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If you have a busy warehouse which is already tight for space, then you're probably already used to repainting pedestrian routes annually. High footfall and vehicle traffic wears down floor markings, making them less visible and less effective over time.
Many businesses are looking for alternatives to floor paint and tape, and one solution that has gained traction is projecting walkways from above using LED or laser lighting. But how much do projected walkways actually cost?
This guide breaks down the costs of different projected walkway options, what influences the price, and how much you can expect to pay for installation, maintenance, and energy consumption in 2025.
Table of contents
- What are the options?
- How much do LED-projected lines cost?
- How much do laser-projected walkways cost?
- How much does a full-colour walkway cost?
- How much do they cost to install?
- How much do they cost to run?
- What environmental conditions affect the effectiveness of a projected walkway?
- Are projected walkways worth the cost?
What are the options?
There are three main types of projected walkways, plus a fourth option for single-line projections:
1) LED-Projected Walkways: These use LED projectors to cast bright, crisp lines onto the floor. LED projections are often the most budget-friendly option per projector and are widely used in warehouses and logistics centres.
2) Laser-Projected Walkways: Laser projectors offer higher energy efficiency and can cover longer distances with fewer units. While more expensive upfront, they often provide better long-term cost savings in high-ceiling environments.
3) Full-Colour Projected Walkways: These project detailed, multi-colour images onto the floor, creating highly visible pedestrian paths or even branded safety zones. They look great, but require more powerful projectors and significantly higher investment.
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4) Single-Line Projections: Instead of full walkways, some businesses only need single-line projections to define pedestrian routes. This is a lower-cost option using LED or laser projectors.
Each of these options has its own pricing considerations, which we’ll break down in the following sections.
How much do LED-projected walkways cost?
LED projectors are the most common choice for projected walkways because they are affordable and widely available.
Typical costs
- Cost per LED projector: ~£500
- Projection range: 5m to 13m per projector, based on ceiling height
- Available in: 25W, 50W, and 100W units, depending on brightness
What makes LED pricing go up or down?
- Ceiling height: A higher ceiling requires a more powerful projector to maintain visibility.
- Lighting conditions: Brighter warehouses need higher-wattage projectors to combat ambient light.
- Projection ratio: A 1:1.5 ratio means a 6m ceiling allows for a 9m projected line, whereas a 4m ceiling only allows for a 2.6m line, meaning more projectors are required.
Cost per metre of LED projection:
| Ceiling & Lighting Conditions | Approximate Cost per Metre |
|---|---|
| Low ceiling, high lux level | £192 per metre |
| High ceiling, low lux level | £67 per metre |
In worst-case scenarios (low ceilings & bright environments), you may need more projectors and more power, increasing costs.
How much do laser-projected walkways cost?
Laser projectors cost more upfront but cover longer distances, reducing the number of units needed.
Typical costs
- Cost per laser projector: ~£1,420
- Projection range: Up to 33m, depending on ceiling height
- Power consumption: 17W
Lasers have a 3:1 projection ratio, meaning a 4m ceiling can cast an 11.4m line, while a 10m ceiling can project a 28m line.
Cost per metre of laser projection:
| Ceiling Height | Approximate Cost per Metre |
|---|---|
| 4m ceiling | £124 per metre |
| 12m ceiling | £42 per metre |
For large-scale applications, lasers are often more cost-efficient.
How much does a full-colour projected walkway cost?
Full-colour projected walkways are the most visually striking option, but they come with a significantly higher price tag.
Typical costs
- Cost per metre: ~£1,000 per metre
- Projector placement: Requires a projector every ~2 metres
- Best for: Highly visible, branded walkways or hazard zones
Unlike LED or laser lines, full-colour projections require high-wattage projectors, meaning higher energy costs and more frequent replacements.
How much do projected walkways cost to install?
Each LED or laser projector typically projects a single line, so you need one projector per side of the walkway.
Example installation costs
- A 10m LED walkway with 2.6m line projectors requires 4 projectors per side = 8 projectors total (~£4,000).
- A 33m laser walkway requires only 2 projectors (~£2,840), making it far more cost-effective over long distances.
How much do projected walkways cost to run?
Using standard UK electricity rates of 27.03p per kWh (source: NimbleFins), we can calculate annual running costs.
Annual running costs per projector (24/7 operation)
| Projector Type | Power Consumption | Annual kWh Usage | Estimated Cost per Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| LED (50W) | 50W | 438 kWh | £118.40 |
| Laser (17W) | 17W | 149 kWh | £40.30 |
Laser projectors are significantly more energy-efficient, costing up to 66% less per year to operate than LED projectors.
What environmental factors affect projected walkways?
Projected walkways perform differently depending on:
- Brightness: Darker areas require fewer projectors, while brighter areas need higher wattage.
- Floor type: Highly reflective or uneven floors can distort the image.
- Ceiling height: Lower ceilings require more projectors, while higher ceilings favour lasers.
Are projected walkways worth the cost?
Projected walkways remove the need for constant repainting, improve safety, and reduce long-term maintenance costs. However, pricing varies depending on:
- Type of projection (LED, laser, or full-colour)
- Ceiling height and brightness
- Power consumption and energy costs
For a cost-effective, long-lasting solution, laser projectors are ideal for larger spaces, while LEDs provide a budget-friendly option for smaller warehouses. Full-colour walkways look the best but come with a premium price tag.
If you're considering projected walkways, check out our LED Projected Walkways for more details on how they can fit into your workplace.
At Clarity, we work with you to calculate all the above for you to come up with the best, most cost-effective solution that fits your requirements!
Want to integrate smart projected walkways into your warehouse or factory?
🔍 Not sure whether laser or LED projections are right for your workplace? We compare their strengths, limitations, and ideal use cases to help you make the right choice. Read our laser vs. LED projection guide here.
