Deck lighting designs
12 Ideas for Lighting Up Your Deck
When night falls, you'll need these deck lighting ideas to help create a great space to hang out and enjoy the stars.
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Irina Mos/Shutterstock
Deck Stair Lights
Lights on deck stairs give subtle illumination and make your deck safer after dark.
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Sean Pavone/Shutterstock
String Deck Lighting
Who says LED Christmas lights are just for the holidays? Hanging deck lights or string lights of various colors can invoke a fun, festive atmosphere on your deck year-round.
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Photo: Courtesy of Accent Lighting
Under-Counter Deck Lighting
If you have an outdoor grilling or cooking area, consider putting lighting underneath your work spaces to help everyone see what they’re doing.
Photo: Courtesy of Accent Lighting
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Epic StockMedia/Shutterstock
Recessed Deck Lighting
If your deck has some overhead protection, recessed deck lighting work well because they are protected from the elements and don’t require constant cleaning.
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Photo: Courtesy of The Decksperts
Deck Post Cap Lights
Deck post cap lights work well in a deck space. Available in both LED and solar-powered varieties, deck cap lights are available at most home improvement stores or online.
Photo: Courtesy of The Decksperts
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Photo: Courtesy of Samuel Nagle Landscaping Design Construction
In-Floor Lighting
There are a variety of low-voltage options when it comes to lighting your deck floor. Place lights in deck corners or near steps and seating for the perfect decking lights combination.
Photo: Courtesy of Samuel Nagle Landscaping Design Construction
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Photo: Courtesy of Realtor.com
Under Rail Deck Lighting
Try using solar or LED-powered lights under the deck railing to create a soft glow.
Photo: Courtesy of Realtor.com
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Photo: Courtesy of Britescape
Spotlights Over Deck
This covered deck area uses spotlights to help direct light where it is needed most. You want to see what you’re eating, right?
Photo: Courtesy of Britescape
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Greg Henry/Shutterstock
Under Deck Lighting
If your deck is technically a balcony, ceiling fans with lights are ideal. They look great, plus the air circulation and light make the area more functional. In addition, we love how this home also features a hang out space under the deck, which is perfect for under deck lighting.
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Photographee.eu/Shutterstock
Hang Lights on a Pergola
If you have a pergola, you can install string lights or wired light fixtures in the rafters. These hanging deck lights accentuate the architectural elements of the structure.
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S_Photo/Shutterstock
Lanterns
If you’re looking for a quick, inexpensive way to bring light to your deck space, try outdoor lanterns. Lanterns with battery-operated or solar bulbs (or candles!) are portable so you can put them where you need them most.
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tab62/Shutterstock
Strictly Solar Deck Lighting
Sometimes a well-placed solar light is all you need. Solar lights are easy on the wallet and can be placed on deck posts, walkways and even in planter boxes—no wiring required.
Originally Published: February 04, 2019
Rachel Brougham
Writer and editor with a background in news writing, editorial and column writing and content marketing.
10 ways to light a deck |
The beauty of being creative with deck lighting ideas is that it means you can design an entirely different look for your garden at night. Soft, subtle lighting is easy to design and casts a warm glow around the contours of your outdoor space to give your deck an enchanting feel that transforms it at dusk.
Alternatively you can opt for more dramatic deck lighting and play with shadows to draw attention to your deck's key features and let them take center stage by using spotlights to create a magical night-time experience.
Whatever you decide, deck lighting is key to your backyard lighting ideas and you'll want to get it right. Our inspirational ideas will show you the way.
Deck lighting ideas
When you are first gathering deck ideas, draw up plans for deck lighting, taking into account the type of lighting required for each area, such as recessed lighting for deck edging ideas, uplighting to enhance plants at night time, directional spotlighting for key features you want to draw particular attention to, and backlighting for an outdoor kitchen area or barbecue.
1. Create a soft diffused glow for a subtle look
This softly lit deck design is by Kate Gould Gardens
(Image credit: Kate Gould Gardens)
Discreet lighting can be used to create a showpiece deck with a welcoming ambience that perfectly sets the scene for entertaining in the evening garden. Deck planting ideas take on architectural qualities when up-lit, the angled lights enhancing the shape of leaves and creating interesting shadow play. Make sure you choose the best lights for illuminating plants and the trunks of trees to create the right mood.
'Where large expanses of hard landscaping are used such as decks it can be quite a challenge to light them using in-ground lights as these can cause glare and shine into the air, and ultimately end up highlighting nothing,' explains garden designer Kate Gould . 'A far softer approach is to light the elements or plants around the surface which creates a warmer glow, interesting shadows and helps keep light in the garden rather than causing light pollution or annoying your neighbors.
'
Cuckooland Heatsail Dome Freestanding Electric Patio Heater Floor Lamp
(Image credit: Cuckooland)
Deck areas used for relaxation and entertaining can be lit in a similar way to indoor rooms with an arching statement floor lamp to add a slick contemporary look to any al fresco set-up. Choose deck lighting ideas like this to create a stunning focal point around which to base your outdoor living room and bathe the area with light.
Some of the latest versatile designs offer dimmable lights, built-in heaters and Bluetooth speakers in the base, and can be left outside all year round, so they're a practical option as well as looking good.
3. Add a coloured glow effect
Switch up recessed deck lights by using coloured LEDs
(Image credit: Alamy)
Recessed lights are a good idea for lighting your way around the deck and illuminating decking walkways and even decorative deck railing ideas. They are widely available online and in-store but you will have to look a little further if you want to create more of an original look.
Adding a colored glow by installing LEDs in a contemporary deck scheme creates a stylish effect. Deck lighting has been transformed by the latest LEDs offering designer looks, including lights that change color and systems that can be controlled from up to 40 feet (12 meters) away via your smart phone.
This lets you choose the color and brightness, as well as preferred effects such as fade, strobe or flash without leaving the house. Perfect for parties!
4. Opt for a fast fix
Choose connectable festoon lights to magic up a party mood, Lights4Fun
(Image credit: Future)
Illuminate your deck with some super special effects for a fast night-time transformation. Choosing backyard string light ideas with warm white bulbs and looping them overhead is the quickest way to create a magical glow. Hang them from awnings, pergolas or trees for an instant makeover.
Outside of the summer months mains or battery-operated lights will give a brighter and more intense glow than solar outdoor light ideas.
If you want to double the effect, look for connectable lights so you can extend the effects wherever you want. With simple connectors on the ends of each string, it's incredibly easy to create the perfect length for the space you have in mind.
5. Add a fire pit or two to the lighting mix
Choose a fire pit design with a sturdy base for deck areas
(Image credit: Alamy)
There's something magical at night about the light thrown out from fires. When it comes to deck lighting ideas adding a firepit, log burning brazier, outdoor fireplace or chimenea really helps to ramp up the occasion and is always a draw. It lets you extend get-togethers late into the night too as it offers warmth as well as extra light, so things don't have to end once it cools down.
Look for firepits that are made out of metal or cast iron on sturdy legs to keep them off the ground. Don’t place your fire pit directly next to any item that can easily catch fire and never use your fire pit in windy conditions, especially on a wood deck.
The flickering flames will create interesting shadows too particularly if your deck is edged by borders of planting. Enhance this effect further by adding up-lighters at the base of plants and recessed deck lights so you have lights at different levels to maximize the effect.
6. Winterize your deck for a rustic retreat
This Ascot Modular Sofa Set by Bridgman Garden is a great choice for a cozy retreat vibe
(Image credit: Bridgman)
No round-up of deck lighting ideas is complete without a mention of our favorite string lights. When it comes to adding instant sparkle they just can't be beaten. Winter’s the perfect time to string up a set of twinkling lights to give your space a magical feel and wall lights amplify the effect.
Introduce an inviting log cabin feel to your deck with the right combo of lighting and furniture. Choose a set-up that works an indoor-outdoor vibe with a log burner, comfy modular sofas with shaggy throws and furs, rustic accessories and of course those all-important string lights for the finishing touch.
7. Go for sleek recessed lighting on tiered decks
Tiered deck design by KTM Design using Tigerwood by TimberTech
(Image credit: KTM Design/Timbertech Tigerwood)
Planning and installing garden lighting is all about safety, too, so illuminate pathways, steps and any other changes in deck level using low-level recessed lights, which look particularly effective when integrated into steps.
Recessed, low-level lighting in decks casts gentle light without glare. For a contemporary look, try small white or coloured LED spots set into the decked area. It's another way of adding interest to your deck too.
'If you're looking to create decking with more depth, add layers,' suggests Katie Thomas, founder of KTM Design. 'You can create a waterfall effect if you have steps by varying the widths of the step decking boards. As you gradually walk down, the decking boards become larger and longer. This will blend into your surrounding landscape beautifully and can be enhanced further by adding a runway of warm lights either side of the steps.
'
8. Use lighting to enhance a focal point
Choose bulkhead wall lights to cascade light down on to the deck
(Image credit: Andrew Furlong Photography/Getty-Images)
If you have a split level backyard, this is your chance to create something with real wow factor and deck lighting plays a key role. You can use a lit decked area to draw the eye to a focal point such as stunning water features. You can also use a directional spotlight mounted above the feature to further enhance the look. It might need a little planning, but it will be so worth it.
As well as being important for creating the right ambience for entertaining at night (as well as lighting your way in the dark), lighting a split level garden is also a great way of adding drama to emphasize different levels. A more formal look featuring neat steps, geometric tiers and sleek walls always look smart.
It’s also a great opportunity to add distinctive deck lighting ideas like bulkhead wall lights.
These flush contemporary lights have an industrial-style feel and can be placed strategically to cascade light where you most need it.
9. Keep it simple for a pared down look
Products by Garden Trading
(Image credit: Garden Trading)
Sometimes it's best to keep things simple with a single pendant light to cast a warm night-time glow over your deck. Add an outdoor mirror to pick up the light and introduce shimmering reflections.
'How best to light your patio depends on how you intend to use the space,' says Claire Wilks of Garden Trading. 'If you're lucky enough to have an area to house an outdoor living room with beautiful low-rise furniture, pouffes and outdoor scatter cushions under an awning or porch, consider hanging a single pendant light and a couple of wall lights to frame the space and throw a gentle glow without being too overwhelming or bright.'
Another great way to create a cozy living room atmosphere on your deck is to incorporate hurricane candles and lanterns throughout, and pair with strands of string lighting swagged between beams above.
'Nothing creates a lovelier outdoor lounging area like the twinkling of festoon lights mimicking the stars,' says Claire.
10. Combine several different light effects
Urban garden design featuring a stunning outdoor fireplace by Living Gardens
(Image credit: Living Gardens)
Mix up different deck lighting ideas to achieve a contemporary looking outdoor living space. In this design by Living Gardens a central outdoor fireplace acts a ‘live’ focal point, with a real log fire adding warmth and light.
Smooth hardwood deckboards and an under-lit floating L-shaped bench lend comfort and modern style. This area is enclosed by a rendered planter with uplit bamboo, ferns and palms to soften the lines and create textural interest.
Low-level backlighting throws the foreground elements into relief and creates dramatic shadow patterns on the trellis behind.
This deck is a great example of how it pays to think of deck lighting ideas as a combination of several different elements to achieve the best results.
How do you illuminate a deck?
The best deck lighting ideas generally include a mix of elements. Choose low level recessed deck lights for practical purposes such as lighting the way and showing where deck boundaries are, especially important if there are steps leading down from the deck to the rest of the garden and you're using it at night.
Use a combination of uplighters to enhance plants at night-time and spotlights to draw attention to decorative details such as water features and sculptures.
Use festoon lights and string lights overhead to add an enchanting element. You can also weave them through potted trees and plants on the deck. Pendant lights are another way of lighting the deck from above.
To enhance the feel of an outdoor living room on your deck, firepits and fireplaces add a welcoming lighting element. Floor lamps also create a homely feel.
You may also want to consider garden security lighting for your deck – but ensure it can be easily deactivated when you are using the deck for leisure.
Where should deck lights be placed?
Adding recessed lights to your deck allows the entire space to glow, creating a central point for socializing. It's the perfect finishing touch to your deck.
It's a good idea to plan it out before you start. Recessed floor deck lights should be spaced around the perimeter of the deck about 6 feet/2 meters apart. Start by positioning lights near the deck corners, then fill the spacing between the two points with lights. You can also add lights to the rest of the deck if you want.
'Each of our decking lights is supplied with a 3 foot/1 meter cable,' say the experts at TimberTech. 'These cables can be 'daisy-chained' together to create a network of lights that covers your whole deck. Because each cable is 3 foot long, the maximum distance between two connected deck lights is 6 feet.'
You can put your decking lights closer together than that if you wish – it's up to you of course. 'Don't go overboard, though - too many lights with too little space between them will make your deck look like an airplane landing strip!'
Billytex Primary Deck Coating - Global Trade
DAEHYUP TECH CO.
, Ltd. manufactures versatile products for primary deck coatings such as powder, latex, epoxy and polyurethane. The supplied products are analogous to the weber.floor systems, and the quality of the company's products is guaranteed by the ISO 9001:2000 standard and approved by the largest communities, including RMRS, as well as leading certification companies in accordance with the rules of the International Maritime Organization.
Primary Deck Coating (Auto Leveling)
BILLYTEX Auto Leveling Floors is an auto leveling deck screed system widely used as deck covering materials for dry areas in residential areas with a single layer up to 25mm.
| Products0025 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| density (kg/m3) | 1.8 | 1.2 | 800 | 600 | 41.5 MPA | 35. | 34.9 MPa | 30.1 MPa |
| used thickness | 4 ~ 25 mm | 4 ~ 25 mm | 4 ~ 25 mm | 4 ~ 25 mm 9003 mm |
| 9000 9000 9000 9000 | - Single coat with auto leveling - excellent adhesive strength, good elasticity - easily controlled thickness | - monoposide coating with automatic leveling - excellent adhesive strength, good elasticity - easily controlled thickness - super -light type | is used for 9000 9000 | |
Primary Deck Coating (Manual)
BILLYTEX BX-LW & BX-B BILLYTEX PU-100 is a polyurethane deck coating material with high elasticity and chemical resistance and has a beautiful final appearance. BILLYTEX EP-100 is an epoxy base coat for use in wet ship conditions. This design is a seamless, ultimate, hygienic and waterproof protection with a wide range of 9 color choices0003 BILLYTEX EP-100(M) is a top coat epoxy putty on sub-base. This design can be used in wet areas, with excellent waterproof performance, preventing water penetration and maintaining bond strength between layers. BILLYTEX EP-100(T) is an epoxy mastic for bonding ceramic tiles, this product provides excellent adhesion between tiles and deck sub-base. This product is ideal for tiled areas with excellent waterproof performance. BILLYTEX A60-L is an auto leveling type, A60-FU is a manual type for an A60 fire class underlayment system. The viscous elastic sound insulated construction is the solution to reduce radiated sound energy from the deck and resonant deck vibration is reduced by increasing the loss factor of the structure. The floating floor structure is a combination of a viscoelastic layer and mineral wool. This system provides extremely high sound reduction in the low frequency range. The marine bending plate has been specially developed with a mineral wool treatment that also has a high fire resistance, thus providing a significant improvement over the entire surface of the conventional marine bending plate. Currently, a number of state programs in Russia are aimed at the development of domestic shipbuilding. These are the federal target programs "Development of shipbuilding for 2013-2030", "Development of civil marine equipment" for 2009-2016, "Development of the transport infrastructure of Russia (2010-2020)", the implementation of which entails not only the renewal of the fleet, but also the need to develop coastal infrastructure. In the context of these tasks, it is necessary to introduce new technologies that allow the construction of coastal infrastructure facilities in a short time while minimizing the costs associated with capital construction. It is necessary to introduce modern means for the transportation, placement and operation of machinery and equipment for the construction and repair of hydraulic structures and bridges, survey, underwater technical and dredging works. In the practice of the leading countries in the field of marine engineering - the Netherlands, Great Britain, France, USA - modular pontoon systems (Ponton Modular Systems, MPS) are widely used for these purposes - floating structures made of steel pontoons, assembled into watercraft of various configurations and purposes - work sites, ferries, boats, floating docks and piers. The key differences between the MPS and floating structures based on large-sized pontoons connected by welding are the dimensions of the pontoons, unified for the allowable transport dimensions and the use of a system of quick-release fasteners to connect them into a single system. These differences make it possible to quickly relocate objects due to the possibility of transporting pontoons along public roads, the use of standard logistics schemes for their reloading and storage, the possibility of multiple assembly and disassembly of objects afloat using a coastal cargo crane or a floating crane, by a working team of 4 -5 people. In Russian practice today, MPS have not yet become widespread, but even now we can talk about ongoing projects for their application. As an example, let's take a modular floating complex consisting of a floating berth and a working platform, designed by KAMPO OJSC and being built under a government contract. Floating berth Floating berth is designed for mooring and parking of ships with a displacement of up to 350 tons. The berth is equipped with wheel fenders, a bridge to the shore, anchor hawses, bollards and fender protection to ensure the mooring of ships, electrical switchboards for receiving shore power, masts with signal lights and deck lighting fixtures. Deck hatches 1200x800 mm and removable ladders are provided for access to the interior of the modules. The interior spaces are equipped with lighting and ventilation systems and can be used to store equipment and property. Container systems for various purposes can be installed on the deck of the berth. Berth operation is possible in conditions of sea tides up to 3 m high, sea waves up to 3 points, fast ice. Floating working platform The working platform is designed to accommodate equipment and special equipment - power equipment, a truck crane, an excavator and container complexes for emergency rescue, underwater technical, construction, ship lifting operations. The site is equipped with bollards, fender protection, deck hatches and removable ladders for access to the interior, a removable transfer tripod, a mast with signal lights, deck lighting fixtures. The platform's shallow draft of 0.4 m makes it possible to use it both on navigable waterways and in shallow water. Operation of the site is possible in conditions of sea waves up to 3 points. In July 2014, factory testing of the platform was carried out. The pontoons were delivered to the test site by standard transport and set afloat using a truck crane. Site assembly was carried out afloat. As a result of the tests, the declared technical and operational characteristics of the site and the operability of the original quick-release joints, which are the own development of KAMPO OJSC, were confirmed. The use of modular pontoon systems will reduce financial costs for capital construction and construction time for coastal infrastructure facilities for basing and servicing ships and special equipment: berths, piers, bridges, landing stages, helipads, platforms for accommodating container complexes for various purposes. used thickness 4 ~ 25 mm 6 ~ 47 mm characteristics -excellent adhesive component and flexibility
-composition for ultra -light deck coating -the aged surface of 9002 9003 — Excellent adhesive strength and elasticity similar to natural rubber
— No cracks or rust in waterproof design — Good surface absorption under external influences Polyurethane and Epoxy Flooring
77.3 MPa 68.3 MPa used thickness 5 ~ 11 mm 5 ~ 10 mm 2 mm 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000,000 environmental absorption due to its rubbery nature
- Good appearance and easy passage
- Excellent bonding material
- Waterproof and non-slip material - High hardness
- Good chemical and acid resistance
- Good adhesion strength
- Wide choice of colors - Excellent adhesion and anti-corrosion effect
- High density and anti-abrasion
- Chemical resistance
- Easy assembly and excellent strength - Excellent adhesion
- High density and anti-abrasion
- Chemical resistance Used for Deck on cruisers and ships, for indoor sports decks such as tennis courts, aerobics facilities Galley, laundry, laboratory, chemical-resistant floors Laboratory, chemical-resistant floors properties Class A60 decking
Both types of material are applicable for floors and decks on all types of ships and offshore platforms that require an A60 fire rating.
A60-L A60-FU density 9002 .4 MPa Thermal conductivity 0.073 W/m-K 0,132 W/m-K Sound Sound 41 dB 41 dB Characteristics - Single coat with auto leveling
- Excellent adhesion (waterproof performance without cracking)
- Good surface absorption from external influences
- Light weight - Good performance in thermal protection and sound insulation
- Excellent adhesive strength
- Good surface absorption from external influences tile layer.
BILLYTEX BX-LWB and BX-LWC are light crown underlay and tile underlay. <10 mm Characteristics Non -combustible materials
Easy installation
Excellent adhesive strength Super -light
Good characteristic of moisture
Light material
Employment Effects
Lightly Classile
Lightly Claims
Lightly Claims
Lightly Classile
Lightly Claims
Light Control for Ceramic tile base Convex leveling Tile Base and Swell Leveling Sound Insulated Floor Construction
This design provides extremely high sound reduction and unique vibration attenuation, consisting of viscoelastic deck material or steel tiles as a containment layer.
DPU-BF-DC DPU-BF-S DPU-BF-BS 9000 mm 9002 9 mm Sound reduction value (RW) 46 dB 45 dB 45 dB Characteristics - good characteristics for soundproofing and reducing vibration
- excellent flexibility and elasticity0076 - Non-combustible material Floating floor structure
Products DPU-BF-FF DPU-BF-FFS DPU-BF-BFA DPU-BF-FFSA 56 mm 59 mm Mineral wool thickness 30 mm 50 mm 9009 modular coastal infrastructure systems Sound reduction value (RW) 58 dB 61 dB 0075 - Excellent soundproofing properties
- Excellent flexibility and elasticity
- Non-combustible material - Excellent soundproofing properties
- Excellent flexibility and elasticity
- Fire rating A60
- Non-combustible material 
Since most of the existing coastal infrastructure facilities have a service life of 50 years or more, either their overhaul or the construction of new facilities is required. This issue is extremely important in the light of the implementation of regional programs in the field of development of natural resources in hard-to-reach regions of the country: the Arctic, Siberia, the Far East. 
berth decking 10 mm, sides - 8 mm, bottom - 6 mm guarantees the durability of the structure and resistance to shock loads when mooring ships.
