Start with the mounting distance in the manual for your exact kit, then assess a short, safely accessible section before fixing the entire run. There is no single distance we can recommend for every lens, wall and roof edge.
We have not installed these kits ourselves. The process below is a planning checklist; our lighting examples are simulations, not photographs proving a particular mounting distance or measured brightness.
Wall distance is not spacing between lights
Wall distance is the offset from the wall to the light’s mounting position. Light spacing is the interval along the string between successive lights. Changing where the string sits under the soffit changes the first measurement; it does not change the factory spacing along that string.
Record both when comparing products. A catalogue spacing figure cannot tell you how far back under your particular overhang the lights should go. Use the manufacturer’s specified reference point when measuring the offset.
Check the surfaces along the whole route
Walk the front from ground level and mark changes on a sketch: recessed garage, projecting porch, window trim, downpipe and gable. An offset measured from one wall may put the next section in a different position when the wall steps back.
| Feature | Question to resolve |
|---|---|
| Shallow or missing soffit | Is there a mounting surface permitted by the kit’s instructions? |
| Recessed wall | Which wall is the reference for this section’s offset? |
| Window or door trim | Does the proposed route clear the projection? |
| Gable or roof-level change | Can the fixtures follow the route with the approved mounting hardware? |
Photograph these transitions for your installer or the manufacturer’s support team. Keep overhead or inaccessible mounting assessment for someone equipped to inspect it safely.
Assess the intended look before committing
If the manual permits a temporary test, use a safely accessible section and the approved hardware and power arrangement. Compare the settings you will actually use, including everyday white and your intended seasonal colours. Look from the driveway as well as close to the wall.
Keep the test conditions consistent when comparing positions. Record the offset, mode and brightness setting, and keep camera exposure fixed if taking comparison photos. A phone that automatically brightens one photo can make a placement comparison misleading.
Record a repeatable mounting plan
Once you have a supported position, note the distance and its reference point. Mark any transitions that need a separate decision. Check the exact model’s current instructions for adhesive preparation, clips and fasteners before permanent mounting; do not infer these from another model’s installation video.
Pair this plan with the installation checklist and cutting and extension checks. Use the worksheet for dimensions and the calculator for coverage. Placement and kit length must both work before you order.
Price tiers are our own rough budget bands, not live prices. Check the listing for today’s price.
Frequently asked questions
How far from the wall should permanent lights be mounted?
There is no single distance for every kit. Start with the mounting distance in the manual for your exact kit, then assess a short, safely accessible section before fixing the entire run.
Is wall distance the same as the spacing between lights?
No. Wall distance is the offset from the wall to the light’s mounting position. Light spacing is the interval along the string between successive lights. Moving the string under the soffit changes the first, not the factory spacing.
Can I test the position before fixing the whole run?
Yes, if the manual permits a temporary test. Use a safely accessible section with approved hardware and power, and compare the settings you will actually use. Look from the driveway as well as close to the wall.
What should I do where the wall steps back or has trim?
Mark each change on a sketch, such as a recessed garage, porch, window trim, downpipe or gable. An offset measured from one wall may put the next section in a different position, so decide which wall is the reference for each section.