How Deck Post Lights Keep Your Deck Safe & Inviting
April 11, 2022
As you design your outdoor space, you want to make sure it meets your needs during the day and as the evening deepens. To keep your space bright and the good times rolling, deck post lights are a popular lighting option that sit atop the rail post or are embedded within it. This outdoor lighting solution is a beautiful way to add subtle ambience to your evening while highlighting objects and transition points for safety.
Explore Your Deck Lighting Options
Find more bright ideas for your deck when you browse our Deck Lights Series.
Deck Post Lighting 101
Deck post lights are a part of the railing system built on your traditional wood or composite deck. They illuminate your railing posts and offer a serene atmosphere while adding safety with increased visibility after the sun sets.
While you can choose temporary lighting for deck posts — like solar light caps — permanent fixtures offer many benefits that will enhance the look and feel of your space with added longevity and durability.
Reasons to Choose Permanent Deck Post Lights
Improves Deck Safety
Permanent lighting that’s installed within your railing allows you to mark borders and illuminate transition points for confident movement after daylight hours.
All-Weather Durability
The durability of permanent deck lighting means you won’t have to replace your luminaries or lanterns every season as with temporary lighting.
Unified Look & Feel
Lighting highlights the design of your outdoor space and cultivates an inviting atmosphere. The right lighting and railing elevate your outdoor space for a cohesive design.
Instant Illumination
You can use timers to program permanent deck lights to go on at dusk. Or simply flip a switch and your entire deck will light as you step outside.
Illuminate Your Deck With TimberTech
Permanent lighting for deck posts makes it easy to brighten your outdoor space when the sun sets. With three types of deck post lights in the TimberTech lighting portfolio, you can choose to install your post lights at the top of your rail post or closer to the deck boards.
Lighted Island Cap
Provides:
Top-rail illumination that highlights the crisp edges and craftsmanship of your railing.
Accent Lights
Provides:
A subtle glow that can be placed closer to the ground for safe steps.
Post Cap Light
Provides:
A warm, inviting glow around your post for atmosphere and added visibility.
The best time to install deck lighting is during your deck construction or during resurfacing.
Keep in mind that each post lighting option requires different wattage and installation practices. Always consult the Lighting Installation Guide to ensure your deck post lights are installed properly.
See TimberTech Lighting Installation
Follow along with this easy tutorial on our outdoor lighting.
You may be able to install your deck post lights on your own, so long as you ensure proper wiring and are clear on all installation best practices. However, if you want to take the stress out of DIY, you can work with a TimberTech-registered contractor to have your deck post lighting installed with peace of mind.
TAKE THE STRESS OUT OF DIY
Installing deck wiring involves complexity. Connect with a contractor to ensure the job is done properly.
How Deck Post Lights Upgrade Your Outdoor Space
When a warm summer day fades to evening, you’ll naturally want to continue to lounge on your deck and enjoy the outdoors with your family, friends, or on your own. The recreation and relaxation can continue — and with some cozy ambience — thanks to deck post lights:
✓ Infuse your space with soft halos that let the good times continue into the evening.
✓ Trace a glowing perimeter for a sense of peacefulness and security.
✓ Make your outdoor space more inviting to visiting friends and family.
How Deck Post Lights Enhance Your Safety
While lighting for deck posts add beauty to your deck and yard, they can also help you stay safe as you enjoy your evening outdoors. Deck post lights — as well as deck rail lighting and deck stair lighting — can enhance the safety of your outdoor space:
✓ Illuminates transition points like stairs for confident movement during the evening.
✓ Highlights objects and other structures on your deck surface to avoid potential collisions.
✓ Well-lit areas discourage wildlife from visiting your deck or getting too close to your home.
Bring Deck Post Lighting to Your Space
Now that you’re more familiar with your permanent deck post light options, you’re ready to find the right lighting solution to illuminate your outdoor space. Explore our deck lighting portfolio and your corresponding railing options when you download our Railing Guide — then begin designing your ideal and atmospheric outdoor space.
Find the Right Railing for You
Check out all of the customizations possible with TimberTech Railing including infill material, color options, and lighting choices to bring your dream deck to life.
