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Installing deck lighting and outdoor outlets in your yard can extend your outdoor living opportunities well into the evening while also improving your home’s resale value. As the nights get warmer and with more families looking for ways to make close-to-home spaces seem more exotic, this is an excellent option that adds a lot of curb appeal too. There are many beautiful options for deck lighting that can improve safety and security as well. And extra outdoor outlet installation can give you more options for adding string lights, outdoor appliances and even a place to plug in your laptop for some outdoor home office scenery.

4 Deck Lighting Installation Ideas

Depending on your deck design, outdoor living habits and goals, and how you’d like to improve those things, there are a number of different deck lighting options you can consider. And within these 4 deck lighting ideas, there are also many variations that you can consider:

1. Step Lighting or Deck Stair Lights

One way to better illuminate your deck stairs is to install lighting right on them – on the vertical surface of each step, or under the lip of each step so that the light from the upper step shines clearly down on the lower step. This keeps the light focused downward to enhance safety going up and down the steps in the dark, and can also enhance your security lighting options as well. It also prevents light escaping upwards at night if you’re hoping for a good view of the stars.

2. Deck Post Lighting

There are many different styles and materials of deck post lighting. You can choose styles, colors and materials (from copper, aluminum or stainless steel and even plastic) that will look great and provide a decorative touch even during the daytime. Deck post lights should face down, again to illuminate the footpath or stairway at night. Deck post lighting is a very affordable option and can usually be installed quite easily. But if you’re a stickler for viewing the night sky, remember that these can produce more light pollution because they’re situated higher up than step lighting.

3. Recessed Lighting on the Deck

Recessed lighting can be a great solution if you have a large overhang that needs illuminating on your deck. It provides great illumination to everything below and can be focused on certain areas that you particularly want to highlight or provide extra visibility for on your deck or backyard. Under-deck recessed lighting can only be installed if there is a covered porch above.

4. Deck Rail Lighting

Deck rail lighting is also a great option that can be built flush into your deck rails in such a way as to make them invisible when you’re sitting. Again, they focus the light downwards toward the walkway or the stairs and also show people where the rail is.