Have You Checked Out Deck Lighting Recently?

Deck lighting is a special type of outside lighting for wooden decks, porches, balconies and around pools. Lights are placed around the area to accent the features of the deck and also for safety reasons. Deck lighting is popular for many reasons, the lights give a subtle effective lighting to your deck or balcony adding to it's appeal, the lights make it safe to traverse in the night time, they add an element of security to the back of your home, and low voltages can be used making it safer and easier to install than regular voltage lighting.

There are many different types of deck lighting products available

1. Post Top lights - these are light that sit in a post cap. A post cap is a decorative cover for the tops of any posts used in stair, railings and balconies. there are some very ornate post tops with metal of even glass finishes. The post top light can be either shining up or out to the side depending upon the design of post top fixture.

2. Pathway Lights - these are lights that can be mounted on any flat surface, either the ground or on posts or walls, along as the surface is the appropriate size for the light fitting.

3. Recessed Lights - these are very common for steps and along deck or balconies. A hole is drilled part way through the wood and the light mounted so it is almost flush with the surface and will allow people to walk along with out tripping over the light. These come in a variety of shade/light options. There are ones for mounting in brick walls - they are the same size and shape as the bricks.

4. Free Standing Pathway Lights - these lights are usually on stakes to allow them to be positioned in the ground along the paths. There are many styles from modern to flower shapes to the more traditional lantern style. The style is available as solar deck lighting and LED deck lighting.

5. LED Deck Lighting - most lighting types are available in with LED's instead of bulbs. LED's are low voltage and are long lasting. This light can be very intense for a small amount of power. Two popular brands are Aurora and Highpoint.

6. Hanging Lighting - these are lighting products that are hung on the wall and includes lamps and wall sconces.

7. Outdoor Solar Deck Lighting- this is available for posts and free standing pathway lights. You can even get solar candles! The advantage of solar lighting is that it requires no wiring and can be positioned anywhere. It is also easy to install and can provide up to 12 hours lighting.

8. Accessories- include trandformers for the low voltage lighting, photocells for turning lighting on and timers.

Whilst low voltage deck lighting can be installed by anyone it is recommended that you check your local authority codes before proceeding.

Outdoor deck lighting can add elegance and style to your deck area and there are many different option to get a look that is entirely your own. Whether you look for deck post lights or recessed deck lighting or both, you deck will be a safer and more enjoyable place.