Underground Journal

Erase The Shadows With Deck Lighting

If you plan to enjoy your deck after dark for entertaining or enjoying the cool night breeze, you’ll probably want to consider a deck lighting system. Considered de rigeur for those whose decks and patios surround a pool, homeowners who have stairs or pathways that fall into the shadows as the evening progresses might also consider adding lighting to illuminate those areas.

The simplest system is to mount floodlights from the highest vantage point on the home adjoining the deck strategically so that the iso-illumination, or light footprint covers the entire deck. Many homes feature this type of exterior lighting system wired to a switch so that outdoor dining and other activities can be enjoyed. The drawbacks of using floodlights only are the cost and the potential lack of ambiance.

Adding stair lighting, can give the homeowner an aesthetically appealing energy savings. Stair lighting options include accent lights that mount to the rails and project light vertically or horizontally, post cap lights that project light in every direction from the top of the stair railing posts, or lighting disks, which are embedded flush into the stairs themselves, similar to pool lighting.

Another problem with solely using lights mounted on the house arises when there is a gazebo. Traditionally, the roof of a gazebo will block overhead lights and many homeowners may actually prefer to sit in their gazebo in their wicker furniture surrounded by garden lights. Solar garden lights without wires, Tiki torches, string lights and accent lights attached to the gazebo are the most popular choices.

If cost is a consideration, Solar lights do not require electrical wiring and can be installed easily for a couple of years until the homeowner has a chance to review the decision. For northern climates where sunshine is at a premium; due to their low voltage, electric garden torches can typically be wired in without requiring an electrician.

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