as long as you have 12 volts at each light (stick the probes in the wire nut), you're 👍🏻

[@mikelannon7115]

my landscape lights are going off and on even in the daylight, what would the cause be?

[@SherrySaboury]

My Zuckeo landscape spotlights are stuck on one color

[@UNDERGROUND2000]

This started out promising but quickly unraveled. You used the misunderstanding multiple times hinting that it’s not that hard and the first example you gave was the lady who wasted 2 weeks (not understanding ) and you had to jump in and fix everything..

[@bobufo5729]

This guys kind of a rookie . He posted a video called how to do a wire connection and it was literally the worst one I’ve ever seen . And he wasn’t showing “how not to do it” sorry ak …. But you gotta be a rookie for me to be a pro

[@RC.56]

I need help....I believe I have all the materials, but just can’t get started...roadblock on design...Im Unsure. I would pay for a consult.

[@aklighting8292]

Hey Reggie, I'm officially back in the KZbin world, sorry for not replying sooner. If you still need help, we can make it happen.

[@RC.56]

@@aklighting8292 Yes, absolutely.

[@aklighting8292]

@@RC.56 Send me an email at [e-mail]

[@dad.0]

Loved it, keep them coming!

[@killerelite112]

What are the best solar flood lights for “in the ground” landscaping?

[@jlclandscapeja]

None!

[@jtejkowski]

There are not many solar light fixtures that are made well and the ones that are get pretty close in price to low-voltage lights. Your best bet is usally to install a wired, low-voltage lighting system.

[@bender117966]

How do you connect the sunvie 12 volt lights with connectors to the transformer

[@RC.56]

Yes, I have questions...🤬. TThe art on where to install the lights seems difficult. Is there not a service where someone could send good pictures of their home And have someone make suggestions on where the lights should go? I also have a long backyard which I’m trying to get three or four trees lit at least 100 yards out. Is this were a hub would be recommended? Run all four trees to the hub, then run one wire from the hub to the front of the house to the transformer?, So many questions. Regarding Home Depot lights, they do have some decent brass lighting options, I don’t know the quality, but it’s easy to go and pick up spare parts or change things out instead of buying online and dealing with that

[@Casey_Chaos]

I have seriously watched over 100 videos on this subject, and I always come back to your videos. They're easy to understand, and straight to the point.

[@aklighting8292]

I really appreciate it! That's my #1 goal for all my videos (though I don't always nail it ha!) Thanks again.

[@2Mjr002]

Can landscape light wiring go from 12/2 from the transformer to about 16/2 100ft or so down ?

[@aklighting8292]

Great questions. From what I understand about wire, it's better to use 12/2 for the entire system and only use 16/2 on areas that a 12/2 wire can't fit. But, you could do it that way where you have a 12/2 main wire run 100ft and use 14/2 or 16/2 wire from there. I would just make the AMPs go up and the transformer work harder.

[@saraparker184]

1: not difficult 2: cannot just be thrown 3: no need for conduit 4: no need for a certified electrician 5: yes, a regular person can do it

[@rubenpuebla5452]

We're is the best place to buy I live Houston

[@magdalinejackson954]

I have a question. I had some color changing pathway lights which stopped charging (solar). I don't want to buy new ones as the glass cups still look very good and don't want to throw it away either. How can I convert it into plug in bulbs as the front of the house don't get enough sun. I would really appreciate your input please. Thank you

[@aklighting8292]

Not sure. I don't mess with solar lights. Let me know if you find a solution!

[@magdalinejackson954]

@@aklighting8292 Thank you for responding. If you could just imagine having the stakes and glass bulb holder without the solar panel as my husband threw it away. So I was thinking of buying the wire and bulbs and make it into plug-in lights. What do you think.

[@remohor]

This is awesome! Thank you for sharing.

[@RLDenham]

Home depot lights are fine their connectors are not good so replace those. I did my half acre property for $2,000 if I used Volt it'd be over $20,000.

[@erikc7201]

Don't use volt, go with Vista, much better product

[@matthawks961]

Most concise and easy to listen to videos on the topic. Nice job man

[@aklighting8292]

I appreciate that!

[@DJayAce4]

Wouldn't you be wrong about not needing to be an electrician? I know you're using low voltage but at some point you are probably going to need to extend the high voltage to get it to where you want to mount your transformer, then intercept high voltage to create the low voltage, thus you are working on high voltage and needing a license. Don't tell me you've never had to mess with high voltage wiring, cmon now lol. I know you didn't go and hire an electrician for the other bits ;). Anyways just throwing that out there for any DIY homeowners out there, be careful. You aren't just messing with 12-24v which is harmless, you are at some point also dealing with 120v which can kill you. Best advice is do what work you want to do on your own, but my advice is hire an electrician for any work that needs to be done to the line (primary) side of the transformer.

[@jaytee5692]

I mean, when I did my backyard, the transformer just plugs into an outdoor plug I already had. I guess you're right if I needed to install a new outdoor plug, but I think most people probably already have a few outdoors anyway.

[@nhebert1234]

I get that he texture look but then you need to ask, is the texture worth 3x’s the cost?? For me.. no.

[@James-ql8bo]

How far from the house would you recommend putting the lights

[@ryannovak9726]

You're videos are great and helpful. I know a bit about electricity so this isn't very difficult to understand. Good quality wire and fixtures (unless you don't mind replacing them every 5 years). What do you recommend for times on? All night? Just until midnight or so?

[@rml3wood]

Your and You're can be tough for third graders...

[@MATT_ELEKTRON]

There's always one of you lol

[@RobertVosburg]

Great info. My dad always tells me: "Make sure you know where the disconnect is so you don't run up your electric bill"

[@vmadiraju]

You must learn to get to the point quickly. Too chatty!

[@marklanders6833]

*This is the most TERRIBLE and AWFULLY UNHELPFUL and MISGUIDING VIDEO I have ever seen.*

[@anthonyluna9931]

Hey Allen, my problem I'm having is the wiring. What gage wire to use 16,14,12 or 10 to begin with. I'm using 14 gage, but what I didn't know was to coordinate the 14 gage wire and the light fixture wire. What I mean is the very small lettering that's on both wires the gage wire and the light fixture wire must match up in order for the electrical circuit to flow properly. I'm i right? I really don't know. The second issue I'm having is how long of gage wire i can use to be compatible to the transformer i bought. Example, the last light fixture on the gage wire lights up for about 5-10 minutes then turns off, I'm thinking because theres not enough circuit flow to keep the last light fixture on. Please help. I can't find a video to help me out

[@aklighting8292]

Hey Anthony, I prefer to use 12/2 and I often use 14/2 as well. I doesn't actually matter which wires you put together because it's a AC system not a DC system. There could be a few reasons, 1. you need a better bulb. 2. Move the voltage tap in the transformer to a higher tap. 3. need thicker wire. You can email me at [e-mail] and we can chat further.

[@twowheelz10]

Sure! Anybody can hack their way through a diy landscape job, but you need some years under your belt to understand the art and the knowledge for the many challenges you'll face. By the way I was at that particular Lifetime job you profiled here when it was being installed. Nate Mullen is the owner and guru.... and has 30 years in the business. I think you may be doing the professionals a disservice here by leading people to think anybody can do it. You proved it by mentioning your client that tried to re-assemble a job of yours that ended with bad results.

[@bobufo5729]

Pro tip for consumers …. Volt is actually just rebranded Chinese junk …. There is 100 company’s that sell those fixtures . The noteworthy known brands are fx luminaire, brilliance , and kichler . I’d avoid kichler . Ak let’s make a video together and I can show you a few things. I don’t mean to be rude but your spreading bad info

[@Florida305all]

Bro ✈️🛩🕛🕐🕑😴🥱

[@kellyyork3898]

Go quality solar lights.

[@genebaughbba]

I have high quality solar flood lights in my tree that are as bright as 100 watt greenly landscaping light that I used to install. I take a flood light that cost 10 bucks and mount it up in a tree. The only flaw is that you need to shield the source of the light I find that a 2-in piece of electrical tape wrapped around the flood light hides a great percentage of the light source from almost any angle. These lights have the same quality of mercury vapor bulbs that greenly uses. They look like moonlight.

[@raineyj429]

Guy is on something 😕

[@olgapena3618]

i rather do cordless solar light

[@marklanders6833]

This is a *SCAM* trying to sell you a stupid program!

[@Ms.LynnBaskets]

🎉 to

[@gpp3404]

Team galway

[@J2-R2]

3:51 like you? Super condescending

[@marklanders6833]

I thought the same thing. He must think his audience is made of idiots. Meanwhile he doesn't come across as the brightest fella in the bunch to begin with 😂

[@rikmiles6531]

Oh.gees get to the point already

[@aklighting8292]

Thanks for the feedback!

[@rachelgomez1225]

Damn. Chill.

[@laqoiathompson7235]

Please I don't have all day.

[@jongroom2954]

a few minutes of rambling rubbish lol😂

[@minot6534]

thank you

[@aklighting8292]

You're welcome. Glad it was helpful!

[@lfroio1]

👎🏽

[@OmarHernandez-pk5mp]

Bro I have Home Depot lights and look better than those ugly 80s and 90s yellow lights.. times change buddy

[@FDJT-sj7id]

Got to admit, this was confusing. Point #1 says is a misconception that landscape lighting is hard. Point #5 also says it’s a misconception that a regular person can’t do it. Ok, so landscape lighting is easy. Got it. Then point #2 comes along. It’s a misconception that there’s not much to landscape lighting and you really can just throw up some Home Depot lights. Whoops. He goes on to say that landscape lighting is “an art and a design”. He uses the pillar example to show what an average Joe might do versus what some professional who knows how to light for textures would do. He then goes on to literally say, “…you have to know how to do it and get professional lighting so it can create that look.” So yeah, maybe Joe Average can throw up a dozen Home Depot solar powered path lights on both sides of their 10 foot long walkway and turn it into an airport runway, but no, without a significant amount of research and data, including specs on each fixture, the average homeowner is not going to think about putting 3 uplights around a post a few inches away so you can get the “three dimensional” and “texture” look. They’re not going to consider light pollution or light trespass. They’re not going to know about the long shrouds that downlights will have so you don’t see the actual bulb when you put it high up in a tree. They’re not going to think about lighting a larger tree with 3 or 4 uplights. They’re sure as hell not going to think about load and voltage drop. I live in a pretty typical residential area where 95% of the homeowners have done their own landscape lighting. They get their lights at Home Depot. Most are solar, but some are actual wired, low voltage. They love to light both sides of the short walkways from the driveway to the front door. They put a light every 2-3 feet. They buy a box of 20 lights, and by god, they put all 20 in the front flower bed. So, yeah, landscape lighting is not difficult to do. It is, however, difficult to do correctly. I guess I just made a commercial for professional landscape lighting companies, but an amateur can do it. You just have to do your homework first. And I’ve pulled a few all-nighters…….

[@bobufo5729]

I do landscape lighting and I am the lebron james of landscape lighting. I am the fastest installer in the entire world that I know about , and in my opinion my lighting designs are among the best. If anyone is interested in landscape lighting at there property I would be happy to share some of my work, or if anyone has any questions about a installation , maintaining your system , product advice , or anything else to do with landscape lighting leave a comment and I’d be happy to provide my email address. The high end systems I install can range from $2,500~ for a very small system with basic functionality and fixtures to upwards of $100,000 for a large high end system with all the features such as zoning , dimming , and color changing. I am passionate about my work, and very proud of the beautiful outdoor living spaces I have had the chance complete. If anyone needs any advice for installing a system yourself or would like the highest quality system installation possible by me , please leave a comment with your email or I can provide mine. I install anywhere in the continental USA.

[@codysmith9731]

Hey Bob, I would love to learn more about what you do

[@bobufo5729]

@@codysmith9731 what would you like to know Cody?

[@bobufo5729]

@@codysmith9731 if you’d like to get in touch via email let me know. I can also answer questions here.

[@chriss9878]

Lebron James sucks!

[@bobufo5729]

@@chriss9878 I’m like the Kobe

[@GOLDFOLDS1]

huh? i learned nothing from this guy. good grief

[@DrOcKa20]

Agree. Too much talking and said absolutely nothing.

[@phillipsloan7148]

Thank god for people like you it saves listening to rubbish ❤❤

[@rml3wood]

Why like and subscribe at the beginning? Get the camera out of your face, homeslice.