Advice for Seamlessly Integrating Electrical Wires in Your Backyard

Advice for Seamlessly Integrating Electrical Wires in Your Backyard

There is no doubt, the backyard has become an extension of the home, an outdoor room where a family can have meals together and relax. But if you want to make the most of this space, you should consider running electrical wiring throughout.  

Mounting electrical outlets on a post or installing them on the exterior walls of the house or in the shed is a great idea. You will then have no trouble powering the speakers or ambient lighting or even setting up a TV in the backyard to watch to your favourite series while enjoying the summer heat. Outdoor outlets can also be very convenient for the electric mower or for plugging in a cooling fan or a gurgling fountain. They are equally indispensable for al fresco cooking! Access to electricity in the yard is likewise a must to extend the season with a patio heater.

Here are some tips and tricks to help stop electrical wires from spoiling the atmosphere and decor you have created just beyond your back door.

Run the Wires Underground

You don’t need to put up with bunches of cords piled in a corner or lying around in your field of view—just bury them! Electrical wires can be easily run under the lawn or deck. But take care: unless you have experience working with electricity, you should always call on an electrician. In fact, for most electricity-related tasks, hiring a qualified professional is mandatory. However, this does not prevent you from learning about this kind of project’s process:

Choose Your Cables and Test Your Soil

-One of the first things to keep in mind when running wires through the yard is that you must use cables clearly labelled as “underground feeder” cables as these as specifically fabricated for this use. There are two types in stores: PVC conduits—common and affordable—or galvanized metal conduits, which are more expensive, but more durable. The depth of the trench depends on the type of conduit you choose. 


-Then, because those electrical wires will be outside, after all, they must be able to withstand the weather. Make sure they are labelled “W,” which means they are waterproof.


-Finally, the excavation methods you use will vary according to your soil type. Therefore, before you start digging or even call an electrician, analyze your soil. If it is sandy, it will be harder to dig, but if it is mostly clay, keep the depth of the trench to a minimum.

Camouflage the Wires With Style

If burying electrical wires underground seems like complex and costly plan, think about hiding them in another way. For example, invest in a heat-resistant faux ivy garland that you can twine around the cables to make them more attractive. Or install several flower pots in front of the wire bunches to keep them out of sight. Securing wires along vertical surfaces and painting them in the same colour as the wall is also a great idea.

You will be amazed at how useful you find having electrical outlets in your yard and how much this upgrade is popular with potential buyers once you put your home on the market.

RE/MAX Québec

By RE/MAX Québec

By RE/MAX Québec

A leader in the real estate industry since 1982, the RE/MAX network brings together the most efficient brokers.