In your garden or outdoor space, you might not have a wall, fence or roof to attach a light to, or you may want to keep that surface space clear for aesthetics or another purpose. This is where inground lights come into their own. 

An inground light, as the name hints, is typically recessed into the ground. It might be partially recessed so some of the light sits above the surface, or fully recessed so its top is level with the ground. Its light will shine upwards, although this does not necessarily mean vertically upwards as it may be angled. For this reason you often see them referred to as uplighters, or even abbreviated to ground lights. 

Ingrounds are tough, designed to take various forces and impacts, not least being trodden on. They look super smart when installed and are effective too, preventing trips in the dark and highlighting features. With different styles and colours you can choose whether you want your inground lights to be subtle or a feature. We particularly love them for paths, driveways and trees.

Are inground lights difficult to install? 

Inground light are supplied with a cannister, which acts like the "base" underneath the light. As with a recessed fixture of any time, you need to cut/ dig into the space to install the light. This is easier on soil or softer surfaces, with concrete and metal taking more effort. Regardless of the surface, you need to ensure waterproofing and good drainage for the light. 

Please note that most inground lights do require professional installation however we do offer some 12V options which can be installed yourself if you are an experienced DIYer. Your electrician will be able to advise on your specific circumstances so we recommend consulting them if you're unsure in advance of purchasing, or getting in touch with our team who will be able to advise.

What surface can I install an in-ground light on? 

Almost anything! Concrete paths, gravel, wooden decks, soil, outdoor tiles, we’ve seen it all and with impressive results. The surface does need to be solid.

 

TLO Top Picks

We’ve created a list of six different inground lights you should consider for your deck or outdoor space. This is just a small selection of the uplighters that we offer- you can discover the full collection here.

  1. LED Outdoor Inground Tri Colour Marine Grade 316 Stainless Steel 

    Offering exceptional value for money, this classic design uses marine-grade stainless steel to ensure it can be used in any area, including coastal properties, without corroding.

    The 30 degree optional tilt is a great feature to have and, to make life easier, it's a 12v light suitable for DIY installation.

    This is currently our best selling inground light and receives excellent reviews from those who have installed them.
  2. Klip LED Inground Light 10w 12v or 240v CCT in 316 Stainless Steel
    Available in 12v for DIY install or 240v for professional installation, the Klip is also high on the bestsellers list. Havit are one of the best known brands in the lighting industry so you can expect the highest quality of craftsmanship and support with any required aftercare.

    For a more controlled beam, there are optional honeycomb filter lenses too. These can be purchased separately.

  3. Luc LED Inground Light in Black
    The Luc is recessed with a domed top that sits 12cm above the ground at its highest point. It's a lovely finish alongside pathways, with the light shining across and upwards in a controlled direction.

  4. CLA Lighting In-Ground Up Lighter (Round or Square)
    The choice between a round and square up-lighter is all done to personal preference.The round is more popular, as evidenced by the greater number of styles and reviews, but the square up-lighter can be easier to install and position. Whoever you go for, we promise it'll look great. This offering from CLA comes in three different colours too.

  5. Ollo LED Step Light with Eyelid TRI Colour 5w in BLK/SS316/CP/AB/BR/GPH
    Havit’s Ollo range includes both step, wall and inground lights, allowing for a seamless combination along pathways, both on the floor and the walls. We love the range of finishes available, from 316 stainless steel to copper and black.