How to Install Recessed Ground Lights [8 Easy Steps]

Installing recessed ground lighting isn’t complicated – if you know what you’re doing. Has simple as we make it though, you should always consult a professional if you’re in any doubt.

So, without further ado, here’s the step-by-step instructions to install recessed ground lights in your garden.

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How to Install Recessed Ground Lights [Step by Step]

Step 1: Choose the location for your ground lights

The first step to installing ground lights is deciding where to put them. 

There are several areas of your garden you may want to consider. For example, you might want to light up your garden path, or maybe you want to place them along the decking alongside some nice string lights.

Or, if you’re anything like me, you’d rather place them in amongst the plants and bushes around the edges of the grass!

Wherever you choose to install your ground lights, you’ll need to consider where the wiring for the lights will go.

So, using the garden path example again, you’ll need to think about whether you want to bury the wiring in the grass right next to the path, or would you want them simply running along the path’s edge.

Step 2: Work out how many ground lights you’ll need

The number of ground lights you’ll need will depend largely on how large an area you’re looking to illuminate. In other words, how big your garden is.

The general recommendation is to place your recessed ground lights 6-8 feet apart. Any closer than this and you risk over lighting, and any further than this and you’ll create dark spots.

That being said, if you’re not concerned with over lighting and having an exceptionally bright garden, go for 4-6 feet apart!

Remember, it’s a general recommendation, not a strict rule.

Step 3: Dig the holes for your recessed ground lights

The diameter of the hole you dig for your ground lights should be 5-6 inches larger than the diameter of your lighting fixture (the housing), and the depth should be 7-8 inches deeper than its height. 

The purpose of this is to give you space underneath and around the light fixture to a) add your wiring and b) add your drainage.

Step 4: Install the wiring for your ground lights

Once you’ve made the hole ready for your ground light, you need to connect the cable that will power it. 

To do this, you’ll need to install some conduit underground. Conduit is a tube that protects electrical wiring, and will keep it protected from the elements.

This means digging up a ‘trench’ that you can lay the conduit tubing in, and then placing your soil or fake grass back over the top.

After the tube is in place, thread your wiring through.

Step 5: Wire your ground lights

With the wiring now in place, you can now connect the wiring to your ground lights. Follow the manufacturers instructions to do so.

Step 6: Make it all waterproof

Once everything is ready to go, the next step is to waterproof your connections to prevent any water damage.

We’d recommend using mastic putty or waterproof tape around the threads of the conduit connector and power supply to create that protective waterproof barrier. 

Step 7: Backfill the holes for drainage

Once the recessed ground light has been fitted, fill the remaining volume of the hole with gravel (or a similar material).

The purpose of this is to allow for adequate drainage around your ground light, so that water doesn’t pool up alongside your light, as it will eventually leak through.

Step 8: Test your new ground lights!

Once you’ve fully installed your recessed ground lights, all that’s left to do is check your wires, switch on the power to test everything is working as it should, and then enjoy your new recessed garden lighting!

Recessed Ground Light Installation Considerations

Make Sure They Are Suited for Outdoor Use

All recessed ground lights will have an IP rating, which tells you hoe protected they are against water and dust.

Because these ground lights will be experiencing all kinds of weather conditions imaginable, you’ll want to go with an IP rating of 68 or better.

Ensure Your Light Has a Surface to Reflect Off

If your recessed ground lights are pointed straight up at nothing but the sky, they’re not going to be very bright.

This is the same reason why outdoor wall lights can seem so bright – they’re not, it’s just that the light is able to reflect off the brick wall it’s installed on.

So, with your recessed ground lights, you’re going to want to have the light reflect on to something in your garden, like a tree, a fence, or bushes/plants.

Don’t Install Your Lights at the Lowest Point

The worst thing you can do in terms of ground lighting placement is to put them at the lowest point of your garden. This is because water will naturally flow down to this point, meaning you’re pretty much going to be giving your lights a bath every time it rains.

Instead, make sure your recessed ground lights are placed either on a flat surface, or at the top of a sloped part of your garden. Never the bottom.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Color Temperature Should My Recessed Ground Lights Be?

The color temperature of your recessed garden lights will be down to personal preference, and the look you’re going for in your garden.

Warm light is great for making your outdoor space feel cozy and inviting, so if you’ll be using your garden in the evenings for BBQ’s and gatherings, warm light may be the best option.

You also have cool. Light, which is great for highlighting something architectural or something you want to show off – a decorative garden piece, a plant/bush/tree, you name it.

We have a full color temperature guide here.

How Far Apart Should Recessed Ground Lights Be?

As a general rule, you should place your recessed ground lights 6-8 feet apart.

However, like we stated in the article above, if you’re looking to make your garden very bright, you may want to place them a bit closer at 4-6 feet apart.

Also, if you’ve got nothing to shine your recessed lights up onto (like a wall, tree, bush etc…), you may need a few more to ensure your garden is bright enough.

Related Posts

• How to Light Up a Tree in the Garden
• How to Wire Garden Lights [Step-by-Step Guide]
• How to Light Up Your Backyard Without Electricity [Best Ideas!]

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