Installing deck lights
Deck lighting can create night time colour and ambient dots around the edge of the deck adding to the overall mood or feel of your outdoor area. Also they are a great safety device for lighting the edge of the deck and the stairs. Deck lights come in two main types: solar powered and 12v mains powered.
Solar deck lights
The solar deck lights have solar cells built into the light with a single LED and internal battery. The sun powers up the lights during the day and the deck lights automatically turn on when the sun fades. The light will last as long as there is power left in the internal battery. Some of these solar types of lights may have colours available however white light is the most common.
Pros:
No mains power needed to power the nights.
Very easy to install with very little maintenance needed.
Cons:
May not last all night as charge depends on sun exposure.
Not suitable for covered decks all solar lights need maximum light to charge.
12volt LED deck lights
These types of lights are mains powered via a transformer that makes them 12volts which means they are safe to use. They are easy to install and are smaller in diameter than the solar LEDs. However you must run a 12volt wire under the deck.
Pros:
Easy to install and are smaller in diameter than the solar lights.
They come in a range of colours or automatic colour changing.Can be turned off when not required or stay on all night.
Cons:
Mains powered required, however they do not use a lot of power.
They will need to be wired back to a power point so the transformer can be plugged in.
Installation
Both types are easy to install and can be done within 2 hours.
Step one: Locate:
Mark with a pencil at the locations where you would like the lights. Even distances look the best.
Step two: Drill your holes:
Drill your holes with a large hole saw to fit the type of LED deck lights that you have. Drill the hole in the centre of the decking board to maintain maximum strength. For solar lights, just turn them on and drop them in and the job is complete. For 12 volt LEDs run the wire first and bring them up through the drilled hole and plug the light into the wire. It is best to make sure that all 12 volt wires running back to the transformer are clipped to the frame under the decking boards with cable clips.
Tips
If your decking boards become very weak after drilling your holes you will need to screw extra supporting timber under the decking so it will not break when walked on. It is best to buy a quality stainless light instead of cheap lights that you will have to replace again.
