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5 Deck Stair Lighting Options for Your Outdoor Space
March 1st, 2022 byYou’ve designed the perfect deck for your space and put in the work to create it. Now, it’s time to kick back and relax. However, you don’t have to stop unwinding when the sun goes down, and it gets dark. Instead, you can install deck stair lights to keep everyone safe as they get on and off the deck.
There are many deck stair lighting ideas you can incorporate to fit your design and aesthetics, and we’re going to pick out a few popular options for you below.
1. In-Stair Lights
The goal of deck stair lights is to help illuminate each step, so you reduce the chances of falling or tripping as you enter and exit the deck. In-stair lights are a type of recessed lighting that gets installed sunken down into the face of the step. You typically put them on each front corner of the step, closest to the ledge.
They can automatically turn on when it gets dark out, or you can opt for manual ones where you have to go and switch them on and off as you need them. They point straight up, so they give you an excellent view of each step. Depending on the type of in-stair light you want, you can expect to spend around $20-$60 per light for more durable options.
2. Solar Deck Stair Lights
Solar lights are a cost-effective choice when it comes to deck stair lighting ideas. They’re easy to install, readily available, and low-maintenance. You can easily purchase them in bulk packages to have them running right up to your deck stairs alongside the pathway. Solar lights come in stakes, as flat disks that you can adhere right to each step, on string lights, as hanging lanterns, and more.
You can easily mix and match these lighting choices to find the ones that work best for your needs. As a bonus, they won’t need any batteries or electricity, as they run on solar power. Solar deck lights can cost between $5.00 to $20.00 per light.
3. Lanterns
Lanterns are a way to add a nice whimsical touch to your deck. You can easily install hangers running up your deck railing and add lanterns every few feet around the entire perimeter of the deck. Lanterns come in a vast range of shapes, sizes, and colors, so you can match the lantern to your deck and décor to get a seamless look and feel. As a bonus, lanterns come with a range of power options.
You can find solar-powered ones, ones that run on electricity and require a professional to hardwire them, old-fashioned options that need candles to work, and more. Some lanterns even come with settings, so they automatically switch on when dusk falls and back off when the sun rises. This light is the type you commonly see on front doors. Hardwired lanterns can easily cost upwards of $100 per light, not including installation costs for the electrician.
4. Hardwired Lighting
If you have the budget for it, you can pick out hardwired lighting fixtures and employ the help of an electrician to come out and set them up for you. Hardwired lighting is a more expensive option to consider, but it also usually lasts a decently long time. It’s also reliable because you know you’ll have lights when you need them as long as you have electricity, unlike solar lights that require sunlight to charge.
This deck stair lighting idea involves going to a big box store and picking out your lights before calling the electrician or looking into lighting-specific companies that allow you to arrange for one of their staff to come out and install them. Depending on the kit or lighting you pick and how labor-intensive the installation is, you can expect to spend upwards of $2,000 to complete it.
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5. Deck Lighting Kits
Did you know that you can purchase complete kits to light up your entire deck and not just the stairs? These complete kits usually come with the lighting fixtures themselves and whatever you need to mount them and get them up and running. Some are more involved and complicated than others, so you should consider your budget and time constraints when you start to shop.
You typically get several lights in each kit that you can stick up around on your deck. They can be anything from lights on stakes that you stick into the ground to flat lights that adhere to your steps and the railing to light up any dark spaces. Some are solar-powered, while others require hardwiring.
Wrapping Up
Don’t let another summer pass you by while you miss out on valuable time you could spend on the deck because it’s too dark. Instead, we invite you to consider the deck stair lights outlined above and decide which will work best for your needs and budget. Whether you go with solar deck stair lights or a deck lighting kit, use these options to help you pick out the perfect option to illuminate your space.
KEEP READING: DIY Outdoor Lighting Tips for Your Outdoor Space