Oelo and Trimlight are two of the most popular permanent outdoor lighting brands in Colorado. Both offer quality products, but they differ in pricing, availability, and installation options. Here's everything you need to know to make an informed decision.
Quick Comparison: Oelo vs Trimlight
| Feature | Oelo | Trimlight |
|---|---|---|
| Price Range | $20-30/ft installed | $25-40/ft installed |
| DIY Option | Yes ($10-18/ft) | No (dealer only) |
| LED Warranty | Limited lifetime | Lifetime |
| Component Warranty | 5 years | 2 years |
| LED Type | RGBW | RGBW |
| Weather Rating | IP65+ | IP67 |
| LED Lifespan | 50,000+ hours | 50,000+ hours |
| App Quality | Good | Excellent |
| Colorado Dealers | Limited | Extensive network |
| Founded | 2012 (Florida) | 2012 (Texas) |
Oelo: In-Depth Overview
Oelo is one of the original permanent lighting brands, founded in Florida in 2012. They've built a reputation for quality products and are one of the few major brands offering both professional installation and DIY kits.
Oelo Pros
- DIY kits available: At $10-18/ft, handy homeowners can save 40-50% over professional installation
- Established brand: Over a decade in business with proven track record
- 5-year component warranty: Longer coverage on control boxes and wiring than most competitors
- Multiple channel colors: Options to match various trim colors
- Good smartphone app: Presets, scheduling, and basic music sync
Oelo Cons
- Limited Colorado dealers: Fewer professional installers along the Front Range
- DIY requires comfort with heights: Working on ladders at roofline is required
- Warranty service varies: Without a franchise model, dealer quality can vary
- Slightly larger channel profile: Not as sleek as some competitors
Oelo Pricing
- Professional installation: $20-30 per linear foot
- DIY kits: $10-18 per linear foot
- 100 linear feet (small home): $2,000-3,000 installed / $1,000-1,800 DIY
- 150 linear feet (average home): $3,000-4,500 installed / $1,500-2,700 DIY
- 200+ linear feet (large home): $4,000-6,000+ installed / $2,000-3,600+ DIY
Trimlight: In-Depth Overview
Trimlight is a Texas-based company also founded in 2012. They operate a franchise model with authorized dealers across the country, including a strong presence in Colorado. Their patented track system and professional-only installation approach positions them as a premium option.
Trimlight Pros
- Extensive dealer network: Multiple franchises along the Colorado Front Range ensure quality and availability
- Patented track design: Low-profile channel that blends seamlessly with rooflines
- Excellent app: More presets, better music sync, and smoother user experience
- Consistent quality: Franchise model ensures standardized installation practices
- Lifetime LED warranty: Full lifetime coverage on the lights themselves
Trimlight Cons
- Higher pricing: 20-30% more expensive than Oelo professional installation
- No DIY option: Must use authorized dealer
- 2-year workmanship warranty: Shorter than Oelo's 5-year component coverage
- Franchise availability: Not all areas may have a dealer nearby
Trimlight Pricing
- Professional installation only: $25-40 per linear foot
- 100 linear feet (small home): $2,500-4,000
- 150 linear feet (average home): $3,750-6,000
- 200+ linear feet (large home): $5,000-8,000+
Colorado Climate Consideration
Both Oelo and Trimlight handle Colorado's extreme weather well. Temperature swings from -20°F to 100°F, heavy snow loads, hail, and intense UV exposure are all within operating specs. The key is proper installation—ensure your installer uses appropriate mounting hardware and sealants for Colorado conditions.
Which Brand is Right for Your Colorado Home?
Choose Oelo If:
- You're comfortable with DIY installation to save money
- Budget is a primary concern
- You want a longer component warranty
- You're in an area with limited Trimlight dealers
- You prefer more installation flexibility
Choose Trimlight If:
- You want professional installation guaranteed
- Premium quality and app experience matter most
- You prefer working with an established local franchise
- You want the sleekest channel profile
- Lifetime LED warranty is important to you
Either Brand Works Well If:
- You live in Castle Rock, Parker, Highlands Ranch, or the Denver metro area (both have coverage)
- You're planning professional installation anyway
- You want RGBW color options and app control
- You need lights rated for Colorado weather
Our Recommendation
Both Oelo and Trimlight are quality brands that perform well in Colorado. The best choice depends on your priorities:
- For value-conscious homeowners comfortable with DIY or seeking lower professional pricing: Oelo
- For premium buyers wanting the best app experience and franchise support: Trimlight
During your consultation, we'll discuss which brands are available in your area and recommend the best option for your specific home and budget.
Frequently Asked Questions: Oelo vs Trimlight
Is Oelo or Trimlight better for Colorado weather?
Both brands perform well in Colorado's climate. Both are rated IP65+ for weather resistance and can handle temperature extremes from -40°F to 140°F. Trimlight has a larger Colorado installer network, while Oelo offers both professional and DIY options.
How much does Oelo lighting cost vs Trimlight?
Oelo typically costs $20-30 per linear foot installed, while Trimlight ranges from $25-40 per linear foot. For a typical 150-foot installation, Oelo averages $3,000-4,500 while Trimlight averages $3,750-6,000. Both include professional installation and warranties.
Can I install Oelo myself to save money?
Yes, Oelo is one of the few major brands offering DIY kits at $10-18 per linear foot. This can save 40-50% vs professional installation. However, DIY installation requires working on ladders at roof height and comfort with basic electrical connections. Most Colorado homeowners prefer professional installation for safety and warranty coverage.
Which brand has better color options?
Both Oelo and Trimlight offer RGBW LEDs with millions of color combinations. The color quality is comparable between the two. Both include smartphone apps with preset scenes, custom colors, scheduling, and music sync features.
What warranty does Oelo offer vs Trimlight?
Oelo offers a limited lifetime warranty on LEDs plus 5 years on components. Trimlight provides a 2-year warranty on workmanship plus a lifetime warranty on LEDs. Both warranties are solid—the key difference is Trimlight's franchise network ensures consistent service, while Oelo warranty service varies by dealer.
Which brand has more installers in Colorado?
Trimlight has a larger dealer network along the Colorado Front Range with franchises in Denver, Colorado Springs, and mountain communities. Oelo has fewer dedicated dealers but their lights are available through some general lighting contractors. We can help you find qualified installers for either brand.
Do Oelo and Trimlight lights look different when off?
Both brands design their channels to blend with rooflines when lights are off. Trimlight channels tend to be slightly lower profile. Both offer channel colors to match common trim colors (white, brown, black). Most homeowners won't notice the difference during the day.
Can I mix Oelo and Trimlight on the same house?
No, this isn't recommended. Each brand uses proprietary channels, connectors, and control systems that aren't compatible. Mixing would require two separate control boxes and apps. Choose one system for your entire home.
Need Help Deciding?
Not sure which brand is right for your home? Call us at (720) 819-5667 or schedule a free consultation. We'll explain your options and recommend the best fit.
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