Introduction
Summer is right around the corner, which means it's time to start preparing your backyard for fun gatherings with family and friends. Installing lighting and power outlets in your yard will allow you to entertain day or night, without tripping over cords or struggling to see once the sun goes down. The good news is, with some strategic planning and DIY elbow grease, you can wire your backyard for entertaining on a budget.
In this comprehensive guide, I'll walk you through everything you need to know to effortlessly electrify your outdoor living space without breaking the bank.
Determine Your Electrical Needs
The first step is figuring out exactly what kind of lighting, outlets, and other electrical components you'll need in your yard. Consider the following:
Lighting
- Pathway lights - Illuminate walking paths and highlight architectural features
- Step lights - Light up stairs and decks for safety
- String lights - Set ambience and illuminate seating/dining areas
- Flood/spot lights - Brightly light specific areas like pools, grills, etc.
Outlets & Switches
- Where will you want to plug in appliances like speakers, bug zappers, fans, etc.?
- Will you need a wall switch to easily control lighting?
Special Circuits
- Hot tub - Requires a dedicated 240V circuit
- Electric grill - Often requires a 240V outlet
Future Plans
- Will you be adding a pool or outdoor kitchen down the road? Plan wiring for future additions now.
Choose Low Voltage Outdoor Lighting
Opting for 12V or 24V outdoor lighting over 120V lighting provides huge cost savings on wiring. Lower voltage systems:
- Use less expensive, smaller gauge wire - 12/2 wire costs pennies per foot instead of dollars.
- Require shallower, narrower trenches for buried wire runs. Digging is easier!
- Allow you to lay wire directly in the ground without expensive conduit.
- Present much less risk of shock/electrocution for DIY installs.
Use Existing Wiring When Possible
Take advantage of any exterior outlets or lighting already on your home.
- Tapping into existing circuits avoids the cost of installing new breakers and running wire long distances.
- Most exterior circuits have spare capacity allowing you to add lights and outlets.
- Use wire nuts and junction boxes to branch off existing lines going to areas you want to add wiring.
Smart Tips
- Add lighting along the path to existing exterior outlets.
- Install low voltage wiring in landscape beds and fences adjacent to the house.
- Piggyback additional low voltage lights onto existing 120V fixtures.
Choose Wire Based on Location
Buried Wiring
Use direct burial wire like 12/2 UF-B to run wiring underground. It's designed to resist moisture and corrosion when buried.
Exposed Wiring
For wiring exposed along fences and structures, use exterior rated cable like THHN/THWN-2. It's outdoor safe but cheaper because it doesn't need the buried wire waterproofing.
Creative Hiding Spots
- Run low voltage landscape lighting wire under the edge of a deck or porch.
- Clip wire to underside of eaves and fixtures for discreet runs.
- Hide wire inside PVC conduit painted to match your house.
Shop Discount Stores for Fixtures
Here are some of my favorite budget sources for outdoor lighting:
- Big box stores - Check the clearance section for major discounts on lighting. I once scored pathway spotlights for $3 each!
- Habitat for Humanity ReStore - Reclaimed fixtures at half off retail pricing.
- Thrift shops - Vintage and unique patio string lights for cheap.
- Yard sales - Chance to buy used high end fixtures at bargain prices.
Smart Tip
Replace high end fixture heads with low cost generic versions to cut costs. The wiring and bases are reusable!
Rent a Trencher
Renting a gas powered trencher for half a day is much cheaper than hiring a contractor to dig trenches. You can trench wiring lines in just a few hours!
Many home improvement rental stores charge around $50 - $100 per day for a trencher rental. It saves hours of backbreaking shovel work too.
Safety Tips
- Carefully mark all utility lines beforehand using utility flags or spray paint.
- Wear protective eyewear and gloves when trenching.
- Use extreme caution around foundations and tree roots.
Save on Switches and Outlets
Opt for basic white covered switches and outlets instead of expensive decorative ones. Painting them later is easy to match your decor.
Buy weather resistant GFCI outlets with self enclosed waterproof back boxes. Avoid using plastic bubble covers that can leak over time.
Smart Tip
Install outlets at standard height instead of ground level boxes which cost much more. Use post mounted dock boxes when needed.
Do It Yourself!
If installed safely to code, most basic outdoor wiring projects can be DIYed without special expertise.
Handy Skills to Learn
- Using a voltage tester to safely check wires
- Proper wire stripping and splice techniques
- Install outdoor boxes and mount fixtures to code
When to Hire an Electrician
Bring in a pro for:
- Main panel work - New breakers, major new circuits
- High voltage wiring - Structured wiring, hot tubs
- Local code questions - Permit requirements, GFCI rules
Work Safely!
Exercise extreme caution when working with electricity to avoid injury or death from shock/electrocution.
- Shut off power at the breaker before doing any work
- Double check wires with a tester before touching
- Wear insulating gloves and eyewear
- Never cut into a live wire
Hire a licensed electrician if you have any concerns about safely installing wiring to code.
Conclusion
With proper planning and some strategic cost cutting measures, you can successfully wire your backyard for entertaining without depleting your summer fun budget. Focus on low voltage landscape lighting, take advantage of existing wiring, and utilize DIY installation for basic circuits. Just be sure to always put safety first! Let me know if you have any other frugal tips for wiring your yard affordably. Have a wonderful summer!