Where Can You Use In-Ground Lighting Outdoors?
Recessed ground lights are a particularly good choice when you want the lighting to feel like part of the space rather than introducing a prominent fitting above ground level.
They can be used along garden paths, around patios, within suitable decking areas or beside planting and other garden features. Depending on the fitting and position, they can create anything from a subtle pool of warm-white light to a more defined directional effect.
In-ground uplighting can also draw attention to architectural features and natural elements such as walls, planting, trees and textured surfaces. Directing light upwards from ground level can create a more considered sense of depth without making the fitting itself the focus.
This makes recessed lighting an attractive option where you want to highlight selected parts of the landscape while keeping the overall finish clean and understated.
For outdoor spaces, we often recommend thinking about what you actually want to illuminate rather than positioning lights at equal intervals everywhere. Using ground lights selectively can create areas of light and shadow, adding depth to the garden without making the space feel overly bright.
Ground lighting can also help define areas people walk through after dark, such as paths and entrances, while remaining visually discreet during the day.
In-ground lighting can be used across both residential and suitable commercial outdoor settings, from private gardens and patios to landscaped pathways and exterior areas around commercial properties. The right fitting will depend on the location, required light output and installation conditions.
If you're planning lighting across several parts of your garden, explore our Gardens, Paths, Patios and Floods collection to compare recessed fittings with other outdoor lighting options.
One of the fittings in this range is also described for driveway applications. If you're planning lighting specifically around an area used to drive or park vehicles, browse our Driveway Recessed Lights collection and check the individual product specifications carefully.
Which In-Ground Light Should You Choose?
The right fitting depends on where it will be positioned, the effect you want to create and how much light the area needs.
Our 1W recessed LED ground light produces 60 lumens of warm-white 3000K light through a 40-degree beam. Its lower output makes it well suited to subtle accent lighting, where the aim is to highlight a path, planting area or garden feature without overpowering the space.
For a stronger pool of light, our 3W warm-white in-ground light produces 280 lumens through a 45-degree beam. It retains the same warm 3000K tone while providing more output, making it a good choice where a more defined lighting effect is required.
The three-way 3W in-ground light provides another option, producing 180 lumens through its three-sided design. This creates a different directional effect and is intended for applications including pathways and patios, as well as selected driveway uses.
All three fittings use Cree LEDs, operate at 12V DC and carry a three-year guarantee. The main choice therefore comes down to the level of illumination, beam style and position that best suits your outdoor space.
There is no single fitting that is perfect for every project. A lower-output light may be a great choice for subtle accent lighting, while a brighter or multi-directional fitting may work better where you want a more noticeable effect. Comparing output, beam style, installation requirements and intended use before you buy means you can make a more informed choice.
Check each individual product for its current price, stock and delivery details before ordering, along with any specifications that affect your planned installation.
Why Choose LED Ground Lights for Outdoor Spaces?
LED ground lights are ideal where you want a clean, architectural finish without introducing a large or visually dominant fitting above the surface.
The products in this collection range from 1W to 3W while providing outputs between 60 and 280 lumens. This gives you the choice between softer accent lighting and a brighter, more defined result, depending on the area you are working with.
Our 1W and standard 3W options also produce warm-white 3000K light. The warmer colour works particularly well around planting, paths and patios where you want the lighting to complement the garden rather than feel overly harsh.
The Cree LEDs used across these fittings have a stated lifespan of up to 35,000 hours, making them a practical choice for permanent outdoor ground lights when correctly installed and maintained.
Their compact recessed design also means the fittings can blend naturally into the surrounding surface, allowing the lighting effect rather than the fitting itself to take centre stage.
What Should You Consider Before Installing Recessed Ground Lights?
Start by considering the surface into which the light will be installed. Because recessed fittings sit within the ground, enough space needs to be allowed for the fitting itself, its housing and the required cabling.
For our 1W and 3W recessed fittings, we offer an in-ground housing, sometimes referred to as a mounting pot, for installation into soil or concrete. The 3W warm-white fitting can also be installed into concrete or stone using suitable housing, while the three-way 3W light comes with embedded housing.
All three lights operate at 12V DC, so the planned location should also take into account how suitable low-voltage power and connections will reach each fitting.
Drainage is another important consideration with recessed outdoor lighting. Because the fitting sits within the surface, the installation should be planned to avoid unnecessary water pooling and should always follow the instructions for the individual product and installation surface. Surfer also identifies appropriate drainage as an important consideration for ground-light installations.
If you're unsure which fitting or housing is right for your project, contact our team for product advice before making your purchase.
Are TOLS Ground Lights Suitable for Outdoor Use?
Yes. The three LED light fittings in this collection are IP67 rated for outdoor use.
Their IP rating provides a high level of protection against dust and water, helping the fittings cope with changing outdoor conditions such as rain when correctly installed. This protection also contributes to the durability needed from lighting positioned at ground level.
You may sometimes see outdoor fittings described simply as waterproof, but the IP rating gives a more useful indication of the level of protection provided. IP67 includes protection against temporary immersion under defined test conditions; this does not mean these fittings should automatically be treated as pond lights or products for permanent underwater use.
When choosing a ground light, consider the conditions it will face in its particular location rather than looking at the IP rating in isolation. Exposure to rain, surface water, foot traffic and the surrounding installation can all affect which fitting is appropriate.
The IP rating of the fitting itself is also only one part of a well-planned outdoor installation. Connections, cabling, power supplies and the surrounding installation all need to be suitably protected for the chosen location.
Always check the individual product details before installation, particularly where a fitting will be positioned in an area regularly exposed to water.
In-Ground Lighting FAQs
What are in-ground lights?
In-ground lights are recessed fittings installed within the ground or another suitable surface. Rather than standing above the surface, the fitting sits within it, allowing the lighting to become part of the overall garden or exterior design.
Are these ground lights suitable for use in the rain?
Yes. The three lights in this collection have an IP67 rating and are designed for outdoor use. Correct installation remains important, including suitable protection for connections, cabling and power components.
Can recessed ground lights be installed in soil or concrete?
Yes. We offer an in-ground housing, sometimes called a mounting pot, designed for our 1W and 3W recessed lights when they are being installed into soil or concrete. Installation requirements can vary between products, so always check the individual specifications before fitting.
What is the difference between 1W and 3W ground lights?
Our 1W light produces 60 lumens and is well-suited to softer accent lighting. The standard 3W warm-white light produces 280 lumens for a stronger pool of light, while the three-way 3W fitting produces 180 lumens through a different directional design.
