Having a deck extends your living space outdoors, a deck can offer a relaxing spot for social gatherings, barbecues and other outdoor events. Adding outdoor lighting to your deck can enhance its versatility at night. Explore the depths of deck lighting with this post, where we will cover the different kinds of deck lighting, the best locations to place your deck lighting as well as different ideas for illuminating your deck.
Why is Deck Lighting Important?
Deck lighting serves both functional and aesthetic purposes. Not only does it improve visibility and safety on your deck, but it also adds a touch of elegance and sophistication to your outdoor area. Proper lighting can highlight architectural features, create a cozy atmosphere, and extend the usability of your deck into the evening hours.
Types of Deck Lighting
There are many different types of deck lighting, we will cover some of the popular low-voltage deck lights here.
- Half Moon Integrated LED Deck Light: This deck light is one of the most popular deck lights as it has a compact sleek design. This light is most commonly mounted on deck walls and post. The half moon light comes in a 2700K (Warm White) and a 3000K (Cool White). Kichler makes this light and it comes in a variety of different finishes, it comes in AZT (Textured Architectural Bronze), BKT (Textured Black), CBR (Centennial Brass), and WHT (Textured White).
- Louvered Down Rail Deck Light: The Louvered Down Light is compact and contemporary. This light is designed for lighting along decks, and on posts. This light is a non-integrated fixture, so it requires a T5 Omni Wedge Bulb. This light is made by Kichler and comes in a variety of different finishes: AZT (Textured Architectural Bronze), BKT (Textured Black), CBR (Centennial Brass), and WHT (Textured White).
- Up and Down Wall Sconce: This up and down wall sconce light has a sleek modern design which can blend seamlessly into your deck you can mount this light on walls, or posts. This fixture works well to light up, down, or both ways, it requires two MR16 Bi-Pin Bulbs. This light is made by Kichler and comes in a solid, cast brass (CBR) can that withstand harsh weather conditions.
- Mini Deck Light: The Mini Deck Light is a small surface-mounted light that is a great added feature to mount on posts and rails. This fixture used a T5 Omni Wedge Bulb sold separately. This Kichler-made aluminum fixture comes in two different finishes, AZT (Textured Architectural Bronze) and BKT (Textured Black).
- HL Hanging Lights: These lights are particularly unique as they hang down. These Alliance-made fixtures are stylish hanging lights that come in solid and perforated. The perforated option looks as if they twinkle when the wind hits them. These solid cast brass fixtures come in ABR (Classic Aged Brass). It is recommended that you hang this light on your deck over a table to create a warm glow.
- SL Louvered Step Lights: This louvred step light comes in two sizes, 9.5” and 6”. This fixture is fully integrated, which is convenient as it is surface mounting, meaning it can be mounted on any flat surface. This fixture works best on your deck steps or mounted near the bottom of a wall.
What are the Key Considerations for Deck Lighting?
When planning your deck lighting, it's essential to consider the layout of your deck, the desired ambiance, and the practical aspects of lighting. Think about the areas you want to illuminate, such as stairs, railings, and seating areas. Additionally, consider the power source for your lighting fixtures and whether you prefer a hardwired system or solar-powered lights. Although solar can be convenient it's not the best choice for longevity and not a reliable light source as it depends on light exposure. That is why at Landlight we recommend using low-voltage hardwired landscape lights.
Deck Lighting Ideas
Here are some ideas for different lighting styles people generally use on their decks. Adding lighting to your outdoor place can improve safety and increase your home's property value.
Wall Sconce Lights
These lights can be an asset to your outdoor deck area as they can illuminate both up and down the walls surrounding your deck. You can accentuate your home's architectural features such as stone or brick walls, and columns. Try placing wall sconce lights around your deck and admire the difference they make. At Landlight we carry a variety of wall sconce lights such as Kichler’s Up and Down Sconce, Kichler’s Up or Down Sconce, or Alliance’s WS300 Wall Sconce along with many others.
Recessed Lights
Try adding recessed lights to your deck. You can add them to stairs, around the perimeter of your deck and on walls. Recessed lights have a sleek, unobtrusive design which can fit seamlessly into any outdoor deck. These lights can help bring your deck to life after dark, making your outdoor space usable into the night. There are many different kinds of recessed lights we carry at Landlight, such as Kichler’s MR8 Recessed Hardscape Light, Kichler’s Mini All Purpose Hardscape Light, or one of Illumicare’s Hardscape Symphony Lights.
Hanging Lights
Integrate hanging lights into your deck, and add them above lounging areas, like hot tubs, seating, and tables. These lights can create a beautiful calming ambiance for your outdoor space. Try using Alliance’s HL Hanging Light or Kichler’s Solid Brass Mini Pendant Light.
Step Lights
Mounting step lights on your deck can not only showcase your deck it will add to its safety making it less likely for tripping hazards on your steps. There are many different examples of step lights like Alliance’s SL Louvered Integrated Step Light, Kichler’s Contemporary Surface Mount Integrated Step Light and Kichler’s Surface Mount Louvered Integrated Step Light along with many more.
Pro Tip: Always ensure your lighting is cleaned thoroughly once a year. You will want to clean the fixture and the surrounding area. Sometimes removing the fixture to clean it properly is necessary. This will extend the longevity of your lights and keep the lights looking bright all year round.