5 Questions About LED Deck Lighting Answered
These days, outdoor living spaces are more popular than ever. Decks across the country are being turned into yoga studios, neighborhood social hotspots, and more. The only challenge is, once the sun starts to set, decks and yards become a little harder to enjoy. However, outdoor LED deck lighting can transform any outdoor living space into an area of your home that can be used anytime day or night.
If you’re not sure about the best way to light your deck or if a lot of questions come to mind, the outdoor living experts from Envision are here to help. Join us as we answer some of the most common questions people have about outdoor LED deck lights.
What’s the Best Way to Light a Deck?
There’s no one universal way to light a deck since every project is different and has unique needs and characteristics. If you’re thinking about adding outdoor LED deck lighting, start by identifying the high traffic areas of the deck. For example, if the deck has stairs that are used often, integrating LED lights into them will increase visibility and improve safety.
It also helps to get a bird’s eye view of the outdoor living space. With a picture, or even a quick sketch, of the deck, you can create LED lighting “placeholders” to get a better feel for how the setup should go before installation.
What Type of Lights Do I Need for My Deck?
When you’re planning out LED lighting for a deck, there are three main types to keep in mind:
- Rail Lighting: These LED lights are installed on the underside of the railing and do a great job increasing visibility on the perimeter of a deck. Rail lighting can also enhance the atmosphere of any outdoor living space.
- Post Lighting: While post lights aren’t usually at the top of deck lighting lists, they serve an important purpose: Integrated into larger posts, these outdoor LED deck lights illuminate tripping hazards.
- Stair Lighting: As we mentioned above, stair lighting can help bring the aesthetics of a deck together while providing extra safety.
How Do You Install Lights on Deck Railing?
If you’re looking to install lights on deck railing, the first step is to find the nearest power source. From there, measure how far back you want the lights to go so you can start mounting the track under the railing. After wiping down the mounting track, carefully start sticking the rail lights onto the track. All that’s left is to set up the connections between the LED lights before you tuck the main wire into a secure position.
One tip to make rail lighting much easier is to use railing that features a two-piece top rail. These are designed for simple lighting installation and are available in aluminum, composite, and cellular PVC options.
Why Should I Use LED for Deck Lighting?
The main benefit for using LEDs for outdoor deck lighting is their energy efficiency; LED deck lights sport more lumens per watt than traditional incandescent lights. Plus, LEDs operate better in cold weather and can instantly turn on without having to warm up first. One of the other most appealing aspect of outdoor LED deck lights is that they have a longer life span.
Are Outdoor Deck Lights Worth It?
There are plenty of reasons why outdoor LED deck lights are worth the investment. Aside from adding an extra layer of safety for any outdoor living space, LED lights can also help deter crime. Deck lighting gives both homeowners and pros the opportunity to not only improve the aesthetics of an outdoor living space but show off their design style as well.
Create Premier Outdoor Living Spaces with Envision
Did you know that Envision has a whole suite of outdoor living products, including composite decking, railing and LED lights? Find inspiration for your next outdoor living project by heading over to Idea Gallery. If you’re ready to get your deck project started, find an Envision dealer near you today.
