How High Should an Outdoor Light Be Mounted? - Outdoor Cabinets

Proper mounting height is a key consideration when installing outdoor lighting. The ideal height depends on several factors, including the purpose of the lighting, fixture type, and desired light spread. Following proper mounting guidelines helps ensure your outdoor lights are visually appealing, functionally effective, and compliant with safety and building codes.

Introduction

Outdoor lighting serves both aesthetic and functional purposes. Pathway lights illuminate walkways and entrances for safety and visibility. Floodlights and spotlights accent architectural features and landscape elements. Security lights deter intruders and illuminate dark areas.

Determining the optimal mounting height is essential for outdoor lights to serve their intended purpose without creating glare, shadows or dark spots. Mounting too high diminishes illumination coverage and efficiency. Mounting too low increases glare and shadows. Fortunately, there are recommended mounting heights for common outdoor lighting applications.

How High to Mount Wall-Mounted Lights

Wall-mounted fixtures like porch lights, sconces and wall lanterns typically have mounting heights between 6 and 8 feet above ground level. This provides pleasing proportions against the wall and positions the light source above eye level to minimize glare.

Consider the following when determining wall-mounted lighting height:

Purpose – Accent lights can be mounted closer to eye-level around 6 feet. Security and porch lights should be mounted higher around 8 feet for better light spread.
Fixture Style – Smaller lights like sconces can be mounted lower. Larger wall lanterns and carriage lights need higher placement for ideal light spread.
Location – Measure mounting height from the ground level where the light is installed. For example, a light flanking a front door should be measured from the porch floor rather than ground level.

As a general rule, wall-mounted lights should be positioned 60 to 75 inches (5 to 6 feet) above the ground for optimal use and visual appeal.

How High to Mount Post Lights

Post lights mounted on pillars, posts, or columns typically have ideal mounting heights between 5 and 6 feet. This provides visibility and even light distribution without excessive glare.

Follow these tips for ideal post light mounting height:

Position the bottom of the light fixture 48 to 60 inches above the ground level.
For post lights flanking doors, gates or pathways, mount closer to 48 inches high for better illumination.
For larger post lights up to 6 feet high, mount around 60 inches for ideal proportions against the post.
If mounting multiple post lights, maintain consistent height and alignment.

Mounting post lights lower than 4 feet can result in glare. Exceeding 6 feet provides insufficient light spread unless the fixtures are very large.

How High to Mount Pendant and Hanging Lights

Hanging lights like pendants, lanterns and chandeliers have flexible mounting heights, but optimal placement depends on the fixture size and location:

For covered outdoor areas like patios, mount pendants 24 to 48 inches above the table or seating area.
For large hanging lights, mount approximately 60 inches or higher to maximize light spread.
Position the bottom of extra large fixtures like carriage lanterns around 72 inches or higher.
Adjust height based on the fixture’s relationship to the space. For example, ground-mounted lighting along a pathway can be mounted 12 to 18 inches above the path.

With flexible pendant cords and chains, optimal heights can be adjusted on site for both function and visual appeal.

How High to Mount Flood and Security Lights

The ideal mounting height for floodlights and security lighting is 8 to 14 feet above the ground. This provides sufficient illumination spread without creating excessive glare or shadows.

Consider the following factors when determining height:

Floodlight beam angle – Wider beams require higher mounting for larger light spread.
Purpose – Security lights may need higher placement for better visibility and fewer shadows.
Location – Measure height from the area being illuminated rather than fixture location. For example, a light mounted under an eave should be measured from the ground below rather than the eave height.
Obstructions – Adjust height to avoid foliage and architectural elements that can block light coverage.

As a general rule of thumb:

Standard floodlights should be mounted 8 to 10 feet high.
Floodlights with wide beams angles greater than 45 degrees can be mounted 10 to 14 feet high.
For large areas greater than 5 feet wide, mount floodlights at least 8 feet high.

How High to Mount Pathway Lights

Pathway lights are designed to illuminate walking paths, driveways, stairs, and ramps. For optimal visibility, pathway lights should be mounted based on lighting level and fixture style:

Low-level pathway lights should be mounted 1 to 12 inches above the walking surface. The closer to the ground, the better defined the path will be.
For ramps, stairs, and steps, mount 4 to 6 inches above to highlight risers.
Higher mounted pathway lights 12 to 18 inches above the path provide wider light spread.
Extruded or strip lights can be mounted flush or nearly flush with the path for unobtrusive lighting.
Bollard lights should be 3 to 4 feet high for lighting walkways. Full-height bollards up to 6 feet work well to illuminate driveways.

The lower the lights are mounted, the closer together they need to be spaced for continuity. Higher mounting allows for wider light spread and fixture spacing.

How High to Mount Deck and Patio Lights

Deck lighting and patio lights create an inviting outdoor living space for evening enjoyment. Typical mounting heights help provide attractive, functional illumination:

For overhead-mounted lighting, position fixtures 8 to 10 feet above the deck or patio surface.
Mount step and stair lights 4 to 6 inches above risers for visibility.
Low-voltage rope and strip lighting often mounts directly under railings and seating benches for attractive accent lighting.
Post-mounted deck and patio lighting usually falls between 48 and 60 inches from ground level like other post lights.
Wall-mounted sconces beside seating areas can be mounted 60 to 72 inches above the floor.

Proper mounting prevents glare in seating areas while still directing ample lighting to walkways and steps.

How High Should Outdoor Lights Be Mounted over a Door?

Wall fixtures flanking doors provide both security lighting and visual appeal. For ideal illumination:

Mount matching fixtures at equal height on both sides of the door.
Position lights 60 to 72 inches above porch or ground level.
For walkout basement doors, measure height from the lower ground level rather than the main floor.
Aim the light beam toward the door rather than angling light outward.
Wall lanterns and carriage lights work well due to rear-facing illumination.

The door should receive direct illumination while the area out front is softly lit. This provides excellent visibility while greeting guests or accessing the door at night.

Code Requirements for Outdoor Lighting Height

Outdoor lighting height must conform to building codes for safety and compliance:

The National Electric Code (NEC) requires a minimum clearance of 8ft between the highest ground level and any light fixture.
The same 8ft clearance applies to junction boxes and other electrical components.
Post-mounted lights cannot exceed the maximum post height determined by zoning regulations.
Prudent safety precautions apply for any lights near roads, parking areas or sidewalks to avoid causing glare for drivers and pedestrians.

Consult your local ordinances and an electrician regarding specific code requirements for outdoor lighting. Proper heights also help provide visual comfort while conserving energy.

Tips for Choosing Outdoor Lighting Mounting Height

Follow these tips when determining optimal mounting heights:

Favor higher light placement when possible to increase usefulness and minimize glare.
Check fixture specifications for recommended mounting heights.
Evaluate the site condition where lights will be installed.
Determine if the installation area requires compliance with any regulations.
Use adjustable mounts and pendant cords to fine-tune heights during installation.
Consider hiring a professional installer if unsure about proper mounting.

With some planning and thoughtful placement, outdoor lights can be positioned at heights to provide superior visibility, safety, and aesthetic appeal after the sun goes down. Properly mounted outdoor lighting greatly extends the enjoyment of your landscape and exterior spaces.

Frequently Asked Questions

How high should outdoor lights be mounted above a patio?

For optimal illumination over a patio space, install overhead-mounted lighting fixtures 8 to 10 feet above the patio surface. Lower mounting heights can create glare while higher mounting provides insufficient light coverage.

What is the standard height for outdoor wall lights?

The typical mounting height for outdoor wall sconces and wall lanterns is between 60 to 72 inches (5 to 6 feet) above the ground. This provides pleasant proportions against the wall and adequate illumination of the surrounding area.

How high should you mount outdoor flood lights?

For optimal spread and intensity, most outdoor floodlights should be mounted 8 to 14 feet above the ground, depending on the beam angle and coverage area. Wider beam angles allow for higher placement up to 14 feet.

How high should post lights be from the ground?

Post-mounted lights should be positioned 48 to 60 inches (4 to 5 feet) from the ground level for ideal illumination. Make sure bollard lights are at least 3 feet high for walkways and 4 to 6 feet for driveways.

Should outdoor stair lights be installed above or below the step?

For optimal visibility on exterior steps, the best practice is to install low-voltage stair lights 4 to 6 inches above each step rather than below. This highlights the stair risers and helps prevent tripping.

Conclusion

Determining the optimal mounting height is crucial for outdoor lighting to be visually appealing and functionally effective. Follow the recommendations based on fixture types and lighting purpose. Favor higher placements when possible to maximize light coverage. Consider regulations, obstructions, and aesthetic proportions for your unique space. With proper mounting, your outdoor lighting can provide enjoyment, safety, and security for years to come.