FHB Logo Facebook LinkedIn Email Pinterest Twitter X Instagram Tiktok YouTube Plus Icon Close Icon Navigation Search Icon Navigation Search Icon Arrow Down Icon Video Guide Icon Article Guide Icon Modal Close Icon Guide Search Icon Skip to content
Subscribe
Log In
  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Restoration
  • Videos
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House
  • Podcast
Log In

Discussion Forum

Discussion Forum

Garden Lights

richardi | Posted in Construction Techniques on September 22, 2008 09:12am

I am about to intall low-voltage lighting in our garden and I want to do it so that the light fixtures stand firm and upright over time.  It seems like the provided stakes just don’t do the job.

I was thinking about cement-filled coffee cans or something similar as an anchor.

Does anyone have any suggestions?

Thanks,

Richard

 

Reply
  • X
  • facebook
  • linkedin
  • pinterest
  • email
  • add to favorites Log in or Sign up to save your favorite articles

Replies

  1. User avater
    popawheelie | Sep 22, 2008 10:29pm | #1

    Sounds good to me. I'd make it so you could remove them when you want in case you have to. I've seen kids steal them in the front yard. Especially the solar ones because there are no wires.

    I'm landscaping our front yard and lighting it. Just oredered some 12V led lights for lighting a pathway. Can't wait to get them.

  2. User avater
    deadmanmike | Sep 22, 2008 11:04pm | #2

    Most all the light stalks are hollow, and I usually pound some rebar into the ground and slip the light over it.

    1. richardi | Sep 23, 2008 05:16pm | #7

      deadman1 -

      I like your method, although I'm not sure my stakes are hollow.  Do you cut off the tip so that you can slip the stake over the rebar?

      What would you do if the stakes were not hollow?

      Richard

       

      1. peteshlagor | Sep 23, 2008 06:42pm | #8

        Do it cheep or do it so it lasts:

        The way I put in landscape lights follows.  However, many DIYers fail to understand that when it comes to landscape lights, less is more.  Having lights every 6 feet on both sides of a walkway is overkill and looks weird.  Putting lights further way from one another and used to illuminate shadows rather than paths creates a more interesting night time landscape.

        First, I run PVC conduits for the wire.  I dig down about 12" and put extensions on the elbows being used.  Sweeping street elbows are better than the others. I cut the extensions off when trimming out.

        The locations of the lights need to be predetermined to provide the best illumination plan and run of the conduits.

        At each light location where the conduit elbows up, and then back down to complete the loop or go to the next fixture, a Mighty Post is placed and set in position.  Sometimes the base of the Mighty Post needs to be cut with your jig saw to provide for the second conduit or a conduit running too high when it cannot be avoided.

        http://www.rabweb.com/product_line_detail.php?prodline=post

        These Mighty Posts have caps that are moulded to include a 1/2" female thread opening on top to mount practically ANY standard landscape light.

        It is assumed the installer understands power drop in these low voltage systems and the need, if necessary for the wire to be in a circuit or string.

        The transformer is installed in a suitable location - such as inside an attached garage - or an appropriate outdoor box as needed (such as an nice SS one).  I prefer transformer boxes that have conduit holes already provioded at it's bottom.  Or when inside the garage and no conduit holes, I'll run the wires into a box at the base of the transformer, into the wall and coming out on the outside at the top of the bottom plate.  Outside, I ream the hole sufficiently to allow a 1/2" pull elbow to slip comfortably inside and caulk  the gaps.  Then the verticle part of the elbow goes down and connects with my conduit line.  (I like to place a fixture close to that point for use as a box for the rest of the runs - if needed.)

        Then, the trimming simply involves going around and wiring your fixtures as it your were working indoors.  Use moisture resistant screw on's.  I go overboard and solder the wires after twisting and before place the wire nut.

         

      2. User avater
        deadmanmike | Sep 23, 2008 07:54pm | #9

        Almost all are hollow, with a plastic barb stuck in the end.

        If you can't make do with the stakes/shafts, you might be able to replace the shafts with ceiling fan downrods...much stronger than hollow tin/aluminum, available in different lengths so you can plant 1' and still have a bit to hold the light above ground, and in different colors to match the decor.

        It really depends on the lights, and how they're constructed.

  3. frenchy | Sep 22, 2008 11:25pm | #3

    richardi

      Don't do it!

     Gardens change regularly and it's nice to be able to move the lights around where they work rather than having some plant that grew unexpectedly block off the light..

     I've used the provided stakes now for 3 years and every spring I spend a total of 5 minutes straightening up those that got knocked over during the winter..   so far I've got a total of 15 minutes in three years of maintinace in my lights..

      doing as you are suggesting will take you a lot longer than 15 minutes..

    1. richardi | Sep 23, 2008 12:44am | #4

      frenchy -

      How long are the stakes on your lights?  Mine are only 9-12" and are constantly out-of-kilter so I spend more time than I want to straightening them only to have them slip again.

      Edited 9/22/2008 6:03 pm ET by richardi

      1. frenchy | Sep 23, 2008 01:48am | #6

        richardi

          6 1/4 inches.

    2. User avater
      deadmanmike | Sep 23, 2008 12:57am | #5

      It's not exactly hard to yank a 2' piece of half-buried rebar when I redo the landscaping, and they sure don't move around unless you wan them to.

      That's why I use that method...even with my 100# rottie bounding through the yard like a blind rogue elephant, they don't go anywhere but they're easy to relocate when I want.

      And my customers love it, except when they stub a toe on one...

      Edited 9/22/2008 5:58 pm ET by deadman1

Log in or create an account to post a comment.

Sign up Log in

Become a member and get full access to FineHomebuilding.com

Video Shorts

Categories

  • Business
  • Code Questions
  • Construction Techniques
  • Energy, Heating & Insulation
  • General Discussion
  • Help/Work Wanted
  • Photo Gallery
  • Reader Classified
  • Tools for Home Building

Discussion Forum

Recent Posts and Replies

  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
View More Create Post

Up Next

Video Shorts

Featured Story

Picture-Perfect Pergola

Built from locally sawn hemlock, this functional outdoor feature uses structural screws and metal connectors for fast, sturdy construction.

Featured Video

Builder’s Advocate: An Interview With Viewrail

Learn more about affordable, modern floating stairs, from design to manufacturing to installation.

Related Stories

  • Podcast Episode 692: Introduction to Trade Work, Embodied Carbon, and Envelope Improvements
  • FHB Podcast Segment: Embodied Greenhouse Gas Emissions and the Building Codes
  • Old Boots Learn New Tricks
  • Install Denim Insulation Like a Pro

Highlights

Fine Homebuilding All Access
Fine Homebuilding Podcast
Tool Tech
Plus, get an extra 20% off with code GIFT20

"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Fine Homebuilding Magazine

  • Issue 332 - July 2025
    • Custom Built-ins With Job-Site Tools
    • Fight House Fires Through Design
    • Making the Move to Multifamily
  • Issue 331 - June 2025
    • A More Resilient Roof
    • Tool Test: You Need a Drywall Sander
    • Ducted vs. Ductless Heat Pumps
  • Issue 330 - April/May 2025
    • Deck Details for Durability
    • FAQs on HPWHs
    • 10 Tips for a Long-Lasting Paint Job
  • Issue 329 - Feb/Mar 2025
    • Smart Foundation for a Small Addition
    • A Kominka Comes West
    • Making Small Kitchens Work
  • Issue 328 - Dec/Jan 2025
    • How a Pro Replaces Columns
    • Passive House 3.0
    • Tool Test: Compact Line Lasers

Fine Home Building

Newsletter Sign-up

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox.

  • Green Building Advisor

    Building science and energy efficiency advice, plus special offers, in your inbox.

  • Old House Journal

    Repair, renovation, and restoration tips, plus special offers, in your inbox.

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters

Follow

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X

Membership & Magazine

  • Online Archive
  • Start Free Trial
  • Magazine Subscription
  • Magazine Renewal
  • Gift a Subscription
  • Customer Support
  • Privacy Preferences
  • About
  • Contact
  • Advertise
  • Careers
  • Terms of Use
  • Site Map
  • Do not sell or share my information
  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility
  • California Privacy Rights

© 2025 Active Interest Media. All rights reserved.

Fine Homebuilding receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

  • Home Group
  • Antique Trader
  • Arts & Crafts Homes
  • Bank Note Reporter
  • Cabin Life
  • Cuisine at Home
  • Fine Gardening
  • Fine Woodworking
  • Green Building Advisor
  • Garden Gate
  • Horticulture
  • Keep Craft Alive
  • Log Home Living
  • Military Trader/Vehicles
  • Numismatic News
  • Numismaster
  • Old Cars Weekly
  • Old House Journal
  • Period Homes
  • Popular Woodworking
  • Script
  • ShopNotes
  • Sports Collectors Digest
  • Threads
  • Timber Home Living
  • Traditional Building
  • Woodsmith
  • World Coin News
  • Writer's Digest
Active Interest Media logo
X
X
This is a dialog window which overlays the main content of the page. The modal window is a 'site map' of the most critical areas of the site. Pressing the Escape (ESC) button will close the modal and bring you back to where you were on the page.

Main Menu

  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Video
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Popular Topics

  • Kitchens
  • Business
  • Bedrooms
  • Roofs
  • Architecture and Design
  • Green Building
  • Decks
  • Framing
  • Safety
  • Remodeling
  • Bathrooms
  • Windows
  • Tilework
  • Ceilings
  • HVAC

Magazine

  • Current Issue
  • Past Issues
  • Magazine Index
  • Subscribe
  • Online Archive
  • Author Guidelines

All Access

  • Member Home
  • Start Free Trial
  • Gift Membership

Online Learning

  • Courses
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Podcast

More

  • FHB Ambassadors
  • FHB House
  • Customer Support

Account

  • Log In
  • Join

Newsletter

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Follow

  • X
  • YouTube
  • instagram
  • facebook
  • pinterest
  • Tiktok

Join All Access

Become a member and get instant access to thousands of videos, how-tos, tool reviews, and design features.

Start Your Free Trial

Subscribe

FHB Magazine

Start your subscription today and save up to 70%

Subscribe

Enjoy unlimited access to Fine Homebuilding. Join Now

Already a member? Log in

We hope you’ve enjoyed your free articles. To keep reading, become a member today.

Get complete site access to expert advice, how-to videos, Code Check, and more, plus the print magazine.

Start your FREE trial

Already a member? Log in

Privacy Policy Update

We use cookies, pixels, script and other tracking technologies to analyze and improve our service, to improve and personalize content, and for advertising to you. We also share information about your use of our site with third-party social media, advertising and analytics partners. You can view our Privacy Policy here and our Terms of Use here.

Cookies

Analytics

These cookies help us track site metrics to improve our sites and provide a better user experience.

Advertising/Social Media

These cookies are used to serve advertisements aligned with your interests.

Essential

These cookies are required to provide basic functions like page navigation and access to secure areas of the website.

Delete My Data

Delete all cookies and associated data