For a sleek and stylish option, this Nicor style is the best outdoor flood light pick for the design-conscious home owner. The light fixture is available in multiple versatile finishes, including black, bronze and white.
The aluminum cylinders are compact and adjustable, so you can direct the light according to personal preference. The dimmable feature also lets you control the brightness to light your home exactly how you like it.
Pros
- Compact and sleek design with adjustable heads
- Variety of neutral finishes
Cons
- Does not come with light bulbs
Ideal for large areas, this Heath Zenith flood light offers 150-degree motion detection with a range of 70 feet. A timer lets you select how long the light stays on: one, five or 10 minutes.
The adjustable lamp heads allow you to move the light around when necessary (a smart way to burglar-proof your home). The flood light uses two bulbs (which last around 3,000 hours), and is safe to operate in temperatures ranging from -13 degrees to 120 degrees.
Pros
- 150-degree motion detection sensor with a range of 70 feet
- Durable construction
- Weather-resistant
- Affordable
Cons
- Bulbs not included
- Installation can be complicated
How We Chose the Best Outdoor Flood Lights
As shopping experts, our only job is to help you find a winning product. We start with the research and reporting basics—what products are made of, what they look like and how much they cost—to ensure that we’re only recommending the buys that are worth your time and money. Then, we research the features that speak to the product’s quality, taking advice from industry insiders and subject matter experts on what makes a product a smart value (or worthy of a splurge). Finally, we do the work of combing through user reviews to see how real people interact with the product, and if it stands up to the test.
FAQ
How many lumens do I need for an outdoor light?
Brightness is measured by lumens, not bulb wattage. The higher the lumens, the brighter your outdoor flood lights will be. In general, look for products with lumens in the 700 to 1,300 range.
How do you install outdoor flood lights?
To install outdoor lighting or replace an existing fixture, start by turning off the power (unless you’re working with solar lights). Then, you’ll likely need a screwdriver to remove the existing fixture. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for wiring and installing your new flood light, and be sure to seal the junction box (if using one) when you’re finished.
What wattage is needed for outdoor flood lights?
For most homes, you’ll need a bulb with a wattage level between 40 and 80. Lower wattage bulbs (around 40 watts) works for smaller areas like pathways and garden beds. while 80 watts is ideal for larger spaces like driveways and patios.
Can you use indoor flood lights outdoors?
Generally, you should avoid using lightbulbs meant for indoor use outdoors. That’s because most indoor bulbs are not meant to withstand exposure to water.
Can you use outdoor flood lights indoors?
Using a flood light designed for outdoor use inside is fine. However, since outdoor flood lights tend to have more lumens, you may find the added light is too bright inside a home.
How much does it cost to install outdoor flood lighting?
Depending on the type of flood light you choose and how much wiring and parts are needed, you can expect to pay—on average—$160 per flood light, according to HomeAdvisor. Hiring an electrician to complete the job will cost more. If you’re handy, you can attempt a DIY outdoor lighting setup, too.
