Continue to enjoy your outdoor living space long after sunset with conveniently placed lighting for your custom deck! Well-placed lighting not only makes your custom deck more safe, it also makes it more attractive. The variety of fixtures available for use with posts, railings, stairs, etc provide a wide range of options and the ability to customize to fit the space.
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.
Safety First
Lighting your custom deck serves many purposes, but experts agree that safety is the most important concern. Without lighting, it’s hard for your guests to navigate stairs, railings, etc. Also, consider how the lighting will accent the area, as well as how it will affect the overall aesthetic.
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’s and DONT’s
When it comes to outdoor lighting for your custom deck, there are a few Do’s and Don’ts to consider:
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.
- Space out the light sources on your custom deck or patio. A few small, spaced-out lights creates a more subtle ambiance than two or three bright lights.
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!
- Skip on lighting the back door — While slightly less important than your front door’s lighting, they should match the rest of your home’s fixtures without being too small.
- 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.
Remember…
No matter your architectural needs, American Deck & Sunroom can provide you with a custom design that will increase the worth of your home, will blend seamlessly with your existing architecture, and will last a lifetime. Many homes benefit from the beauty of both of these custom architectural additions.
At American Deck & Sunroom, we don’t build houses. We don’t dig pools. What we do is design and build beautiful outdoor spaces… extensions of your home that flow with your existing property and architecture. And because we specialize, we go beyond the, “If you can dream it, we can build it,” catchphrase often quoted. After nearly 20 years in business and nearly 13,000 designs and counting, we have the experience to design outdoor spaces you’ve never even dreamed possible.
Interested in learning more about custom lighting? Contact us today!
