The Outdoor Lighting Hack That Makes Traditional Pathway Lighting Obsolete
07/11/25
For years, the go-to way to light a walkway has been post-style pathway lights—the kind spaced every few feet along a sidewalk or driveway. They’ve been the standard option for a long time, but in practice, they often fall short when it comes to both visibility and design. They create uneven pools of light, leave gaps between fixtures, and can be hard to maintain—especially in areas with rough weather or lots of foot traffic.
There’s a better way to light outdoor spaces now: FCOB strip lighting. It’s flexible, durable, weather-resistant, and gives off a clean, continuous line of light that makes paths safer and outdoor spaces look more polished. If you’re planning new landscape lighting—or thinking about replacing older fixtures—it’s worth understanding why more homeowners and contractors are switching to this option.
What FCOB Strip Lighting Is (And What Makes It Different)
FCOB stands for Flip-Chip-on-Board. It’s a newer type of LED strip light that gives off a smooth, consistent glow—unlike traditional LED strips where you see the individual dots from each diode.
These lights are encased in a weatherproof silicone layer, and when installed along the edge of a walkway or patio, they create a soft, even glow from end to end. There are no harsh shadows or bright spots—just a clean line of light that guides the way and improves visibility.
At Birddog Lighting, our 120V FCOB strip lights are available in lengths up to 148 feet and can be powered with a standard outlet—no transformer required. That gives you plenty of reach for lighting long paths, driveways, or larger outdoor spaces without needing to chain together multiple sections.
They’re also IP65-rated, which means they’re fully sealed against dust and protected from rain—perfect for year-round use in outdoor environments. And because they’re cuttable every 9.75 inches, it’s easy to trim them to fit your layout.
Why Strip Lighting Works Better Than Traditional Path Lights
More Even Lighting
With traditional path lights, you space fixtures every few feet, and they each throw light on a small area. That leaves dark gaps in between, which isn’t ideal if you’re walking at night or want consistent lighting along a path or driveway.
FCOB strip lights give you a continuous line of light, so you don’t get that uneven, patchy effect. It’s especially helpful on curved or uneven paths, where shadows can make it hard to see where you’re stepping.
Clean Appearance
Post-style pathway lights stick up out of the ground, which can clutter your landscaping. FCOB strips install low and tight to the surface—along a wall, edging, or directly onto the ground. They stay out of the way and let your path and surrounding space take center stage.
Durable and Low-Maintenance
FCOB strip lights are made to handle the outdoors. The IP65 rating protects them from rain, dust, and debris, while the flexible silicone casing shields the LEDs from weather and impact. They’re rated for 50,000+ hours of use, and unlike post lights, there are no fragile bulbs to replace or matching issues when fixtures wear out.
How to Install FCOB Strip Lighting Along a Walkway
Installing these lights is more straightforward than it might seem. Depending on your setup, there are a few ways to get a clean, secure install:
Clear PVC Mounting Channel (Best for Straight Edges)
Birddog offers a clear 24" mounting track that’s designed specifically for FCOB strips. It holds the strip securely in place and lets light shine through without interruption. This is the ideal solution for straight paths, retaining walls, or the edge of poured concrete where you want a clean, consistent line.
Mounting Clips (Best for Curves or Flexible Installs)
FCOB mounting clips give you more flexibility and work well on curved paths, pavers, or along garden edging. They’re easy to screw into wood, vinyl, or PVC, and typically get spaced every 12–18 inches along the run.
Landscape Stakes with Clips (For Ground-Level Installs)
If you don’t have a raised edge or wall to mount to, you can use low-profile plastic or metal stakes with clips to run the strip just above ground level—ideal for mulch beds or naturalistic walkways.
A Smarter, Safer Way to Light the Outdoors
FCOB strip lighting offers a clean, continuous glow that makes walkways easier to navigate and outdoor spaces look more finished. It avoids the harsh glare and shadowy gaps of traditional path lights, stays out of the way during the day, and stands up to weather without constant upkeep.
Whether you're upgrading a dated setup or lighting a new space from scratch, Birddog’s 120V FCOB strip lights offer a simple, reliable solution that works—and looks better doing it.
If you're a contractor, electrician, or installer, Birddog’s Pro Partner Program gives you access to trade pricing, project support, and exclusive resources to make your next install even easier.