What's The Best Way To Light Your Deck?
If you've invested in a deck, you probably want to be able to use it around the clock. If you need lighting for nighttime use, there are several ways you can do it depending on how involved you want your deck construction to be.
Simple Approach
The simplest approach is to wrap string lights around your deck rails. Yes, you'd be that neighbor who has Christmas lights up all year, but it can work if you don't create a festive look. Using simple white lights year-round is actually a technique used by many bars and restaurants for mood lighting.
The downside to this approach is that it can stand out, especially if the color of the wires doesn't match the color of your wood. Only choose it if you want fast and cheap lighting.
A Little More Upscale
You can make your string lights look better if you install hooks instead of wrapping them. This hides the wires, and it also allows you to use bigger bulbs that look better hanging from your deck railing than mini lights wrapped all the way around your deck railing. If you do it right, you can actually create a fairly nice look.
The concern with this approach is really getting it right. You need the hooks to be tight against your railings and spaced properly so that the wires don't hang. You also don't want to do damage to the sealant on your railings so that water can't get in around the hooks and rot them. To avoid these problems, ask your deck contractor for a professional installation.
Fully-Integrated
The best way to light up your deck is to have the lights entirely built in. This might include dome lights on the floor, light poles on the corners, lights within the railings, or ceiling lights if you chose a deck with an overhang. You can add a timer if you want your deck to always be lit up at night as well as a dimmer switch to control the mood depending on how you're using your deck at that time.
The best time to do this is during your deck installation so that your lighting can be installed seamlessly with the rest of your deck. However, if you already have a deck, your deck contractor can still help you create a custom lighting solution.
To learn more about how to light up your deck, contact a local deck construction contractor today.