How to Choose Permanent Outdoor Lighting for Your Home

I live in a three-story, stucco-covered townhouse, which prevents me from installing most permanent outdoor lighting. My HOA prohibits “permanent changes” to the exterior, and drilling into stucco isn’t an option. My townhouse also lacks a standard eave design that could hide a light strip when it’s turned off.

That doesn’t mean you have zero options. If you can’t install permanent outdoor lights, see what you can do instead. However, if you want a complete, integrated look, a home with a more standard roof design may be a better fit.

What to Look for in Permanent Outdoor Lighting

Most permanent outdoor lighting systems are similar: They use puck-shaped lights attached to a cable. However, several features can make one system easier to install and more adaptable than another.

Cut-and-splice capability

The ability to disconnect, cut, and reconnect the light cable is an important feature, according to testing by a WIRED reviewer. Homes often have architectural details such as peaks, gables, and eaveless sections. A system that can be cut and spliced makes it easier to create a customized, professional-looking installation.

Our favorite set, Govee ($300 for 100 feet), and eufy ($350 for 100 feet), include this capability.

Weatherproof construction

Permanent outdoor lights should have an IP rating that confirms they are designed for outdoor use. If a product doesn’t list an IP or weatherproof rating, don’t buy it.

Control boxes often have lower weatherproof ratings than the lights themselves, so install them somewhere protected from the elements. You should also confirm that your home has an outdoor outlet and check whether a particular side of the house has only one outlet, since that could limit your installation options.

Multiple installation options

Look for a complete permanent lighting kit with several do-it-yourself installation methods, including adhesive and drill-based options. The best choice depends on your home’s design and exterior materials. For example, homes where drilling is prohibited will need an adhesive mounting option.

A WIRED reviewer tested several permanent outdoor lighting systems and preferred a set with screw-on holders that let the puck-shaped lights slide into place. This type of mounting hardware can provide more flexibility than a single installation method.