Written by Ben Teele | A Leader in LED Technology

Use LED lighting in your lanai and pergola to create the perfect outdoor oasis. Whether you are looking to create a functional outdoor area, an entertainment space, or increase safety, selecting the best lighting is key. From placement options and weather considerations, to power supplies and the best products on the market, we will walk you through everything you need to consider when choosing lighting solutions for pergola and lanai lighting.

Things to Consider When Installing Outdoor Lights on Pergolas

Placement Options For Lighting In Pergola

Aluminum Pergolas:

Strip Lights: Ideal for accent lighting, strip Lights can be positioned on the top canopy facing down or along the interior sides of the pergola.

Recessed Lighting: If your pergola has enclosed beams, recessed lights can be installed to provide general area lighting.

In-Ground Fixtures: Enhance the ambiance of your space with in-ground lights for additional accent lighting. These can be installed in concrete or soil (direct burial).

Wooden Pergolas:

Waterproof Strip Lights: Using aluminum channels along with mounting clips can help to secure waterproof strip lights. These are also perfect for highlighting the structure.

General Area Lighting: Most wooden pergolas are not designed to support recessed fixtures. Focus on the creative placement of strip lights for the best illumination.

Choosing the right lighting products and placement for your pergola can enhance its beauty and functionality, providing both ambient and task lighting tailored to your needs.

Weather factors For Pergola Lighting

When installing recessed lighting in an aluminum pergola, it's critical to ensure that the backside of the light fixture and the external driver are thoroughly protected from moisture. Use waterproof enclosures and sealing techniques to keep out moisture and debris. Proper moisture protection will help prevent damage and ensure the longevity of your lighting.

For strip lighting in your aluminum or wooden pergola, use IP68-rated strip lights to guarantee they are fully waterproof and can withstand various weather conditions. Additionally, make sure all wiring connections are properly sealed using waterproof connectors, RTV Silicone, and heat-shrink tubing to prevent moisture infiltration. Be sure to avoid placing the lights in direct sunlight to prevent overheating of the strip lights. Ensuring your outdoor lighting setup is weather-resistant is crucial for maintaining performance and durability, especially in areas exposed to the elements.

How will you power your LED lights?

Your lighting needs and preferences will determine if your installation requires a power supply. Some recessed lighting fixtures, such as our Ultra-Thin Low-Profile Lights and our Round Recessed lights, can be wired directly to line voltage. While low voltage recessed lights will require either a non-dimmable or dimmable power supply. LED Strip lights also require low voltage, DC, power supplies to operate effectively. Properly planning your power sources is essential to ensure your lighting system functions seamlessly.

Best Color & Brightness for LED Outdoor Lights:

The best LED color temperature for your pergola lighting depends on your personal preference. The most common color temperature preferred is warm white, 3000K. It's important to note that the waterproofing on strip lighting can affect the color temperature. For instance, if you purchase 3000K strip lights that are IP68 rated, the actual color temperature will be closer to 3800K. Keep this in mind when selecting your lighting to ensure you achieve the desired ambiance.

Best Products For Pergola Lighting

When choosing lighting for your pergola, be sure to select fixtures designed to withstand outdoor conditions. Using waterproof light fixtures, rated IP68, to ensure the durability and performance of your LED lights is critical.

Strip Lighting: Our top choice for outdoor strip lighting is the W-Series RGBW 4-in-1 Color Changing Flexible LED Strip Light. This versatile option combines RGB and white into a single LED chip, reducing hotspots by providing even lighting and reducing the appearance of dots. It is perfect for creating vibrant and customizable lighting effects.

Recessed Lighting: For recessed lighting, our 4.2-inch Recessed Light is an excellent option. Its shallow heat sink design allows it to fit seamlessly into most pergola beams, offering a sleek and unobtrusive lighting solution.

In-Ground Lights: For in-ground lighting, we recommend our Medium In-Ground/In-Wall LED Light - Ultra Bright light. This powerful fixture provides exceptional brightness, making it ideal for accentuating your pergola and surrounding landscape.

Things to Consider When Installing Outdoor Lights on Lanais

Placement Options For Lights In a Lanai

Strip Lights: Supplementing the need for general lighting and giving ambiance to your outdoor structure, Strip Lights can be installed on the inside of the top of the frame of the lanai. Do not place the lights in direct sunlight to prevent overheating of the LED Strip Lights.

Pool Lighting: If you want to install lighting in your lanai's pool, reach out to a local electrician for more information on the local code requirements.

In-Ground Lights: These lights will enhance the ambiance of the lanai for additional accent lighting. These in-ground LED lights can be installed in concrete or soil, inside or outside the lanai, giving them endless functionality in your lanai structures.

Lighting is important for outdoor areas, such as lanais. LED lighting in the Lanai can provide general lighting, ambient lighting, and task lighting, giving you a safe and practical outdoor area.

Weather factors For Lanai LED Lights

When installing LED lights in your lanai, it's crucial to consider weather-related factors to ensure the longevity and performance of your lighting. Avoid placing light fixtures in direct sunlight as prolonged exposure can overheat the fixture and damage its operation. Even if your lanai is fully enclosed, we advise using IP68-rated fixtures for maximum waterproofing and protection against humidity and other environmental elements.

How Will You Power Your LED Lights?

To power strip lights in your lanai, you will need either a dimmable or non-dimmable power supply. For In-ground LED lights, a non-dimmable power supply is a suitable option. Always be sure the output voltage of your power supply matches the voltage required by your LED lights. Also, remember that local electrical codes may require a specific power supply or transformer. To ensure compliance, consult the latest NEC requirements or partner with a licensed electrician.

Best Products for Lanai Lighting

Strip Lighting Our favorite option for outdoor strip lighting in your lanai is the W-Series RGBW 4-in-1 Color Changing Flexible LED Strip Light. This versatile option combines RGB and white into a single LED chip, delivering seamless light output with reduced hotspots, minimizing the appearance of the dots.

In-Ground Fixtures: For in-ground lighting, we recommend our Medium In-Ground/In-Wall LED Light - Ultra Bright light. This powerful fixture provides exceptional brightness, making it perfect for accentuating your lanai and surrounding landscape. Constructed with stainless steel, this fixture is designed to resist corrosion, ensuring long-lasting durability and performance in outdoor environments. For locations near saltwater environments, we recommend upgrading to our 316 stainless steel version of these fixtures.

Inspirational Images for Pergola and Lanai Lighting

Safety Considerations For Outdoor Lights

Secure Mounting: Ensure all power, controls, and fixtures are securely mounted in a safe location, away from direct exposure to moisture. If an LED light is placed in direct sunlight it can lead to UV damage, overheating, efficiency reduction, a color shift in the light, and thermal stress. Use each LED light for its intended purpose (such as recessed lights for downlighting) to maximize the functionality and aesthetic of your outdoor system.

Electrical Safety: Take care to follow all electrical safety precautions. Before installing lights, be sure to disconnect the lights from power sources. Follow local electrical codes and consider using GFCI equipment, as they may be required. Make all connections in enclosed junctions per local code for protection of your lighting system.

Heat Management: If the light fixture has cooling fins, ensure there is adequate space in the enclosure for air circulation to prevent overheating of the lighting fixture. Avoid placing LED lighting fixtures in direct sunlight to prevent overheating.

Waterproofing: Use waterproof enclosures for power supplies and controls to protect them from moisture and ensure long-lasting performance of the outdoor lighting system.

Creating your dream lanai and pergola with the perfect LED lighting can transform your outdoor space into a safe, functional, and entertaining area. Whether you're aiming to increase the aesthetic appeal, provide task lighting, or improve safety, selecting the right lighting solutions is essential. With top product recommendations, such as the W-Series RGB 4-in-1 strip light for vibrant effects, and the medium in-ground ultra-bright light for accentuating landscapes, you can create a beautifully lit outdoor oasis.

Prioritizing safety considerations such as secure mounting, electrical safety, heat management, and waterproofing, further ensures a reliable and enjoyable outdoor lighting experience. Consideration of placement options, weather factors, and power supplies, can ensure a safe and durable lighting system.

By following these guidelines and utilizing the best LED lighting solutions, you can enjoy a stunning and practical outdoor environment that caters to all your needs and preferences.