When it comes to placing lights on your deck, where you choose to place them can have a big impact on the ambiance, functionality, and safety of your deck and surrounding outdoor space. Effectively illuminating your deck means you and your loved ones can safely walk across it, even at night, without risking a trip or fall. When outdoor light fixtures are strategically placed, they also create a warm and inviting atmosphere, making your deck the perfect place to hang out, regardless of the time of day.
Whether your summer plans include lots of entertaining or simply enjoying your deck in solitude, ensuring it is beautiful and properly lit is key to optimizing its appearance and usability. Read on to learn about the best placements for deck lighting and how to make the most of your outdoor space, whether the sun is up or has already gone down.
What Are the Different Kinds of Deck Lights?
Side Mount Lights – Side mount lights are also a popular option as they provide a gentle downcast glow to your deck. They can be added to a wall or any railing with a continuous top rail or wall and illuminate the lower half of your deck, creating a warm radiance.
Underrail Lights – The addition of underrail lights to your deck will illuminate smaller spaces, and cooking areas, or simply highlight long railing spans. These lights are designed with a low profile, meaning you don’t see them, you just see the light they emit. They help to create a border of light around your deck while remaining invisible during daylight hours.
Stair & Step Lights – Illuminating your deck stairs is essential for the safety of everyone who may use the deck in the evening or nighttime. Lights can be recessed into the deck stairs, easily placed in the risers of the stairs, and placed around the perimeter of your deck. Ensuring that these high-traffic areas are properly lit prevents tripping, falling, or missing the bottom step.
Overhead Lights – If your deck comes with overhead protection, recessed deck lighting or more ornamental pendant lights work well in these areas as they are more protected from the elements while providing ample light to covered decks and porches.
String Lights – String lights aren’t just for the holidays anymore. Hanging string lights around your deck is a simple and easy way to add some fun and whimsy to the area. They are easily placed and moved as needed, making them a versatile and festive option to light up your deck, no matter the time of year.
Where to Place Deck Lights?
Where you choose to place your deck lights will depend on the shape and design of your deck, the main functions of the space, the degree of maintenance required, and the amount of light needed. In general, it is recommended to incorporate several different types of lighting in a variety of places around your deck. This will create an ambiance that is unique and interesting while still being highly functional.
It is also important to develop a plan before you begin, as this process can be somewhat complicated and time-consuming. Some of the best spots to place deck lights include:
- Deck corners
- Nearby trees
- Along pathways
- Above or beside doorways and gates
- Sitting areas
- Near steps or on railings
When in Doubt – Trust the Experts
At Moon Glow Lightscapes, we design and install stunning custom outdoor lighting installations for our clients across South Western Ontario. Our team of talented design and installation experts produces custom lighting systems that maximize the functionality of our client’s outdoor spaces while creating an inviting and comfortable atmosphere. Using only the highest quality fixtures and transformers that are fully programmable and discrete, we create lighting installations that are high on impact and low on maintenance. When you work with our team at Moon Glow Lightscapes, you’ll get the deck lighting of your dreams and enjoy your gorgeous outdoor space all night long!
