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.
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.
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.
LED projectors are the most common choice for projected walkways because they are affordable and widely available.
| 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.
Laser projectors cost more upfront but cover longer distances, reducing the number of units needed.
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.
| 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.
Full-colour projected walkways are the most visually striking option, but they come with a significantly higher price tag.
Unlike LED or laser lines, full-colour projections require high-wattage projectors, meaning higher energy costs and more frequent replacements.
Each LED or laser projector typically projects a single line, so you need one projector per side of the walkway.
Using standard UK electricity rates of 27.03p per kWh (source: NimbleFins), we can calculate annual running costs.
| 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.
Projected walkways perform differently depending on:
Projected walkways remove the need for constant repainting, improve safety, and reduce long-term maintenance costs. However, pricing varies depending on:
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.
🔍 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.