Extreme How-To - June 2009

Bright Ideas for Deck Lights

Deck lights add beauty, value and function to your outdoor living space.

building decks for more than 25 years, says his company began adding lights to the decks they build just a few years ago. Today the majority of decks they build include a lighting plan.

“Outdoor lighting is an inexpensive upgrade, and deck lights not only add beauty and style to a deck, but function, as well. With lights on your deck, you can get more use out of the space, and create an environment that is comfortable both during the day and after the sun goes down,” Esh says.

By Connie Jean Holubar

In today’s economy, homeowners are weighing the pros and cons of a project from a variety of angles before deciding to proceed. With housing prices in some areas dropping, it seems that big remodeling projects are “out,” while small upgrades and renovations are “in.”

Despite these projections, it’s not all gloom and doom. In fact, according to the National Association of Home Builders, Americans are expected to spend $217 Billion on home renovations this year. That’s up from $210 Billion in 2008, and not far below the all-time high of $218 Billion spent in 2007.

One project that remains a

viable addition is an outdoor deck, as well as any deck upgrades such as new rails, new surfaces or deck lights. New decks are becoming more elaborate, often with multiple levels for different purposes, and with so many different materials to choose from, you can build a deck that works with any architectural style.

Whether you’re building new or are looking to upgrade an existing deck space, be sure to include a lighting plan in your design.

Marv Esh, co-owner of Keystone Custom Decks in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, a family-owned business that has been

DECK LIGHTING OPTIONS

The variety of deck lights that are available has grown tremendously in recent years. Products designed specifically for decks come in styles that range from traditional post cap lights with flat or pointed tops, to post lights with a more sophisticated “lantern” look. Sleek LED post caps with down lighting offer ambience in an energy-efficient package, with a bulb that will last for several years. Some manufacturers also offer step lights, path lights and other landscape lighting options.

If you plan to install lights on your deck posts, you can find decklights available to fit most post sizes, from the smallest to the largest. Matching adapters for post lights can be purchased that allow you to install them directly on the top rail of your deck.