Smart lights vs smart switches for yard setup?

Honestly, I get where you’re coming from with the “Frankenstein” setups. I’ve definitely been there—thought I was being clever mixing smart bulbs and switches, but then someone would flip the wall switch and suddenly my whole backyard scene was busted. It’s always the guests, isn’t it? Or the kids, just flipping stuff without a care.

Outdoor-rated smart plugs have been a lifesaver for me. I use them for string lights, pond pumps, even the bug zapper. No need to mess with wiring, and if something goes wrong, it’s just a matter of unplugging and swapping out the plug. Plus, like you said, nobody’s hunting around for a switch outside. Most folks don’t even notice they’re there.

I will say—if you’re building from scratch or already running new wiring, smart relays behind the outlet can be pretty slick. They’re hidden, and you keep the manual control if you want it. But for most people, especially with older houses, it’s just not worth tearing into walls or running conduit. Not for lights in the yard, anyway.

One thing I learned the hard way: make sure whatever you use is actually rated for outdoor use. I fried a cheap indoor smart plug during a rainstorm once. Smelled like burnt plastic for days. Lesson learned.

Anyway, I’m all about keeping it simple outside. Fewer points of failure, less explaining to guests, and you still get all the fun automations. If you ever want to get fancy, you can always add motion sensors or schedule stuff for sunset. But yeah, fighting with old wiring just isn’t worth the headache most of the time.

Honestly, you nailed it with the “guests or kids flipping stuff without a care.” I swear, every time I get my backyard scene dialed in, someone inevitably hits the wrong switch and it’s like a disco out there. I’ve even labeled switches and it still happens. At this point, outdoor-rated smart plugs are my go-to too—just less drama all around.

I do see the appeal of those hidden relays if you’re already tearing things up, but for most of us, that’s just a recipe for drywall dust in your coffee. Plus, as you said,

“fighting with old wiring just isn’t worth the headache most of the time.”

One thing I’ll add: if you’re running anything high-draw (like a pond pump), double-check the amp rating on those plugs. Some of the cheaper ones can’t handle much and will just quietly die on you. Ask me how I know...

Had a similar adventure last year—thought I’d get clever and swap in a smart switch for the patio lights. Ended up tracing wires through three junction boxes and still couldn’t figure out what was original and what was “DIY special.” Gave up, grabbed a weatherproof smart plug, and honestly haven’t looked back. The only thing I’d add is that if you’re renting out or flipping, the plug route is way less intimidating for future owners. Most folks don’t want to inherit a wiring puzzle, trust me.

- Totally get the “DIY special” wiring—sometimes it feels like opening a mystery box from the 80s.
- Smart plugs are such a lifesaver for renters or anyone who doesn’t want to mess with hardwiring.
- That said, I do like how clean a smart switch looks if you can pull it off. No chunky plugs sticking out, just a sleek wall plate.
- Ever had issues with smart plugs not fitting behind furniture or outdoor covers? That’s tripped me up before.
- For flips, yeah, simple is better. No one wants to inherit a “guess which switch works” situation...

Man, the “DIY special” wiring comment hits home. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve opened up a switch box and found wires that make zero sense—like, who thought this was a good idea in 1987? But yeah, smart plugs are super handy when you’re renting or just want something quick. I’ve used them for string lights on the patio and it’s nice not having to break out the tools.

But I’m with you on the clean look of smart switches. There’s just something about flipping a regular switch and having it all work seamlessly. No adapters, no chunky plugs sticking out, nothing to get knocked loose behind a couch or jammed under a weather cover outside. It just looks finished, you know?

That said, I’ve definitely run into the “plug won’t fit” problem—especially with those outdoor outlet covers that barely close over anything bigger than a standard plug. More than once I’ve had to hunt down a low-profile smart plug or even give up and just go with a manual timer because nothing else would fit.

For flips or rentals, I always lean simple—less confusion for whoever comes next. The last thing you want is someone walking into their new place and playing “guess which switch turns on the porch light.” I’ve even labeled switches before, just so there’s no mystery.

But honestly, if you can swing the smart switch install (and your wiring isn’t too wild), it’s worth it for that clean look and reliability. Just takes a little more upfront effort. And hey, if you open up the wall and find something crazy, at least you’ll have a good story for later...