Outdoor Deck Lighting Helps Make Evening Entertainment Come to Light!

Outdoor deck lighting is an important aspect of home entertaining.  If you have a deck around your home, you know that you do not want to bring your guests inside once the sun goes down.  You need a lighted welcoming environment on the deck to keep people outdoors after dark.  If you intend to install your own deck lights, we recommend a low voltage lighting system.  Low voltage lighting uses less electricity.  LED (light emitting diodes) bulbs are now standard in outdoor deck lighting fixtures.  This new technology allows the same amount of light as high voltage systems with a minimum use of power.  If you have some experience in electrical wiring, you can put your own low voltage lights around your deck.  However, the selection and design for your deck lighting can be daunting.  Arm yourself with these tips and let us know if we can help.

Indirect lighting is the proper way to light your deck.  Lights should cast a soft glow over cooking and conversation areas.  Ideally, fixtures should be installed in recessed areas. The drawback of installing light sources on elevated areas is that the light can be blocked from reaching the intended location by flying insects or low hanging tree branches.

Illuminating deck stairs is essential to safety as guests may be carrying appetizers or cocktails.  Stair risers should not be facing upward as this can blind the person going up or down.  The placement of risers should be low key and well thought out to eliminate the glare that could become a safety hazard.

Deck post lights come in a variety of options from lantern style to contemporary.  These accent lights create a warm ambience for entertaining.  It is important that patio chairs be arranged so that the post lights are not at eye level which can be annoying.  If a post top light would be at the wrong height, the fixture can be mounted in another location that would prevent the light shining in your eyes.

In contrast to accent lighting, recessed deck lighting mounts flush with the surface and is usually hidden.  This lighting is recommended for large areas and for creating ambiance.  Under-rail lights create a subtle glow between the balusters with the fixture underneath the rail.  Deck post lights come in a variety of options from lantern style to contemporary.  These accent lights create a warm ambiance for entertaining.  It is important that patio chairs be arranged so that the post lights are not at eye level which can be annoying.  If a post top light would be at the wrong height, the fixture can be mounted in another location that would prevent the light shining in your eyes.

The deck is one of the most commonly used areas for entertaining.  It can be an outdoor cooking area, a gathering place and even surround a pool or water feature.  Outdoor deck lighting should not be an afterthought since that is where the party usually takes place.

Additionally, if you already have landscape lighting elsewhere, adding deck lighting may simply be a matter of installing additional fixtures and wiring.  With the new technology, outdoor deck lighting is more efficient and economical than ever before.