Where should decking lights be placed?

Proper lighting is an important consideration when designing and building a deck. Strategically placing deck lights can make the space more usable and aesthetically pleasing. This article will provide guidance on optimal placement of deck lighting to highlight stairs, railings, seating areas and other key features.

Lighting Deck Stairs

Stairs are a major part of most decks, providing access from ground level to the deck surface. Illuminating stairs is crucial for safety and visibility. There are a few effective options for lighting deck stairs:

• Install recessed lights or downlights on the vertical surface of the outer stringer or wall next to the stairs. These will cast light directly on the stair treads.
• Use step lights or strip lighting along the outer edge of each stair tread. Opt for LED lights for efficiency and long life.
• Place post cap lights on newel posts at the bottom and top of stairs. Go for bulkier fixtures here to illuminate multiple stairs.

Make sure lighting is bright enough for users to clearly see stairs in the dark to prevent falls and injuries. Position lights to avoid glare in users’ eyes as they go up and down.

Illuminating Railings and Banisters

Lighting on railings and banisters improves visibility and safety while adding subtle decoration. Ways to light railings include:

• Recessed strip lighting built into the deck floor pointed up at the railing from below.
• Low-voltage rail lighting attached directly to the inside of railings, pointing down onto the deck.
• Decorative post cap lights on newel posts at regular intervals.

Make sure lighting is bright enough to properly illuminate rails but not overly bright to cause glare. Position lights carefully to provide even, consistent lighting along the full length of railings.

Highlighting Seating Areas

It’s important to have dedicated lighting to illuminate seating areas on your deck. This allows people to use these spaces in the evening and creates a welcoming ambiance. Seating areas can be lit using:

• Downlights or spotlights recessed into the deck ceiling focused straight down on the seating below.
• Low-voltage deck rail lights, angled to cast light across the seating area.
• Freestanding lamp posts or lanterns placed next to the seating.
• LED string lights suspended above on beams or cables.

Ideally use warm white light bulbs to make lighting more inviting. Position fixtures 7-10 feet above the seating to create even, diffused light over the space.

General Ambient Deck Lighting

In addition to the targeted lighting above, it’s a good idea to install general lighting across the entire deck surface. Ambient lighting provides visibility for walking around the space safely. It also adds a finishing touch to make the deck feel complete. Options for ambient deck lighting include:

• Recessed downlights across the full ceiling, spaced 6-8 feet apart.
• Surface mounted strip lighting around the perimeter, illuminating toward the center.
• Light strings or lanterns suspended from beams above.
• Post cap lights on 4×4 posts around the deck perimeter.

Aim for a minimum of 1 footcandle of light across the full deck surface. Place ambient lighting carefully to avoid overly bright or dark spots on the deck floor.

Uplighting on Vertical Surfaces

Uplighting refers to lighting pointed up at vertical surfaces or focal points. Subtle uplighting can enhance aesthetic appeal on a deck. Uplighting techniques include:

• Recessed wall lights or ground lights hitting the surface of the house exterior next to the deck.
• LED strip lighting installed beneath railings and pointed up at the deck ceiling.
• Spots or floods aimed at trees or architectural elements beyond the deck edge.

Uplighting introduces shadows and depth while highlighting key surfaces. Use only warm white or color changing LEDs to create inviting uplighting.

Lighting Under Railings and Overhangs

In addition to topside deck lighting, it’s important to install lighting underneath railings and above beams or ceilings. This lighting illuminates the spaces directly around the deck edge. Under railing and overhang lighting options include:

• LED strip lighting attached to the underside of railings and overhangs.
• Recessed soffit or eave lighting in the ceiling surfaces above.
• Low-voltage rail lights along deck posts, pointed toward the ground.

Proper under railing and above beam lighting improves visibility and safety at the deck’s edge while adding depth. Position fixtures carefully to avoid glare and overly bright spots.

Lighting Deck Steps

Like stairs, steps leading up to the deck also require proper lighting for safety and visibility. Strategically placed lighting can fully illuminate deck steps including:

• Recessed wall lights or landscape spotlights at ground level focused on the steps.
• Riser lighting attached to the vertical portion of each step.
• Handrail lighting focused straight down onto the steps.

Install enough lighting to avoid shadows or dark areas on steps. Low-voltage LED lighting works well for longevity and energy efficiency.

Using Landscape Lights

The areas immediately surrounding the deck can also be enhanced with landscape lighting. Using lighting strategically in garden beds, lawns and pathways improves the area aesthetically while ensuring safety. Landscape lighting options include:

• Low-voltage spotlights and floods aimed at trees, plants or architectural features.
• Path lights such as well lights or bollards illuminating walking paths.
• Subtle uplighting on walls or vertical surfaces around the deck.

Make sure landscape lights are a suitable lumen output and light color for the intended purpose. Focus lights carefully to highlight deck surroundings.

Lighting Controller and Dimmers

To make deck lighting easy to use, install lighting controls. Options include:

• A centralized lighting controller or dimmer panel to control all lights in one spot.
• Individual dimmer switches on select fixture circuits to control specific areas.
• Smart switches paired with phone apps for control via WiFi and scheduling.

Dimming allows you to adjust lighting levels according to activities or preference. Smart controls add convenience for turning lights on/off remotely.

Choosing Appropriate Fixtures

The options for deck lighting fixtures are nearly endless. Considerations for selecting fixtures include:

• Fixture housings – Choose durable metals like aluminum or corrosion resistant finishes.
• Lens types – Frosted or diffuse lenses reduce glare compared to clear.
• Light quality – Warm white light (2700-3000K color temperature) creates ambiance.
• Lumen output – Match light brightness to the space size and purpose.
• Energy efficiency – LEDlasts the longest and consumes the least energy.

Consult a lighting designer or contractor to select the perfect fixtures for your unique deck design and layout.

Following Electrical Codes

All deck lighting must comply with local building codes and electrical regulations. Key requirements include:

• Using only exterior rated light fixtures and wiring.
• Hiring a licensed electrician to install and inspect wiring.
• Having GFCI circuit breaker protection for low voltage lighting circuits.
• Keeping wires and transformers out of standing water risk areas.
• Properly grounding metallic light fixtures and wiring components.

Consult local permitting offices to ensure you meet all deck wiring requirements. Passing inspections ensures electrical safety.

Creative Lighting Techniques

Beyond just the basics, you can get creative with deck lighting to take the design to the next level. Unique deck lighting ideas include:

• Colored or color-changing LEDs for drama and ambiance.
• Lighted handrails using glowing acrylic rods or LED strips.
• Fiber optic star ceiling with hundreds of tiny LED points of light.
• Tiki torches for flickering flame effects around seating areas.
• Neon or LED rope lights outlining stairs or design details.

Just be cautious not to go overboard with too many competing lighting elements. Balance creativity with restraint.

Hiring a Professional

For large or complex deck lighting projects, it’s advisable to hire a professional lighting designer. They can provide services including:

• A custom lighting plan optimizing fixture types, layout and controls.
• Specifying all necessary fixtures, bulbs, wiring and transformers.
• Project management of lighting purchases and installation.
• Ensuring compliance with building codes and safety.
• Advice on creative lighting options to enhance aesthetics.

Pro lighting designers are well worth the investment for a cohesive, compliant and visually impressive lighting outcome.

Conclusion

Well-designed deck lighting enhances aesthetics, functionality and safety. Key lighting strategies include illuminating stairs, railings, seating areas and general deck surfaces adequately. Fixtures should be durable, energy efficient and provide pleasing light quality without excessive glare. Following codes and tapping into creative approaches takes the lighting to the next level. With smart planning and strategic fixture placement, it’s possible to have a deck space bathed in beautiful, inviting light day or night.