Having a well-lit workplace is conducive to focusing on work. Having LED lighting in your woodworking shop can make a massive difference in how much you enjoy working on your projects. Poor lighting can lead to eye tiredness, fatigue, lack of color, and depth perception. A dim shop can even be dangerous when working with power tools.
You can create a great ambiance with different types of lighting and even take it a step further by optimizing the placement of each fixture to get the best use of your lights with no glare or shadows. They are also required for safety and preventive measures.
Read on to know more about the best options of LED lights available for your woodworking shop.
Best Woodworking Shop LED Lights
Hykolity Utility Light Fixture
Pros
- Very bright 4400 lumens of LED light
- They are lightweight.
- Easy installation.
Cons
- The structure is long which may make it fragile
- Only comes in sets of 4
The Hykolity Utility Light Fixture is a linkable LED shop light for the garage with a daylight LED workbench light that comes with a hanging or surface mount.
It has an ETL certification which guarantees the best quality and makes it highly reliable and safe. The light fixture is exceptionally bright; it has 4400 lumens brightness at 5000K Daylight (White) while only using 42W, meaning 105 lm/w efficiencies.
The fixture uses a plug connection to connect six pieces together, and it’s effortless to install. The package contains a long enough power cord and accessories like hanging chains and mounting screws. You can use either to install the lights as per your requirements. It can be used for garages, workbench areas, equipment rooms, and even storage areas.
This Utility light fixture can be a great replacement if you’re looking to find one for your conventional fluorescent fixtures. It will save you up to 75% of the energy you’re using, and it’s guaranteed to provide 50,000 hours of light before it needs any maintenance. The company also offers a 5-year warranty and customer support service after the purchase.
Product Details:
| Item Weight | 4.34 pounds |
|---|---|
| Package Dimensions | 46.4 x 5.9 x 3.4 inches |
| Material | Aluminum, Polycarbonate |
| Number of Lights | 4 |
| Voltage | 120 Volts |
| Special Features | Shatter-resistant, Instant On, Shock, and vibration resistant |
| Luminous Flux | 4400 Lumen |
| Wattage | 42 watts |
| Color Temperature | 5000 Kelvin |
AXUAN Store 160W LED Garage Light
Pros
- Energy-saving.
- Offers about 60,000 hours of light without maintenance.
- Effortless 2-step installation.
Cons
- It may not be as bright as required.
- Check the parts as they may be faulty but can be easily exchanged.
The AXUAN Store 160W LED Garage Light is a deformable glow light structure with 6 LED ceiling Panels. The light fitting is suitable for indoor settings and requires an AC power source.
The lights have 360° coverage and have 90° adjustable pentagonal panels made of aluminum. They’ve also added a circular lamp board in the middle for a full range of lighting. There are 360 pieces high quality LED chips in the panels. The fixtures are compatible with E26/E27 lamp socket and produce 16000 Lumens of brightness.
It comes in a pack of two and a relatively easy to install, requiring only two steps and no tools.
These lights will ensure there’s no glare or flicker and absolutely no dark spots. They’ve applied a hollow-out design for heat dissipation and stability. The lights can be used for garage, utility rooms, workspaces, and large area lighting requirements, and you’ll save about 85% of energy with these lights. They also offer 24*7 customer support services in case you have any problems.
Product Details:
| Item Weight | 1 pound |
|---|---|
| Product Dimensions | 10.15 x 10.15 x 4.72 inches |
| Material | Aluminum |
| Number of Lights | 6 |
| Light Direction | Adjustable |
| Power Source | AC |
| Luminous Flux | 16000 Lumen |
| Wattage | 160 watts |
| Color Temperature | 6500 Kelvin |
GHUSTAR 60W Garage Lights
Pros
- Affordable
- Good light distribution.
- Adjustable and easy to install.
Cons
- Holders may be fragile.
- It may be challenging to adjust panels once installed.
- Diffusion is less and can create shadows.
The GHUSTAR Garage Lights are deformable ceiling lights adjusted and run on an AC power source. The fixture has a close to ceiling form and is very versatile in use. It can be installed and used for garages, warehouses, workstations, large areas that require lights, and even storage spaces.
They have three adjustable LED light Panels with 144 Pcs top led chips installed in them. The lights can produce up to 6000 lumens and 6500K daylight. With unique wide-angle design and 90-degree multi-position panels providing 360° area coverage. The structure has PC housing and is highly temperature and corrosion-resistant. This guarantees no overheating even when the fixtures are on for hours making the lights very durable.
There is only 60w of power consumption making the fixtures which means you’ll be saving a lot of energy compared to traditional light bulbs. The lights are also very safe as the fixtures can effectively dissipate heat generated by LED bulbs.
It’s straightforward to install and promises undiminished light when in use. The company also offers lifetime customer service after the purchase.
Product Details:
| Item Weight | 1.83 pounds |
|---|---|
| Package Dimensions | 10.83 x 7.24 x 5.71 inches |
| Number of Lights | 144 |
| Voltage | 120 Volts (AC) |
| Shade Material | Polycarbonate |
| Luminous Flux | 6000 Lumen |
| Wattage | 60 watts |
| Color Temperature | 6000 Kelvin |
Hykolity UFO LED High Bay Lights
Pros
- Great value for money.
- Very easy to install.
- Extremely durable.
- It can be used indoors and outdoors.
- Can light large spaces with very high ceilings.
Cons
- There might be shipping defects but can be exchanged.
- It does not have an AC cord prewired.
The Hykolity LED High Bay Lights are perfect for lighting requirements for large indoor spaces and have high ceilings. They have been designed to provide clean light that is high quality and a powerful light source.
The company has been manufacturing quality light fixtures for large commercial spaces and knows your requirements. These lights have been made with the same quality and can be used for multiple spaces like warehouses, workstations, gyms, factories, and garages.
They are made with industrial-grade aluminum housing, which is heavy-duty rugged, and die-casting with excellent heat dissipation. As for the light source, that has 2835-LEDs installed in the fixtures and an energy-efficient LED driver. The switch installation type is a pendant mount. The style is modern and can be used outdoors as well.
The fixture uses 150W of power and provides 21000 Lumens; you can save up to 80% of energy using these lights. It has a standard 1-10V dimmer which has a smooth dimming capacity and allows you to adjust brightness. The lights will provide 50,000-hour continuous use.
If you’re wondering about the installation, the package comes with a 3’power cord and has built-in hooks. There’s no hardwiring required since it has a US 3-prong plug. So, it’s easy to install and quick too. The company also offers five years warranty for any defect in materials or workmanship. This means you’ll get coverage for manufacturing damage and shipping costs for replacements.
Product Details:
| Item Weight | 7.68 pounds |
|---|---|
| Package Dimensions | 11.75 x 11.75 x 6.5 inches |
| Material | Aluminum, Polycarbonate |
| Power Source | Corded-electric |
| Luminous Flux | 21000 Lumen |
| Wattage | 150 Watts |
| Color Temperature | 5000 Kelvin |
FTUBET Linkable 8 Foot LED Lights Fixture
Pros
- Very powerful.
- Come with a Plug.
- It is very bright.
- Extra accessories for easy installation.
Cons
- Can overheat.
- The screws may be fragile.
The FTUBET Linkable 8 Foot LED Lights Fixture promises high luminous efficacy. Its made from plastic and comes in the color white. The switch installation type is a ceiling; the fixture is not dimmable and has no delay when turning on and no flickering.
It’s a D-shape LED commercial light fixture. It comes with four rows of led lights and provides 300-degree lighting, meaning you get 50% more brightness than flat type shop led lights and 30% more illumination than the U shape led shop light.
The lights will have a high output of 100W and provide 14000 lumens with 50,000 hours of lighting without dimming. You’ll be able to have about 59% of your energy.
You’ll be able to fix a maximum of four led shop light fixtures together with the integrated design of this T8 led light tube, which includes both bulb and fixtures, a flush Mount, and an extendable plug. These lights are great for the eyes, too, with no flash and no waiting for the bulbs to warm up and a complete turn on, unlike fluorescent lights.
The company offers three years of product warranty. You can email queries about concerns; they have a 24-hour response rate and replacement or refund options according to your preference.
Product Details:
| Item Weight | 14.72 pounds |
|---|---|
| Package Dimensions | 94.5 x 4.6 x 3.5 inches |
| Material | Plastic |
| Voltage | 110 Volts |
| Luminous Flux | 10000 Lumen |
| Wattage | 100 Watts |
GLORIOUS-LITE 0W LED Work Light
Pros
- The cord is very long.
- Very bright light output.
- Comes with a switch.
- Very lightweight.
Cons
- The cord and switch are not waterproof.
- Screws may loosen if not installed correctly.
The GLORIOUS-LITE 0W LED Work Light comes in a floodlight form and can be used outdoors as well. It is ultra-bright and can be an adequate light source for open areas. It is also built to be a durable structure with an IP66 waterproof rating to protect it from snow, rain, sleet, and water drops. The fixture has a tempered glass frame cover, die-cast aluminum to distribute heat, and a sturdy metal standing design. The power source is corded-electric.
If you’re looking for the perfect work light, this can be a good option for you. The fixture has good quality light chips that produce up to 5000LM brightness. It’s got a high-grade reflective film that has a beam angle of up to 120°. It uses up to 50W power usage, and you can save about 85% of energy.
You can plug it into the main power; it has a three-prong plug and push-button switch. The on/off switch is close to the lamp for easy operation. Once on, the light will remain open without dimming or flickering.
Product Details:
| Item Weight | 3.28 pounds |
|---|---|
| Product Dimensions | 11.02 x 8.86 x 11.61 inches |
| Material | Metal |
| Voltage | 120 Volts |
| Wattage | 50 watts |
Bulbeats LED Utility Shop Light
Pros
- Easy to operate and use.
- The lights are great to use and are very bright.
- Durable and lightweight.
- Stable hanging chain.
- Excellent customer service.
Cons
- Chains for hanging may be short.
- The LED strips can come loose.
The LED Utility Shop Light comes in a four-pack with a pull chain and suspension mount. Its style is modern and has a plug-and-play feature. All fixtures will require an AC 100V power source.
The base is made with premium aluminum and helps heat dissipation. The body is made with a milky PC cover to ensure no yellowing and provide extensive light area coverage. The fixture output is 80 Watt and releases a 9600 lumens brightness, which means you get a luminous efficiency of 120lm/W. Also, it gives 5000K natural white light for the best lighting, even during the daytime.
The structure has a long cord, a pronged plug, a chrome-finished pull cord switch, and mounting hardware. It provides instant brightness and will not flicker even at cool temperatures.
An amazingly easy-to-follow installation guide is provided so you can mount the fixtures with ease. You can install it directly on the ceiling and start using the lights. They are suitable for garages, basements, workstations, and also storage areas.
They are made from 100% environmentally friendly and 100% safe materials.
Product Details:
| Item Weight | 5.5 pounds |
|---|---|
| Package Dimensions | 50.5 x 7.9 x 5.21 inches |
| Material | Premium Aluminum + Milky Plastic |
| Number of Lights | 4 |
| Voltage | 120 Volts |
| Luminous Flux | 9600 Lumen |
| Wattage | 80 watts |
| Color Temperature | 5000 Kelvin |
SHINE HAI LED Outdoor String Lights
Pros
- Beautiful string lights with decorative flexibility.
- Durable stings.
- Great brightness.
- Easy to install
- Waterproof.
Cons
- The dimmer switch is not included.
- The bulbs may burn out.
The SHINE HAI LED Outdoor String Lights are hanging Edison bulbs that are dimmable and waterproof. The structure is made with commercial-grade light string and is also very aesthetically pleasing. They have a LED light source, and the power source is corded electric. The lights have a linkable feature too. The lights come with a home plug for easy connectivity.
The package has two packs of lights with S14 bulbs that can be used outdoors and indoors. These lights are a unique way to light your workstation but don’t be fooled by the aesthetic feature; the bulbs are powerful and give off a white light that can be dimmed. Its made with IP65 waterproofing and is guaranteed to extreme weather such as heat rainstorms and even snowstorms. The cords are linkable end to end, making it a diverse light source used in many ways.
You can install the lights with hooks, nails, or tie with rope, etc. It will create an excellent ambiance for any area, wherever you want to use it. The company offers 12 months of unlimited customer service after purchasing the item.
Product Details:
| Item Weight | 9.81 pounds |
|---|---|
| Product Dimensions | 14.33 x 11.3 x 7.76 inches |
| Material | Rubber |
| Voltage | 120 Volts |
| Special Features | Linkable |
| Wattage | 15 watts |
| Color Temperature | 4000 Kelvin |
Types of Workshop Lighting
Here are the types of lighting you can choose for your workspace. A well-lit space should have a balance of each type of lightning but it also strongly depends on the type of woodworking project
General or Central Lighting
It’s one of the most common types of lighting. It blankets a space without any harsh glares. These kinds of light will illuminate the entire room and are always required in any area, but you’ll need secondary stronger lights when you have to sit down and work.
Spot Lighting
These lights will provide intense illumination to define specific areas better. Spotlights will help you stay focused on your workbench. These lights come highly recommended but remember not to focus them directly onto the workbench. The lights are usually used outdoors to reduce the risk of injury.
Task Lighting
The task lights provide pleasant illumination and are often used to avoid harsh lights and cast out shadows. It’s a practical way to provide focal lighting.
There are two types of task lighting,
- The small lights that clamp to your workbench and also,
- The lights that come inbuilt into tools like power tools.
Considerations When Choosing Woodworking Shop LED Lighting
LED vs. Fluorescent vs. Incandescent Bulbs
LEDs are the go-to for any of your lighting requirements these days. LED lights use less energy and last longer than other light sources. These bulbs turn on instantly and will provide clear and crisp light at all times. They also do not produce a lot of heat. Even though they might range higher on the price list, they make up for it thanks to their efficiency in saving energy.
Fluorescent lights have been around for around 100 years, are efficient in providing light for large areas, and are pretty long-lasting. The efficacy tends to reduce over time. However, you will have to deal with the warm-up time once the lights are switched on, and it will require additional voltage once it’s fully operational.
Incandescent lights are the most common type of lighting available. These lights are very reasonably priced and adaptable to a wide range of voltages. They work great with both AC and DC power. But, they have a short lifespan and are not an excellent option to save energy.
Overall, LED lighting offers excellent efficiency, instant light output, low heat, precise color temperature, and long durability. For a more detailed comparison of LED vs. Fluorescent vs. Incandescent light sources, check out this guide.
Color Temperature
You’ll need to consider the color temperature as well when getting lights for your workstation. Light color temperatures close to 5000K are recommended since they are closest to natural light (sunlight).
Going any lower than 5000K might affect your color perception, leading to mistakes in color application and unexpected results when exposed to sunlight.
Wattage and Lumen Output
Related: What are lumens?
If you’re thinking about wattage and lumen output, the recommendation is about 100W or 8000 lumens of work for general and spotlighting. If the spotlight is placed close to the workbench, one thing to consider is to avoid going above 80W.
Height of Ceiling
This is also an essential factor to include while deciding on the right lights for your workspace. You’ll need to remember that wraparound lights don’t hang, so they are better on short ceilings. Also, make sure hanging lights are not too close to the working area.
How to Improve Workshop Lighting
- Paint your walls white. We all know that white reflects light, which will help spread the morning and be great for better light distribution.
- Replace incandescent bulbs with LED bulbs. LED bulbs are very energy efficient; they provide excellent lighting and are also better for the environment.
- Replace fluorescent tube lights with LEDs. If you have fluorescent tubes, you’ll have to deal with dimming over time. LED bulbs also work better in cold-temperature areas such as garages.
- Place lights efficiently. This is a pivotal factor in optimizing the workspace. Planning the placements of your lights will also help you save expenses on additional lighting.
- Use a mobile light source. Having one or two lights that can be moved is also another great way to reduce the number of light fixtures you have and is an excellent way to provide extra lighting in any area of the workshop.
Conclusion & Our Recommendation
Now that you’ve looked at some of the best options available. It seems like the Hykolity UFO LED High Bay Lights is the one to beat. It is exceptionally bright and highly durable, and you can save a lot of energy with LED lighting.