Outdoor Deck Lighting Ideas

Deck Step Lighting Fixtures

Randall Hickey — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 04:15:36 +0000

Adequate lighting is necessary to create a safe outdoor environment where family and friends can gather well into the evening hours. There are many varieties of deck step lighting fixtures to choose from with each having its own advantages. Some fixtures are recessed or intended for flush installation directly on the surface of the deck or other wooden structure. Other fixtures are decorative in design and intended to be used as an accent in your deck design. Most deck step light fixtures are made of durable and sturdy materials like stainless steel, copper, brass, and even iron. Each materials is typically also available in various tints or colors that can used to either help blend the fixtures in or make them stick out even more.

Low voltage and solar deck step lighting are the two most popular options in outdoor fixtures today because both offer consumers an energy efficient way to adequately illuminate landscape. Low voltage lights offer consumers an alternative to high voltage lights that is still just as effective but less costly to use. Solar fixtures are 100% energy efficient because they run fully on the power that is absorbed by solar panels during the day. The only downfall with solar fixtures is that each solar panel will need to be installed in an area that receives direct sunlight for at least four hours each day. When sunlight exposure is not an issue, the fixtures are totally reliable and operation is totally automatic.

Outdoor deck step lighting has the main purpose of providing illumination for steps that lead to or from a deck or other outdoor wooden structure. However, many homeowners and landscape specialists have found that the little step fixtures are quite versatile. Many use deck step lights throughout their landscape in areas like the exterior wall of a home to create a well lit perimeter all the way around. Deck lighting can also be installed on pavers or stepping stones to create a well lit path to other areas of your property. The most common use for decking lights is in and around pools where safe maneuvering is a necessity and highly aided by adequate illumination during the night time hours.

When shopping for any type of outdoor lighting, place most of your focus on effectiveness and durability of materials because outdoor lights are something you do not want to have to worry about after they have been installed. Maintenance and replacement of lights can be costly if you have to keep doing it over and over. Solar lighting is highly reliable and completely automatic.

Deck Lighting Ideas and Installation Options

Solar Deck Post Lighting Benefits

Randall Hickey — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 04:08:36 +0000

Energy efficiency is one of the most important benefits to choosing solar deck post lighting over other types of fixtures. You can use as many fixtures as you wish without added cost to your energy bill or the negative impact that excess lighting has on the environment. Solar deck post lights come in all kinds of styles, sizes, and finishes. Most are intended for post cap or post top installation but there are a few other options you should definitely consider. For instance, post accent or rail lights and step lights can also be very beneficial to have in a patio or deck area. Post accent lights can be installed along the sides of your deck as ambient lighting and illumination for the floor area of your deck. Step lights are important because they provide excellent illumination for each step leading to and from your deck.

Solar deck post light fixtures emit a small beam of light that is perfect when installed in a scattered manner. For instance, do not place one light fixture on each post cap or rail. Instead, space the fixtures out but make sure the light coverage is adequate and consistent so there are not dark spots for you to worry about. Step deck lighting should be handled a little differently and you definitely want to make sure that each step has a light fixture. The light fixture can be illuminating from the sides off the railings or from below with in a recessed installation. Deck post lights come in small sizes that are perfect for steps because they will not protrude out and cause a trip hazard.

There are also many deck post light fixtures that are quite decorative in style so the fixtures provide a dual function in the area. When choosing decorative lighting, make sure that it offers enough illumination especially if you are using the fixtures to line a walkway or stairway. Deck post lighting should enhance the illumination of your deck area and many times it will also make your outdoor living spaces more attractive or welcoming during the night hours. There are many options of fixtures as well as installations so you should have no problem finding a good balance or mix of fixtures that works best for your deck utility. Always begin by planning out your lighting project on paper before visiting a store or shopping online. A well organized and thought out plan will ease the shopping and decision making process. It is also important to ask questions when visiting a store because no two brands are exactly the same.

Deck Lighting Ideas and Installation Options

Randall Hickey — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 01:04:47 +0000

Most outdoor living spaces lack adequate and appropriate lighting. Improving patio and deck lighting can greatly increase the function within the space. A well lit deck can be used as a place for relaxation where you can enjoy a good book or conversation with your loved ones. Proper lighting can also be used to create an eating or entertainment area where you and your family can invite friends for an enjoyable meals or even a party. Deck lighting ideas typically revolve around overhead or hanging lights but there are countless other ways in which you can illuminate your outdoor spaces. Deck lights come in all kings of shapes, sizes, materials, and installations. Some of the most popular types of outdoor lighting for a deck include deck post, deck step, and recessed deck lighting.

The most common types of deck light fixtures are solar, LED, or low voltage. Solar deck lighting is especially attractive for homeowners in search of an energy efficient way to light their landscape. Solar lights run fully on the energy that they absorb from the sun during daylight hours. There are various types of solar fixtures that would work well in a deck or patio area including spot lights, flush, post cap, and recessed. LED deck lighting requires no wiring which makes them an excellent choice for decks. The fixtures are equipped with a small solar panel that absorbs energy in around 4 hours of sunlight and automatically comes on at dusk and stays lit for about 12 hours. Low voltage deck lighting uses a small amount of electrical energy so it is not as energy efficient as solar or LED lights but still offers consumers a substantial energy savings in comparison to regular light fixtures. Low voltage lights do require wiring though but are perfect for decks that are shaded by a roof or trees.

Outdoor fixtures also offer many different types of installations. For instance, post cap lights can be installed on top or sides of wooden posts. Recessed lights work well for the surfaces of a deck including the steps and walkways which promotes safe access to and from your deck area. Hanging lights can be installed on posts or from tall stands in order to provide ample illumination for the entire space. There are many outdoor deck lighting ideas to consider but ultimately the function of your outdoor spaces is going to have a huge impact on your decision making process. Less lighting is needed if you are trying to achieve a space for resting and relaxing. More lighting is needed if you plan to entertain or have large amounts of people in the space. The safety and security of your family and friends is dependent on your lighting choices and your ability to install or position lighting where it is needed most.

LED Deck Lighting Possibilities

Randall Hickey — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 04:16:11 +0000

The energy efficiency of LED deck lighting is one of the main reasons why so many homeowners have chosen the new technology for the exterior lighting of their homes. Along with the money savings advantage there are many more attractive reasons why you should choose LED deck lights over any other type of outdoor lighting option available on the market today. LED decking lighting is super easy to install and many can be placed right into the decking boards of all of your wooden outdoor structures. Decks, pergolas, arbors, trellises, and even fencing can be retrofitted with LED lights. Most brands are quite durable and super lightweight so there is no limit as to the amount of ways in which you can benefit from this fairly inexpensive but highly effective and versatile lighting option.

Philips Aurelle LED deck lighting is one of the top brands carrying a wide selection of light fixtures intended for deck installation. Philips Aurelle products are well known for their quality craftsmanship and materials. Even though the fixtures are intended for deck installations only, many homeowners have found that LED decking lights can actually be installed into various surfaces including steps, walkways, and even driveways. Installation requires that you drill a small hole that is the same size as the diameter of the fixture. LED deck light kits come with the multiple fixtures which can be installed anywhere but the solar panels have to be placed in areas where there is sunlight. Once installed, you will never have to worry or spend another penny on the exterior lighting of your home. You will also never have to remember to turn them on and off because LED technology functions automatically.

There are many variations of LED lighting fixtures including some that are quite decorative in design and can be used as landscape decorating and designing tools. Gardeners use LED technology to add lighting within plants and flowers to create an elegant illumination effect. LED light bulbs do not emit heat so they are absolutely safe around plants, animals, and especially children. As long as each solar panel has an opportunity to charge up its batteries during the day, the fixtures are super reliable and automatically come on night after night. The energy efficiency of LED technology and the versatility of the light fixtures have completely revolutionized the landscape lighting industry. The options and possibilities are never ending and continuously changing as new methods and materials are discovered.

Deck Lighting Ideas and Installation Options

Outdoor Deck Lighting Ideas to Improve Your Home’s Safety and Style

Randall Hickey — Tue, 17 Mar 2009 18:05:40 +0000

Outdoor deck lighting has various uses. It can be used to enhance the appearance of your home or to light up an outdoor area for safety or entertaining at night. Imagine yourself enjoying those lazy summer nights reading a book or listening to soft music on your deck. How about some intimate family meals that can be enjoyed on outdoor furniture when the weather permits? If any of these sound good to you then it may be time to invest in deck and read about some new outdoor deck lighting ideas.

Illumination and Safety

Your deck and outdoor living spaces should serve as an extension to your indoor living spaces.

Proper outdoor lighting can make the spaces more useful and inviting for family and friends. Lighting also acts as a security feature. Intruders are less likely to approach a house that is well lit in the night time hours.

Outdoor lights are also very important for maximum safety on stairs, rails and walkways. You can select to install recessed outdoor deck lighting by placing the lights within the structures instead of having the light come from objects sticking out of the ground. This will eliminate the possibility of injuries from trips and falls.

Beauty and Style

Proper lighting can add to the beauty and function of your outdoor areas. You can choose from many different types and styles. Lighting is an opportunity for you to bring some of your personal taste into outdoor spaces.

Enhance a specific feature like a deck or choose to spread it out all over bringing attention to the many positive aspects of your home and its surroundings. Why spend all that money on curb appeal if its beauty can only be seen during the day. Focus on plants and greenery that add to the mood you are trying to accomplish outdoors.

Comfort and Enjoyment

It is surprising how many people don’t use their outdoor living spaces. Most of the time it is because the space just doesn’t have a purpose or it might lack in comfort. There are many deck lighting ideas that can make the space more inviting and bring out the parts that you wish to use more often like an eating or seating area.

Your outdoor deck or porch should serve as a peaceful and enjoyable space for the entire family. It should bring people together and make them want to come back again. Thankfully lighting is a simple and inexpensive way for you to achieve the right atmosphere and function for any outdoor area. Outdoor deck lighting can be used for safety, function, and it can add a little bit of elegance at the same time.

Light Up Your Night with Recessed Deck Lighting

Randall Hickey — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 04:32:48 +0000

You love the deck on your home. In the summertime, the family spends almost every waking hour, after school and work, outside. Nothing tastes better than grilled foods, and after dinner is family fun time. While you are relaxing on the deck, the kids are playing in the yard. But, you definitely need proper illumination to light up the night. So, here are some of the best reasons for choosing recessed deck lighting:

Décor

One of the main reasons for choosing recessed deck lighting is simply the décor. For example, an individual who lives in a log cabin with a rustic looking deck will probably not want decorative lamps adorning the posts. Instead, with recessed lighting, the style of the home or deck is not compromised in any way.

Ambience

In partnership with the décor is the ambience. A deck is an extension of more than just the living space. It is a reflection of the moods and personality of the homeowner. Recessed deck lights can illuminate the night without being an obvious intrusion of the atmosphere. In other words, any given moment will not be upstaged by the glare of outdoor lighting.

No glare

Speaking of the glare of the lights, it is not a problem with recessed deck lighting. For instance, how many times has the light of a lamp made it impossible to see the activity beyond? With this type of lighting, parents can be enjoying the deck while being involved in the outdoor activities being played in the yard. Then, families can enjoy the total outdoor experience without the glare of lights in between the action.

Safety

Without the glare of the lights between the actions, it also provides a safer environment for the family. If you have kids, it is probably not difficult to imagine the benefits of lighting installed within the structure. A stray ball, toys, or games can get out of hand. Next thing you know, a lamp needs to be replaced or cleaned up, so someone does not get hurt on the shards. Even if you don’t have kids, the lighting is simply safer in the event of an accident, a hail storm, or anything unanticipated that might result in replacing a lamp.

In summary, recessed deck lighting is the preferred choice for many homeowners. Among the best reasons for choosing recessed deck lighting are safety, non-glare, ambience and fitting in with the décor. The unobtrusive recessed light fixtures are an excellent way to light up the night without obstructing the view of the yard.

Outdoor Deck Lighting Made for Living

Randall Hickey — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 04:11:22 +0000

Summer is just around the corner. Even if you live in colder climates, a deck can be a great place to spend the evening with friends and family. Imagine enjoying the night air and the stars in the sky while you are reading a good book, playing cards, eating supper, watching the kids play a game of tag football in the yard, or almost any fun family activity you can think of. When it comes to enjoying summer nights, outdoor deck lighting is made for living.

Illumination

A deck is a great place for the entire family to spend a relaxing evening as long as it is safe. Depending on the size and style of the deck, lighting is necessary to provide an element of security. No one likes dark eerie corners, especially if it wraps around the house. Parents need to be able to see and hear their kids at play.

In addition, most decks have stairs or a ramp. Without the proper outdoor lighting, not being able to see the next step very clearly can result in a bad tumble. It is enough that kids have to be reminded not to run down the stairs, without adding the element of poor illumination.

Simple Beauty

Outdoor deck lighting adds simple beauty to the evening. Whether you choose recessed deck lighting, solar lighting, or low voltage lighting, it all adds to the atmosphere of the evening. Instead of fixing a romantic dinner for two by candlelight, take the meal outside and enjoy it by the glow of the soft outdoor deck light.

With the variety of lighting available for any style of deck, there is surely a lamp that will be perfect to compliment the home and add ambience to the night sky. You can still see to read a good book or just relax and gaze at the stars. The lights will only add to the atmosphere.

Comfort and Peace

Outdoor deck lights can also add comfort and peace to the evening. After a hard day at the office, imagine a peaceful and comfortable evening relaxing on the deck. The light is just enough to do whatever activity you desire, even if it is closing your eyes for a little siesta in the fresh air. A gentle glow of lights just has a calming quality like none other.

In short, outdoor deck lighting is made for living. Enjoy your deck at every possible opportunity, whether it is simply to find peace, appreciate the night sky, or to illuminating a myriad of activities suited to the entire family or friends that might drop by for a game of cards. Your deck can be one of the best attributes of a great home.

Low Voltage Deck Lighting to Enhance the Outdoors

Randall Hickey — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 03:58:52 +0000

You have a beautiful yard with a flower garden and a soothing view. It is wonderful to spend all your summer free-time outside, especially with an awesome deck. You can invite friends over for a barbeque, relax in a lounge chair, or simply take in the sights and smells of your gorgeously landscaped yard. To add to the ambience, you have selected low voltage deck lighting to enhance the outdoors.

After the Christmas season comes the bill for all the electricity used to plug in those colorful blinking lights every night for a month. You certainly do not want that kind of expense on a regular basis, and you want to try and conserve energy whenever possible. So, you want a well-lit deck, without having to sacrifice the budget or excess electrical usage. Thank goodness low voltage deck lights are available in so many varieties and styles.

For example, you can select deck lighting that illuminates the:

•   Walkways
•   Rails
•   House
•   Under the stairs
•   Landscape

You can have deck lighting to light up the whole outdoors and not spend an extra penny in electrical usage. Many different varieties of low voltage deck lighting are powered by the energy of the sun. After installation, you do not have to think about it again. During the day, while you are in an air conditioned office, the low voltage deck light batteries are soaking up the rays of sun. Then, as dusk approaches, the lights will automatically turn on, and it is time to enjoy the great outdoors.

All you have to think about is where you want to place the lighting to your best advantage. For example, if you like to lounge outside and read, make sure to install a solar light above your favorite chair. Do you like to invite friends over for a barbeque and a good game of cards in the summer? If so, you may want to put rail lights all around to illuminate the level of the table.

In addition to rail lights, maybe it would be a good idea to install step lights. Low voltage deck lighting can help prevent a nasty fall or light up the area under the deck. If your deck is on the upper level, it is an excellent means of brightening the yard underneath for other uses.

While you are installing low voltage deck lights to illuminate the area underneath the deck, you might also want to select a solar light to showcase that beautiful garden patch at night. Basically, you can brighten your home any way you desire without increasing the electric bill one iota.

Conversely, if you feel you need more than solar deck lighting, especially on a cloudy day. Low voltage lighting can also be installed to light up the deck even on the dreariest of days. Since each light only uses 12 volts, it can be an affordable solution, when the sun did not provide adequate power.

In short, your deck can be the favorite place for the entire family to hang out. It can be built for your favorite ways to spend spare time. Whether it is entertaining friends, playing with the kids, grilling out, or relaxing under the stars, you can have the perfect low voltage deck lighting to illuminate family fun.

Enjoy The Benefits of Solar Deck Lighting

Randall Hickey — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 02:48:39 +0000

A nice deck is an extension of your home’s living space. In good weather an entire evening can be spent outdoors cooking supper on the barbeque, reading a good book, playing games, entertaining friends, or just enjoying the fresh air and night sky. However, a deck is not complete until there is a way to illuminate the night with a comfortable glow. So, if you are building the perfect deck, now is the time to know the benefits of solar deck lighting.

If you love to spend any spare time outdoors, a great deck is the place to spend the evening. But, who wants to spend it all sitting in the dark? Fortunately, there are now so many ways to beautify your outdoor living space, and solar deck lighting is one way to go because it is:

• Natural energy
• Automatic
• Ambience
• Style
• Safety

Natural Energy

One benefit of solar deck lighting is the use of natural energy. Forget having to figure out how to hook power up to the outdoor lights. When the sun is up, the solar panels soak up the rays that will recharge the batteries. Without a cord in sight, the solar deck lights will light up the night for whatever activity you have in store.

Automatic

Solar deck lighting is great because the power is totally automatic. When the sun goes down in the evening, the lamps turn on to illuminate the area. In the morning when the sun comes up again, the lamps will turn off and begin absorbing the energy needed for nighttime. You simply have to enjoy the deck.

Ambience

With solar deck lighting, it will be easy to enjoy your deck because of the ambience. The lamps will not be glaring or blinding. Instead, they provide a gentle and steady light to illuminate your activities without being obtrusive. No one likes an evening light that bars the natural view or is too dim to enjoy outdoor fun.

Style

Outdoor deck lighting does not have to look out of place or ugly. So many styles are available. You can pick the style that simply looks like an extension of the deck or compliments your home. The solar deck post lights will actually add beauty to the deck, as well as light.

Safety

Deck lighting power by the sun is also important for keeping your family and friends safe. No one wants to take a tumble down the stairs because they were not illuminated against the night. In addition, the lighting is also a deterrent against those who might come uninvited. Who will want to burgle a home that is lit up in the evening?

In short, there are many reasons to select solar deck lighting for your extended living space. For as many reasons as you can think of to enjoy your deck, there are different styles of lamps to compliment your home. In addition, you do not have to worry about using too much electricity to illuminate the night, because it is all natural and environmentally friendly. So, enhance your deck with gorgeous lighting and enjoy.

Outdoor Deck Lighting Ideas to Compliment your Style

Randall Hickey — Mon, 02 Mar 2009 04:29:36 +0000

Your home is an extension of your personality. The floor plan can be the same as half the homes in the neighborhood; but the landscape and interior is uniquely yours. The same can be said for the deck. It is a place built for you to rest, recreate and entertain company. In the summertime, all of your free waking hours are spent outside and you will use deck lighting to compliment your style.

Outdoor deck lighting is specifically designed to withstand weather changes. Forget having to take flashlights outside, or leaving the porch light on for an eerie glow. If the wind comes up or it starts to rain on your party, do not worry about the lights. Housed in weather resistant and decorative lamps, the outdoor lighting will only add to the ambience, not to the concerns over an unexpected storm.

If you are concerned about saving energy and utility expenses, you can always choose solar deck lighting. In a variety of unique styles and designs, the glow is lit by absorbing the power of the sun’s rays during the day, and lighting your evening hours with a soft glow. If you want to conserve energy and still have a beautifully enhanced deck, solar lighting is a great choice.

Alternatively, if you want to save on energy, but you live in an area that is often overcast or rainy, you may want to consider low voltage deck lighting. It does not depend on a sunny day to power the evening light, but it does not use excessive electricity to light up the night. So, you can enjoy a peaceful and calming evening on the deck with lighting that does not glare or invade the mood.

For those who like plenty of light to create the perfect evening atmosphere, but they do not want lamps or lights detracting from the beauty of the deck, then recessed deck lighting is also available. You can have all the light needed, but the lamps are built within the design of the deck. Not only does it look great, but it will protect the light against the stray baseball when kids are playing in the yard.

In short, deck lighting is as varied as the design of your deck. Both are chosen to suit your personality. Rest, relax, recreate, and entertain on the perfect deck, with deck lighting to enhance the ambience of the evening.