Deck lighting is a great option to add beauty, safety, and security to your home. You can also extend the hours of enjoyment to one of your favorite outdoor spaces. Good lighting also provides a pleasant atmosphere. From bright spaces for safe cooking and play, to the serenity of subtle lighting.
Deck Lighting Ideas
Deck Stair Lighting
There are specific safety regulations for the illumination of your deck stairs. If you’re planning for a deck lighting project yourself, make sure to check for your city’s code.
There are many available options. Below are some of the best deck lighting ideas to enhance your outdoor space.
Deck Post Lights
Deck post light is an affordable deck lighting option. The light is often pointed downwards at the deck. Thereby providing illumination to the railing and the surrounding area. They are easy to install and provides a subtle ambiance to the area.
They come in different styles, shape, and color. There are aluminum, plastic, copper and stainless steel options. Each to meet your taste and budget. Making them a very attractive option on posts even when not lighted.
Keep in mind though that because they mount on top of the post, they place higher than other options. So you’ll have more light pollution when looking up at the night sky.
Deck Railing Lights
Steps are not the only place you will want to illuminate for safety. You may want to install lights on the railing posts, or under the railing itself. Do this in such a way to hide the bulbs while sitting down.
Recessed Deck Lighting
If you want a safe environment along with the desired style, recessed deck lighting is your best bet.
Recessed lighting is not limited to only decks with ceilings, as you can sit flush with the deck itself. Thus revealing an interesting deck feature. Its safety benefit lies with the fact that they install directly overhead. This ensures that the deck stairs are well lit and visible.
String Lighting
String lights are currently a hot item for outdoor décor.
They are quite easy to install. As they install almost anywhere, provided an outlet is available. Perfect for any DIY deck lighting project.
A downside is they don’t last as long as other options. So they do need to be replaced more often than other options.
Pool Deck Lighting
If your deck is near a pool, lighting becomes unavoidable.
You will need adequate bright lights to provide safety for everyone in and out of the pool. You can use any of the above deck lighting options. But we recommend recessed and deck posts lights as they provide clear demarcation.
With the lighting of stairs, you also need to check local ordinances for requirements.
Rope Lighting
Another option for deck lighting is rope lighting. It is inexpensive and quite easy to install.
Rope lighting does not have the custom look of the individual fixtures of other options. But it can be quite attractive if carefully and properly installed. You do need to bear it in mind that you will need to conceal the bulbs.
Green and Low Voltage Deck Lighting Ideas
When deciding on the style of lights used, you may also want to consider the type of light.
Low voltage deck lighting is a common option for homeowners. It has the advantage of quick installation and there is a variety of styles from which to make your choice.
Depending on the type of bulb used, low voltage lights tend to produce a soft light. Creating a welcoming environment for your deck.
Some may need transformers to step down the voltage from the standard 120 volts to 12 volts. Meaning higher costs for the initial installation compared with other deck lighting ideas. But the maintenance thereafter is less costly and you’ll see a return on your investment.
We only recommend investing in LED if you plan to live in your home 5 years or more. So you can enjoy the long-term the cost savings.
LED Deck Lights
LED light is a great green deck lighting option.
It uses more than 75% less lighting than incandescent bulbs and produces less heat.
They are very durable, having a lifespan that doubles that of traditional lights. So if you’re looking for deck lights that will last a long time LED lights are a good fit.
Solar Deck Lights
The use of solar lights is becoming the vogue for outdoor lighting all over the country. They are available in diverse varieties according to individual needs and preference.
Solar deck lighting has a low maintenance cost and can work well without making use of a plug. It is a good choice if you want to avoid new wiring.
Solar lights work by charging the battery component with the solar cells with the aid of the sun during the day. The charged battery is then used to turn the lights on at night and can last up to ten hours.
The installation is very easy. Solar lights are often associated with low light output and this is much desired. If you are thinking of deck post cap lighting, solar lighting may be your best option. As the issue of hiding wires will not arise.
The only drawback to solar deck lighting is that there may be no option of turning off the light. Most types automatically switch on through a photocell. If it is necessary though, you can find an on/off option fixture.
Deck Lighting for Safety Too
Your deck is one of the most used areas of your landscape. It accesses pathways, used to entertain and do your outdoor cooking.
Beyond being able to make use of these areas at night, it also makes them safer for you, your family, and friends.
When it is dark, slips and stumbles are not unusual on steps. These can lead to bruises, bumps or even more serious injuries. As a homeowner, you are potentially liable for injuries sustained on your property.
You can provide bright floodlights or porch lights to illuminate your outdoor areas. But you are unable to create a quiet and relaxing atmosphere outside.
The provision of soft illumination outside will solve the problem. You can create enough soft light to safely move around. While still sustaining the relaxed mood provided by the beautiful night sky.
Deck Lighting Designs
Be efficient in implementing your outdoor deck lighting plan. Decide where you would like your new deck lights before you start. This will also enable you to focus on what you want your lighting to highlight. You can draw out a simple sketch of your deck to show where you plan to locate the lights.
Subtlety is of paramount importance in deck lighting. You want to avoid blazing spotlights that will overwhelm your evening outdoor experience. You also don’t want your neighbors complaining that you are disturbing them. By beaming fluorescence into their windows from your backyard.
Many home improvement stores carry pre-packaged DIY outdoor lighting kits. These won’t give you the beauty of a custom look and feel from a professional lighting job. But, they’re suitable for simple projects.
If you have the time and expertise you may choose to install a custom lighting design yourself. Mask sure you buy all the necessary materials. Such as transformers, cables, fixtures, lamps, and timers. As well as setting up the source of power for the lights. You cannot simply plug into the wall like you do with a house lamp.
If you’re inexperienced with this type of equipment or decisions do not attempt. You’re better off hiring a professional landscape lighting company.
Outdoor Deck Lighting Installation Consideration
Installation of some of these deck lighting ideas is easy and you can do it yourself.
The first thing to consider is to determine the type of power source to use for your deck lighting system. Low voltage is much safer and easier to self-installed if you’re experienced.
There are times that will need a qualified electrician. Such as for systems that use a standard 120-volt household current.
There are some low voltage applications that you may not be able to self-install as well. Due to other skills necessary to install.
An example is the post cap lighting where you need to drill a hole into the center of the post to hide the wire. This may need extensive drilling through the length of the posts. In such cases, you will still need the services of a qualified electrician.
Putting all factors into consideration, it is better to use a professional. For a quality and safe installation of your deck lighting. Whether it is for low voltage application or the standard 120-volt household current.
A professional will assist you with installation, and the design and lighting selection.
Conclusion on Outdoor Deck Lighting Ideas
Deck lighting is a great option to add beauty, safety, and security. As well as extend the hours of enjoyment to one of your favorite outdoor spaces. Good deck lighting also provides a pleasant atmosphere. From bright spaces for safe cooking and play to the serenity of subtle lighting
Make sure you plan ahead with these options for your deck lighting, to save time and money in the long run. Account for the necessary power sources required. As well as how long you expect to be in your home while making your decisions.
There is a variety of fixtures available for railings, stairs, and posts. And these varieties keep expanding. A professional’s guidance will always help to make the right choice for your own vision and needs.
