The 12 Best Outdoor Deck Lighting Ideas to Illuminate Your Backyard

Every deck needs captivating lighting. The best outdoor deck lighting ideas will suit your style and provide illumination for ambiance and safety. From recessed lighting to string lights that emanate a soft glow, outdoor lighting can set the mood for memorable moments with family and friends on your deck.

We’ve gathered some of our favorite deck lighting ideas from across the web to inspire you. Before we share these incredible outdoor lighting ideas from sites like Trex® Outdoor Lighting™ , let’s address some key questions about the types of lighting you can use on your outdoor deck.

Outdoor Deck Lighting Considerations

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There's a wide selection of outdoor deck lighting options to suit your aesthetic. From post lights to in-deck lighting, overhead lighting to string lights, there are styles and designs to match any taste.

When considering deck lighting ideas, think about how you use your deck. For example, is it primarily for entertaining large gatherings of guests or is it a quiet spot to savor your morning coffee? Get a feel for the area before you decide how best to light up your outdoor space.

Bear in mind, though, that some types of deck lighting are easier to install than others, and make sure your lighting is compliant with local building codes and requirements. Installing low voltage deck lighting doesn't require an electrician to install. Consider hiring an electrician with more complicated lighting installs.

12 Built-in Deck Lighting Ideas

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Deck lighting, when well-placed, transforms your deck from simply lit to radiantly luminescent. Specially designed lighting options illuminate specific deck elements, ensuring safety and functionality while setting a sumptuous ambiance.

The meticulous design behind deck lights guarantees a harmonious glow, culminating in a truly breathtaking outdoor sanctuary. By strategically positioning these purpose-built lights, you can achieve remarkable outcomes akin to those curated by professional lighting experts.

1. Recessed Deck Stair Lighting

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A simple gentle glow can help prevent trips and stumbles on your deck stairs. Much like lights embedded in the decking itself, adding deck stair lighting, like these from Trex, is a clever technique to light the way for guests approaching your deck.

Want to try your hand at adding lighting to your deck stairs (and boosting backyard or curb appeal)? Learn more about how to install recessed deck stair lighting.

2. Post Cap Lighting

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Adding lighting to posts is a brilliant way to reveal the stairs that lead to your deck, as well as provide line-of-sight lighting on your deck’s railing. Post lights come in both solar and LED varieties and are built into the post caps themselves.

Brightly glowing post caps against this dark handrail give this contemporary wire railing an even more modern and bespoke feel. Recessed lights within the stairs complete this trendy look.

3. Deck Railing Lights

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Similar to using post lighting along your deck’s staircase, adding lights to the railing surrounding your deck also provides you with discreet built-in lighting. Not only are they functional, but these lights eliminate the need to find space on your railing to place additional sources of lighting while giving your deck's outline an ethereal glow. If you're looking for a good match for your railing, you can't go wrong with Trex's wedge deck rail light.

4. LED Recessed Deck Board Lights

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These innovative lights can be embedded in your deck itself to set the mood without posing a tripping hazard for guests. Additionally, installing deck lighting within the boards provides a visual cue for the deck’s edge. As a bonus, they can be used to spotlight plants and other landscaping features. Looking for lights that are easy to install? Check out these recessed deck board lights from Trex.

5. Soffit Lights

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Soffit lights are fixtures installed in the eaves or overhangs of a roof, providing a broad, even wash of light that enhances both your home's architectural structure and outdoor living spaces. These lights are strategically placed to highlight architectural features, adding depth and texture to your walls while significantly improving safety and visibility around your property. Soffit lights are particularly effective for illuminating decks and patios, transforming these areas into functional and inviting spaces - perfect for evening gatherings or relaxing under the stars.

The practical benefits of soffit lights extend beyond aesthetics. Positioned along the roofline, they provide seamless distribution of light from floor to roof, creating a cohesive and visually pleasing environment. This unobtrusive placement ensures a clean, integrated look while using modern LED technology to ensure energy efficiency and long-lasting performance. With various styles, finishes, and brightness levels available, soffit lights can be customized to suit your taste and specific needs, making them an ideal choice for any homeowner looking to elevate the appearance and functionality of their home's exterior.

Some suppliers, like Trex, offer a plug-and-play system for easy installation without the need for an electrician.

Low Voltage, LED & Solar Deck Lighting Ideas

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To minimize energy costs, deck lights are available in a variety of energy-efficient solutions. These include 12-24v low voltage, low-wattage LED fixtures and bulbs, and solar lighting. These energy-saving alternatives can use up to 90% less energy and last up to 25 times longer compared to traditional incandescent lighting options.

For individuals mindful of both environmental impact and cost, this is an ideal starting point for enhancing your deck lighting.

6. Low Voltage Deck Lighting

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Besides looking great, low-voltage deck lighting usually doesn’t require an electrician to install for use with an outdoor deck. Installing low-voltage deck lighting can be a relatively simple DIY project, even for those without electrical wiring experience.

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Low voltage lighting affords homeowners a wealth of options, such as post lights or stair lights. Here are some of the many benefits of low voltage lighting options:

• Energy Efficiency: Consumes less power compared to traditional lighting, reducing energy costs.
• Safety: Lower voltage reduces the risk of electrical shock and fire hazards.
• Flexibility: Easier installation in various locations, including landscapes, pathways, and indoor spaces.
• Longevity: Typically uses LED bulbs, which have a longer lifespan than incandescent or fluorescent bulbs.
• Cost-Effective: Initial installation may be cheaper due to simpler requirements and longer-lasting components.
• Brightness Control: Allows for more precise dimming and control over light intensity.
• Environmentally Friendly: Reduced energy consumption leads to lower carbon emissions.
• Design Versatility: Available in various designs and styles to suit different aesthetic needs.

Learn more about how to install low-voltage deck lighting.

7. LED Deck Lights

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While LED deck lights may cost more at the outset than filament bulbs, they can last up to 25 times longer and are ideal for outdoor use. Learn more about LED vs incandescent light bulbs.

Additionally, LED strip lights are functional, attractive, and convenient for use on an outdoor deck. They come rolled in a strips can be cut to the exact length you need. Many LED strip lights are weatherproof and run safely underneath your railings or along the edge of your deck to provide illumination. Some products even allow you to control the brightness and schedule of these lights from anywhere, such as Trex's app-based WiFi controller.

8. Solar Lights

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Solar lights are cost-effective and easy to install, especially options like those from Trex that merely require the click of a button to activate. In the past solar lights have been dim and not as long lasting. Trex's new solar lights now offer a high quality and long lasting lighting option. Choosing the correct product is key.

Decorative Deck Lighting Ideas

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Decorative lighting is a fantastic way to personalize your deck, adding a unique touch that reflects your style choices, be it string lights, lanterns, or chandeliers. With decorative lighting, you can go beyond conventional and purely functional setups to create a captivating ambiance that beckons guests to unwind. Whether you aim to design a bohemian retreat, a cozy relaxation spot, or an entertainment area, decorative deck lighting can help you establish the atmosphere you’re going for.

9. String Lights

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String lights have a festive vibe that makes even a small gathering on your deck feel like a holiday. Use them on your outdoor deck or enclosed porch year ‘round to add an enchanting glow to any occasion. String lights can be vertically hung from the ceiling giving a curtain effect or draped along the wall for a carefree, bohemian look. 

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10. Lanterns and Candles

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Bathe your deck in a soft, flickering glow with lanterns and candles. They’re inexpensive and you can strategically adjust the brightness based on how many you choose to light at once. The more candles or lanterns, the brighter and more vibrant the space, making it perfect for evening entertainment or the ideal place to unwind with a good book by candlelight. Fewer candles create a more intimate or relaxing vibe. Be sure to take extra caution when using candles or a lantern on your deck.

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11. Overhead Hanging Lights or Chandeliers

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If your deck has a roof or an overhang, overhead lighting can be a beautiful and functional addition. An outdoor chandelier can add personality to your deck that reflects your aesthetic. Depending on your style, you may opt for an ornate chandelier with hanging crystals that catch the light, or choose a simple, rustic-style chandelier that gives off a minimalist charm.

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12. Ceiling Fan with Lighting

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Adding a ceiling fan to an outdoor deck with a roof is a practical way to increase lighting while helping air circulate on sultry summer nights. And if you've built an outdoor kitchen, a ceiling fan keeps you cool while you fire up that grill. The soothing breeze a fan offers not only regulates the temperature but also keeps pesky insects at bay, promising a relaxing evening free of discomfort.

There is no shortage of ideas for outdoor deck lighting!. Depending on your style, taste, and space, there’s a look that will work for your deck and budget. For more inspiration, visit our gallery to get more outdoor deck lighting ideas or visit Trex.com to view their outdoor lighting products.

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