Now is a good time to consider how to continue enjoying your custom outdoor living space long after the sun has sunk below the horizon! Custom lighting for your new deck or outdoor architectural space from American Deck & Sunroom completes the full picture and finalizes the complete design. It has a striking impact on your home, and adds extra ambiance while increasing safety.
Deck lighting is available in a variety of styles. It can be installed on posts, under rails, and in more subtle, nuanced areas that suggest the presence of light without blinding your visitors. Some lights illuminate upwards while others can hang from pergolas and other architecture in order to shine light down. Other types of lights can be installed onto the vertical riser of stairs, while some forms of lighting are inset into the deck or directly into the steps.
When considering deck lighting, colors, diffusion, and level of light emitted are all things that should be considered. Generally, custom deck lighting should be artistic in design, and offer ambiance and safety, but should not be bright enough to read a newspaper by. Areas that are used for activities at night should have a higher level of illumination, which may best be achieved by removable flood lighting, which is affordable and easily customizable.
Also, consider how easily the lighting will be to replace, if a bulb should burn out. For instance, inset lights are trickier to replace than post lights, while decorative lights most often just require the replacement of a single small bulb. Many lighting possibilities are available in solar-powered and/or low voltage options, which can save both energy and effort in the long run.
Outdoor lighting fixtures come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors, and even more uses. At American Deck & Sunroom, we work side by side with our customers to help them design a custom lighting system that will add beauty to their existing architecture, and highlight their custom deck or other custom outdoor architecture. We are determined to show homeowners how you can get more out of life in your own backyard. It is a place to gather with family and friends, in an outdoor space that is sure to become the favorite gathering place in your home.
DO:
• Choose lights that appeal to the style of custom deck or outdoor living space you currently have – Choosing lights that add to the overall style and design of your existing architecture brings about a sense of completion and can ultimately bring you one step closer to your dream design.
• Use lighting at key areas such as steps, doorways, and handrails, and be aware of their positioning – Unlit or poorly illuminated high-traffic areas are an obvious hazard that can easily be avoided. On the other hand, lights that shine in someone’s eyes as they climb or descend stairs or could trip them are equally as dangerous.
• Utilize lights as a directional guide – Concentrated light on walking areas is the best way to light travel pathways and to cut down on accidents.
DON’T:
• Make lightbulbs visible – Lighting should help make things easier to see, not be seen. Bulbs shouldn’t be exposed to the elements, or open to the air on a level where children or careless adults could accidentally burn themselves on it. Safety is key!
• Try to light everything – It’s much better to pick an area and light it well than to light a lot of areas and oversaturate the space with light. Let your deck shine on its own, and enjoy the gorgeous night sky without light pollution. Also keep in mind: bugs are drawn to light, too much could encourage insects to visit!
• Underestimate festive lighting – Celebrations, parties, and holiday decorating can provide even more options for lighting a deck, and making it even more unique. Keep removable lights in mind when designing your lighting setup.
Interested in learning more about custom lighting for your new or existing architecture? Contact us!
