Ideas for Lighting Up Your Deck

Designed to be installed directly on your deck, LED deck post lights add architectural detail that can enhance the look of your exterior space. Here are a few things to know about deck post lights:

• They come in single-head and multi-head lights. Single-head designs take up less deck space. Multi-head models illuminate a greater surface area.
• Post lights are hardwired to your deck. They run on conventional bulbs that are easy to find and replace as needed.
• Post lights are durable and weatherproof. They come in many finish options designed to look good for years to come, even after being exposed to the elements.

Deck post cap lights can be added to the tops of posts designed to hold up your deck. You can also find a variety of LED deck lights that make retrofitting your existing fixtures simple, while solar light posts harness the power of the sun to illuminate your space.

Ideal for providing ambient lighting and illuminating passageways, wall lights and sconces are a popular option for decks and patios. Here are a few benefits of wall lights and sconces:

• They provide ambient lighting for doorways and access points. They can also provide illumination for tasks like grilling without turning on brighter overhead lights.
• They come in single and multi-bulb configurations. Scale your lighting needs and fixture size to your deck dimensions.
• They are typically controlled from inside the house. Wall lights and sconces can be hardwired to a switch indoors, making it easy to turn them on before you go outside.
• They are available in many different finish options, ranging from contemporary chrome, transitional brushed nickel and more traditional brass or bronze. Specialty finishes are also available.

Rail lights are a popular choice in many outdoor spaces. These linear lights serve a dual purpose of making your deck rail more visible and lighting the ground below. Here are a few things to know about rail lighting:

• Most rail lights are LED strips. These are easy to install underneath and connect.
• Many LED under-rail lights have a life expectancy of roughly 50,000 hours. That’s more than five and a half years
• LED under-rail lights offer a diffused light pattern, helping provide even light throughout the space.

Designed to light your walkways, step areas and deck planks, floor lighting can be installed directly into the structure of your existing deck. There are a few things to note about installing permanent floor lighting:

• Floor lights are ideal for oversized decks where lighting the center area may prove difficult. Flat options can be installed right into your existing deck structure.
• Floor lights are typically installed for permanent use. Many models can be placed right into your stairs for an even, safe lighting scheme.
• Motion-activated stair lights are available. These are perfect for stairs and hard-to-see access points.
• You can choose between solar, battery-powered and LED stair lights. Solar options work well in areas that get direct sunlight all day. Battery-powered floor lights are best for spaces where a permanent installation is not possible. LEDs are a great all-around option.

Lighting the center of a large deck can be a challenge, but string lights and rope lights make it easier. 

• Most outdoor string lights use either G30, G40 or G50 bulbs. Wattage can range from 5 to 7 watts for incandescent bulbs. The wattage of energy-saving LED string lights is much less.
  
  Solar string lights can also save energy when mounted in areas that get strong sun during the day.
• Choose hanging string lights that can be draped over your deck area. Use one line or multiple strings according to your spatial needs.
• Add lanterns for special events or to create a warm ambiance on summer evenings. Most outdoor lanterns aren’t designed for year-round use, but they can be easily hung and plugged in when you need extra light for a party or get-together.
• Most lanterns, rope lights and string lights are easy to control via a switchable extension cord. Just find the nearest outlet and illuminate your space with ease. Use battery-operated string lights in areas without
  a close power source.

Create a safe and vibrant environment with pool deck lights. Extend energy-saving LED string lights above and along the perimeter of the pool deck. Another option is installing solar-powered lights on the deck. These lights are budget friendly, waterproof and can be installed with screws or adhesive tape.

When buying lights for your pool deck, check the IP rating code first. This is a measurement of the level of protection against water, sand, dust, debris and accidental contact. The most water and moisture-resilient pool deck lights have a rating of IP68, so look for the IP rating when choosing lighting options.

Proper deck lighting is essential for enjoying your outdoor space after the sun goes down. Sometimes your permanent lighting needs a little extra boost. Here are a few additional options:

• Torch lights: Add a little flair to your party with classic torch lights. Citronella options help keep bugs at bay.
• Globe and planter lights: Designed to add style without an open flame, globe and planter lights can be used around the garden.
• Table torches and votives: Perfect for coffee tables, side tables and outdoor dining tables, table torches and votives offer color and class for every surface.