Lighting for Concrete Steps

Overhead Lights

• Overhead lighting will work for both indoor and outdoor concrete stairs. This style of light is relatively inexpensive and available from just about any hardware or home improvement store in a wide selection of sizes, shapes and styles. Additionally, the lights are usually adjustable, which means their design allows them to be aimed at the desired spot.

Ground Lights

• Ground lights are available in a variety of styles, including LED strips. These lights are often used in conjunction with overhead pieces to increase the safety of a staircase. This style is commonly sold in strips and laid across the edge of each stair. It is a quick and effective way of outlining where each stair edge is located. Durable enough for outdoor use, ground lights come in styles that will work for indoors if necessary.

Spotlights

• Spotlights are ideal for targeting darker areas. Spotlight designs are diverse in size and style, making them flexible enough for most tastes and settings. Proper placement will enhance the look and safety of a concrete staircase. These pieces are usually used to line both sides of the stairs from top to bottom. Because spotlights are brighter than other options and usually require staking into the ground, they are not the best choice for indoor use.

Recessed Lighting

• Recessed lights are usually placed in the wall alongside the stairs or in the stair surface itself. The design makes them less intrusive than most other styles, and they are usable both indoors and outdoors. This style is subtle and lights up each stair, which increases the safety of the staircase after dark. The installation of the lights should be done when the concrete is poured; retroactive installation is possible, but more difficult.