Conduit’s definitely the way I’d lean too, even if it’s a hassle up front. I’ve had to dig up direct-buried cable before (thanks to a neighbor’s dog, not even a squirrel), and it’s just a nightmare. The peace of mind knowing you can swap out wire later is huge, especially if you’re the type who likes to tinker or upgrade stuff down the line.
That said, I get why some folks just go with direct-bury—if you’re flipping the house soon or just want something quick and cheap, it’s tempting. But honestly, for a backyard fence where you might want to add more lights or change things up, conduit’s a smart investment. It’s one of those things you only regret not doing when you’re knee-deep in mud trying to fix a problem you could’ve avoided.
The peace of mind knowing you can swap out wire later is huge, especially if you’re the type who likes to tinker or upgrade stuff down the line.
That’s exactly what convinced me to go with conduit when I redid my backyard lights. Our house is from the 1920s, and I swear every project uncovers some old “shortcut” from decades ago. Ever had to trace a mystery wire through ancient landscaping? Not fun. Do you ever worry about how conduit might look if you’ve got an older fence, though? I ended up painting mine to blend in, but I’m curious if anyone’s found a better trick.
