Deck Lighting Systems

Considerations

• Lighting should be chosen while building or renovating a deck. Determining how the deck will be used will influence your choice of lighting. Task lighting will illuminate stairs or eating areas. Fixtures should provide indirect light to avoid glare. Lighting should also blend into natural surroundings and incorporate safety features to avoid accidental shock.

Lighting Types

• The three basic types of deck lighting are accent, post and recessed fixtures. Accent lighting gives ambience and illuminates a special deck feature. Post lights attach to railings and provide illumination in all directions, making them good choices for large areas. Recessed fixtures are placed in floors and help define deck edges and stairs.

Installation

• Because planning for deck lighting can be complicated, homeowners should consider employing landscape lighting professionals to design and install the system. Professionals are able to recommend and properly install essential components such as electrical outlets, transformers, motion sensors and safety items that will shield the system from the elements and insure security.