Know The Best Lighting Ideas For Your Deck

A deck is the best place to host an outdoor gathering. The party never stops even if the sun goes down. How do you do that? Add new and beautiful deck lights. They come in different variations to match your personal preferences and deck design. When it comes to light installation, there are several usual and unusual decking light ideas that you can choose from, making it difficult to decide where you should begin. A few homeowners wish to have a bright outdoor living space where they can cook, eat, stay, and even play safely while others prefer subtle lighting. Whatever it is that you want to have, provided below are a few lighting tips that you may want to incorporate on your 2 level deck ideas made of composite wood or co-extrusion timber.

Planning Is Everything

Before you go shopping for new lights that you’ve been meaning to have since you came up with your cabin deck ideas a few months back, you have to make a plan as to where they will be placed. One of the first things that you have to consider is how your lights will be powered. There are several decking solar lights ideas online in case you wish to go for an environmentally friendly option. If not, you can always opt for traditional lights, which are powered by electricity.

You also need to consider parts of your deck you wish to highlight. Create a simple sketch of your deck and start labeling where you want the light to be positioned. Ask yourself a few questions like do you wish to ensure the safety of the people using the deck? Are you looking to improve its ambience? Do you want to have a relaxing atmosphere? The answers to these basic questions will help you determine the best position for your deck lights.

In most regions, decks need to follow certain safety regulations and these include making sure that the stairs and steps are properly illuminated. There are several options available like lights that you can install on the rails or those that you can place on the steps themselves. When planning your unusual decking lights, be sure to check with your city’s codes.

Common Lighting Options

One of the most common lighting options in 2018 is low voltage deck lighting. It is very easy to install, which makes it ideal for people who love to do diy, and you can choose from different styles to match the design of your deck and your privacy needs. You need to have a transformer if you wish to use this kind of lighting because it will help reduce the voltage from the regular 120 volts to only 12 volts. Compared to the other lighting options available, low voltage light is a bit more expensive. However, it requires minimal maintenance, which means more savings for you in the long term.

The second option is to add LED deck lights. It is a top and eco-friendly option because compared to the standard incandescent lights, LED lights consume 75% less power. Their lifespan is twice that of incandescent lights. They are durable and generates less heat and looks great on a deck or patio that is made of plastic wood.

Another option is the solar deck lighting, which is ideal for homeowners who do not want to deal with the hassle brought on by complex wiring and installation. Solar deck lights need minimal maintenance and can be used without the need for electrical plugs. If fully charged, solar deck lights can run for as long as 10 hours during the night to light up your deck. Solar deck lights are available in different designs and finding one that matches your deck’s design and garden won’t be difficult. Contact an electrician if you need help.

Deck post lights are also great options if you are on a shoestring budget. They often point downwards at your deck. It lights up not just the space in your deck but also the railing and nearby areas. If you want to create a subtle ambiance, then deck post lights are the best choice. Recessed deck lighting is an alternative that you may want to consider if you wish to create a safe environment without compromising the style.

String lights are also in style these days when it comes to outdoor lighting. They are easy to install and can be placed nearly anywhere as long as there is an electrical outlet available. The only drawback is that compared to the other options mentioned earlier, string lights don’t last that long. So you can expect to be replacing them every few months.

With these lighting options, you can have an enjoyable evening with your family, friends on your deck. Choose one that best matches your needs, preferences, and budget.