It’s time to light up the night! While you may want a bit of shade during the day, it’s essential to have enough light after the sun goes down. More than just a practical addition to your already-stunning outdoor space, deck lights are an essential component that can provide safety, functionality, and of course, great aesthetics. Quality lighting can be the difference between a simple deck and a neighborhood hotspot for gatherings.
The demand for well-lit decks keeps growing as homeowners are aiming to improve their outdoor space experiences—whether it’s dining, relaxing, or entertaining. None of those things are enjoyable if the lighting is underwhelming or missing altogether. To make sure your deck is the talk of the neighborhood, let’s take a look at some ways you can get the most out of outdoor deck lights.
Planning and Design
Assess the Deck Layout
The first step to great deck lighting is figuring out where to position it. Instead of installing it in random places, consider the whole design of the deck. This will help you identify challenges and opportunities to place your lights in ideal locations. Be sure to focus on stairs, railings, and seating areas, as these are the spots that will help you maximize enjoyment and safety.
Choose the Right Type of Lighting
You have options when choosing the type of lights for your deck:
- Post Cap Lights: These provide great mood lighting. Thanks to their positions on top of deck posts, they provide even, subtle lighting.
- Recessed Lights: These are installed flush with the surface of the deck, which helps to highlight important focal areas.
- String Lights: These are the most versatile of the bunch. They’re decorative and allow you to create a cozy atmosphere.
When you’re choosing your light types, think of the ambience, functionality, and even energy efficiency they offer. Low voltage deck lighting is a great option thanks to their long lifespans and energy-saving features.
Electrical Considerations
Power Source
There are a few different ways to power your deck lights:
- Solar: This is easy to install and energy-efficient. Just take care to place the panels where they’ll get enough sunlight to provide illumination when you need it.
- Low Voltage: This is possibly the most versatile option, thanks to its safety and efficiency.
- Line Voltage: This is often found on larger or commercial decks due to the brighter lighting it provides.
There are advantages and drawbacks to each power source option. While solar lights are environmentally friendly, they’re not recommended in regions that don’t get much sunlight. Low voltage deck lighting is safe and easy to install, and line voltage boasts the most power but requires careful planning and installation.
Wiring and Safety
It’s vital that you have proper wiring before installing your outdoor deck lights. Why? There are plenty of aesthetic and troubleshooting considerations, as well as safety and compliance concerns. Weather-resistant materials are an important implementation to ensure every connection is protected from rain and other elements.
Your local electrical codes should be a driving factor in your wiring and installation. It’s recommended that you familiarize yourself with them, hire a qualified electrician, or both. Safety is the number one concern when working with electricity, so be sure you aren’t putting too much strain on your circuits. An overload could spell disaster under certain circumstances. Furthermore, ensure you’re using GFCI outlets, proper insulation, and grounded wiring.
Installation Techniques
Preparing the Deck
Preparation can make or break an installation!. Make sure you clear the deck of any and all obstacles, and make sure the whole surface is clean and dry before you benign. Make sure there’s no damage to the deck that needs to be addressed before installation. A clean deck ensures good adhesion and an installation that lasts for a long time.
Installing Different Types of Lights
The installation process can vary significantly depending on the type of deck lights you’re installing. Cap lights need mounting brackets, and recessed lights call for holes to be drilled into the deck surface itself. No matter which lights you choose, make sure you space them out and properly align them to provide even distribution across the area you want to cover.
Weatherproofing and Durability
As we mentioned earlier, weatherproofed wiring and equipment is crucial not only to the longevity of the lights themselves, but also the safety of anyone using the deck in the future. We reiterate that you should be using waterproof connectors and sealant where it’s necessary. Despite all that, regular maintenance is recommended to make sure everything is in working order. Checking for loose connections and making sure all light lenses are clean can make for a long lifespan for your lights.
No matter what choices you make, you’ll need the proper tools to bring it all together. The one-stop hardware store at Ladiesburg Lumber is happy to supply you!
Aesthetic Considerations
Ambiance
Aside from providing visibility, deck lights are primarily used to provide a warm and inviting atmosphere for its visitors. We’ve already covered the importance of placing your fixtures strategically, but the color of the light itself can make a noticeable difference in the mood. Opt for warm lighting that helps people relax. Dimmers and other smart controls can also play a significant role in your deck’s ambiance.
Highlighting Key Features
Though accent lighting isn’t great for visibility, it can highlight significant architectural features like pergolas or hedges. Draw attention to key fixtures with spotlights and uplights.
Troubleshooting and Maintenance
Common Issues and Solutions
As with all electrical equipment, there’s always the possibility of troubleshooting issues. Given enough time, you can even consider these issues inevitable. If you notice flickering lights, malfunctioning fixtures, or inconsistent lighting, you should address it to make sure there’s no damage. Check all connections, replace bulbs, or adjust your power sources if necessary. In more extreme cases, resetting the entire system or replacing faulty components entirely may be required.
Regular Maintenance
If you have a regular maintenance and inspection routine established, many of the issues above can be addressed promptly or avoided altogether. This includes damage checks, fixture cleaning, and the replacement of worn out parts. If you need to perform cleaning on lenses and fixtures, be sure to use mild cleaning agents and stay away from abrasive materials that may damage your equipment.
Time to Light Up Your Deck
If you want your deck lights to be installed perfectly, careful planning is required. By making sure you’re selecting the right equipment, considering your visual preferences, and accounting for troubleshooting, you’re setting yourself up for success with your lighting installation. Get in touch with us at Ladiesburg Lumber for additional tips related to expert decking!
