Install Deck Lighting
Transform your deck for evening enjoyment with post cap lights, step lights, and under-rail lighting. Low-voltage LED systems are safe, energy-efficient, and easy to install yourself.
Quick Summary
2-4 hours
$100-$500
Moderate
Low-voltage LED
Why Deck Lighting Matters
Without lighting, your deck becomes unusable after sunset. Proper lighting extends your outdoor living hours into the evening, provides essential safety on stairs and transitions, and creates ambiance for relaxing or entertaining. The right lighting can transform your deck from a daytime space to an all-hours outdoor room.
Safety Lighting
Stairs, level changes, and perimeter edges need lighting to prevent trips and falls. Step lights and post cap lights serve this critical function.
Ambient Lighting
Under-rail strips, post cap glow, and string lights create atmosphere for evening relaxation and entertaining without harsh brightness.
Lighting System Options
Solar Lighting
Easiest installSelf-contained lights with built-in solar panels. No wiring required - just place in sunny locations. Batteries charge during the day and lights activate at dusk.
Low-Voltage (12V) LED
Best overall choiceTransformer plugs into outdoor outlet and reduces voltage to safe 12V. Consistent brightness regardless of weather. DIY-friendly wiring. Most popular choice.
Line-Voltage (120V)
Requires electricianStandard household electrical. Brightest option, suitable for permanent fixtures. Must be installed by licensed electrician. Best for integrated designs.
Types of Deck Lights
Post Cap Lights
Mount on top of railing posts. Provide perimeter lighting and create visual boundaries. Available in solar or wired versions. Many styles to match your posts.
Typical spacing: Every post or every other post (6-8 feet)
Step/Riser Lights
Mount on the vertical face of stair risers. Essential for safety. Small, low-profile fixtures that illuminate the tread below without glare.
Install: Centered on riser, 2-3 inches from tread, every other step minimum
Under-Rail Lighting
LED strip lights mounted under the top rail or along the bottom rail. Creates ambient glow that illuminates the deck floor. Very popular for modern designs.
Hidden from view, creates wash of light down railings
Recessed Deck Lights
Flush-mount lights installed in deck boards. Subtle, unobtrusive. Mark transitions and pathways. Require drilling holes in decking during or after installation.
Best installed during deck building, trickier to add later
String Lights
Festive overhead lighting strung between posts or to the house. Creates warm, inviting atmosphere. Easy to install with hooks or clips. Great for entertaining.
Use outdoor-rated LED string lights for best durability
Low-Voltage Installation Guide
Plan Your Layout
Sketch where you want each light. Measure total wire run from transformer to furthest light. Count fixtures to calculate wattage needs. Plan wire routing to hide cables behind trim and under deck boards.
Size Your Transformer
Add up the wattage of all lights, then choose a transformer 25% larger. For example: 10 lights at 3 watts each = 30 watts, so use a 50-watt transformer. Most deck lighting needs 100-300 watt transformers.
Run the Wiring
Use direct burial cable rated for outdoor use. Route along railings, through posts if possible, and under deck boards. Secure with cable clips. Leave service loops at each light location for future adjustments.
Install Fixtures
Mark and drill mounting holes. Connect fixtures to cable using provided connectors (usually pierce-style or screw terminals). Mount fixtures securely. Ensure all connections are weatherproof.
Connect and Test
Mount transformer near outdoor outlet. Connect main cable to transformer terminals. Plug in and test all lights. Set timer or photocell for automatic operation. Wait until dark for final adjustment.
Lighting Placement Tips
Where to Focus Your Lighting
- Every stair: Light at least every other step, always the top and bottom
- Level changes: Any step-down or threshold needs lighting
- Perimeter posts: Mark deck boundaries, especially near drop-offs
- Task areas: Extra lighting near grills, outdoor kitchens, or bars
- Seating areas: Softer ambient light for relaxation zones
Frequently Asked Questions
Is solar or low-voltage lighting better for decks?
Both have advantages. Solar is easier to install (no wiring), cheaper upfront, and works anywhere with sun exposure. Low-voltage is more reliable (consistent brightness regardless of weather), brighter, and doesn't depend on sun. For stairs and safety lighting, low-voltage is often preferred. For ambient post lighting, solar works great.
How many deck lights do I need?
For stairs, install a light on every other step or at minimum the top, bottom, and any landings. For perimeter lighting, one post cap light every 6-8 feet provides good coverage. Under-rail lighting can run continuously. Add task lighting near cooking or dining areas as needed.
Can I install low-voltage deck lighting myself?
Yes, low-voltage (12V) deck lighting is DIY-friendly and safe to install without an electrician. The transformer plugs into a standard outdoor outlet and reduces voltage to safe levels. The wiring is easy to work with and mistakes won't cause shock hazards. Only line-voltage (120V) lighting requires a licensed electrician.
Where should I install deck step lights?
Install step lights on the riser (vertical face) of each step, centered or off to one side. Light every other step at minimum, every step for best safety. Also light the top and bottom of each stair run. Install 2-3 inches from the tread surface for best illumination without glare.