7 Beautiful DIY Hardscape Lighting Ideas

When a space is well-lit, it practically embraces you. You want to be there! Well-done lighting is also practical, equipping you to enjoy the area long after darkness falls everywhere else.

In this article, we will consider some creative ideas for lighting up your perfect hardscape.

Landscape Uplights

If you aren’t familiar with uplights, they are simply light fixtures placed on the ground, pointed up. They send light up from below, eliminating any potential glaring in your eyes.

Downlights

Downlights are ideal if you have a hardscaped patio area beneath a roof or a second-story porch. Their basic recessed style makes them minimal and unobtrusive—unlikely to be broken or knocked over if the kids decide to have a late-night Ping-Pong tournament or outdoor pillow fight.

Path lights

If you decided on a stone path or walkway made from pavers, you might be interested in adding path lights. Path lights can make a walkway much more welcoming and eliminate tripping hazards. They are a charming touch to any narrow area. You can choose from old-fashioned or modern styles to ensure your lights fit the aesthetic of the rest of your landscaping.

Step lights

Do you have an outdoor staircase or front porch steps? One idea to improve this type of space is to invest in basic step lights. Just like path lights, step lights can decrease tripping hazards after dark and enhance the ambiance for friends and family walking up and down the steps.

String lights

String lights have become popular in the last few years because they add instant charm and welcome to any space that hosts activity after dark. You can define the space for a party with large-bulbed string lights, string a few up as a backdrop, or use a string to light any out-of-the-way area that you have hardscaped.

Pool lights

If you live in a hot climate, you know that frequent summer swims are necessary! Pool lights can change swimming after dark from something that might be dangerous into an activity that makes some of the best family memories.

Column lights

Column lights are often seen at the beginning of front steps or periodically on luxurious paver walkways. This more regal lighting style can be a beautiful way to add character and definition to the areas you spend the most time on or wherever you intend for your guests to walk.

Download our free Guide

Would you like more information about how to ensure your paver project will turn out beautifully? We made a free guide for you to learn how to install pavers. Download the Project Planning Guide and streamline your process.