On the rung of importance, deck lighting ratesjust as highly as the materials used to build the decks infrastructure. When the sun winds down, your deck should shine, serving a functional capacity and influencing the mood of its occupants.

The types of lighting used to gain access to a deck are also important, mainly as a safety feature. If narrow pathways or winding entrances are involved, guiding lights should be installed. Using low voltage lights work well as ground-level markers for this purpose rather than floodlights.

Here, weve put together more landscape lighting tips for your deck or patio use.

Patio and Deck Lighting

Patio and deck landscape lighting systems illuminate certain features of your home, making them come alive; they also serve as safety devices. The directions of the beams of light, their mechanics and special benefits influenced our suggestions for these lighting systems.

Down and Up – Lights

Both down and up-lights offer dramatic effects when mounted in strategic locations. If you want to set a pleasing tone, install up-lights into the floor of your deck or patio and down-lights as an overhead feature. Down lights are softer and more intimate than the direct glare of a naked light. Its also a lot easier on the eyes as it softly blankets the entire area of the patio. Use Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) when choosing these lighting systems; they are preferred for their safety and energy efficiency over the hot, energy-sapping halogens.

Strip Lights

These are ideal for a variety of lighting solutions. Its low profile and integrates discreetly while offering powerful brightness along edges and soffits. LED strip lights are the smart energy efficient way to illuminate your deck and access areas.

Spotlights

LED module spotlights are directional lights fitted into fixtures in the loft or along walls. Spotlights are compact and powerful. They work marvellously for highlighting features such as the pool or barbecue areas. Spotlights should be placed discretely above or below your desired spot so that they are not a bothersome distraction. They are easy to mount and many are waterproof to combat the outside elements.

Floodlights

Floodlights are designed to light up specific areas of your landscape. They will light up a good portion of your deck and are best served by the garden, pool and barbecue areas. Ideally, these powerful lights should be mounted very high and directed downward. They provide added security to your home and are great for extended nighttime entertaining.

Consult a professional or outdoor lighting installer to help guide you on the variety of colours, shapes and styles you want in creating the ideal custom ambiance.