These are incidentally the same things you need to consider with all outdoor lighting questions and matters.  We will take a few moments to break all these components down.  First, consider the fact that depending on the site you are searching or the store you contact, they may be using terms that are synonymous or quite different.  What this means is that while one site may be discussing outdoor patio lighting, another store or online site will be talking about deck lights.  Geographically, these may be different items, however, they may also be talking about what you are interested in, so you’ll need to clarify this first.

Location
The reason why location can make a difference for your patio light choice is that it will help determine the style that will work best.  If you are looking for light to navigate your patio and backyard space with, then outdoor flood lights are what you will need.  True, these are not the most elegant looking types of lighting, but they will do what you need – illuminate a path or entire area.

If, on the other hand, you are looking for a more intimate type of area, then patio lighting that is more like an indoor can will perform better for you in this scenario.  In fact, depending upon how your patio cover is built, you may be able to hide your lighting fixtures between beams or posts, making it appear more visually clean.  If you would like to create an intimate environment, but also be able to notice your elegant fixtures, then rustic lighting may be what you need to consider.  Within this category are styles of lights that could include metal with a patina or antler style chandeliers.  Outdoor chandeliers, incidentally, can make a big statement in any outdoor room or deck space.

Type of Light
Here, we are talking mostly about whether you go with a more standard wired light or a solar style of light.  It is more common to be able to find solar garden lights, but flood lighting and other deck lights are available with solar features now.  Because your patio is exposed to so much sunlight potentially, being outdoors, it is in a prime location to get enough energy from the sun to power your lights.  Similarly, the openness of your garden landscape allows for those solar lights to get enough sun to provide light through most of the evening and night hours.  If you are looking for more pronounced or bright lighting, then you will likely need to consider a wired and possibly low-voltage system.

Light Usage
This category of patio lighting relates with the type of light issues and location themes as well.  It has to do more with how you use your patio or deck space.  People that have more entertaining and parties will have different needs than someone who occasionally spends some time outdoors in the early morning or evening reading a book or drinking some tea.

Your patio activities will also dictate the type of lighting you need.  If you have designed an outdoor kitchen, then you will require some task lights or other lights that are bright enough to allow you to prepare your food.  Similarly, those intimate spaces you wish to create will require spot lighting.  In fact, these types of places can be created almost exclusively with the right use of specific patio lights.

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When it comes to outdoor lighting, you have many options.  For some, the choice is clearly dictated by function.  Some lights will provide the means to navigate your backyard or outdoor space, like flood lighting.  Then, there are more intimate types of lighting like patio lights and outdoor lamps.  While an outdoor lamp could be considered for general lighting as well, it is the design and placement that puts it into one category or another.

It all depends upon what type of outdoor deck lights you are looking for.  There are a variety that range from rope or string lights to more spot lighting that is placed on the end caps of your deck’s railing posts.  These can cast a glow all their own.  When combined with a nice set of string or rope lights, the look creates a nice ambiance.  The warm glow of the rope lighting is welcoming and inviting.

A nice comination of wall mount deck lights and a patio string set of lights.

Deck lighting has advantages over a more traditional flood light scene because of its ability to be more flexible.  You can light only specific areas and create distinct spaces or outdoor rooms using this type of lighting.  A flood light is much more robust and doesn’t afford you any charm or ambiance.  If what you are after is a more subdued type of light for entertaining and lounging in the evenings, then deck lights are your answer.

Let’s talk about what you may be trying to accomplish with your lighting needs for a moment.  For some, the evening is a great time to enjoy a patio.  It is after work and you just want a place to go to unwind.  Maybe you enjoy entertaining and your deck or patio is a great place for that as well.  With the boom in outdoor room design, you can create most any type of space you’d like.  If you have a more country or mountain type of theme, rustic lighting options exist to help you create that feeling.  If you have a more contemporary type of patio room, finding solar deck lighting will be on your list of priorities.

Since your patio space is for your own enjoyment, you should feel comfortable with whatever type of lighting you find.  There isn’t so much a wrong way or a right way to light your patio, just find a way to make the space you enjoy using even more comfortable and functional for you and your guests.  In the end, deck lights have no extrinsic value so much as the intrinsic value that they will provide you and your leisure.

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The term describes what these are.  These are simply a string of anywhere between 8-10’ of lights.  They are usually are smaller bulb and wattage than a standard light bulb.  The string allows you to decorate an area or hang them to create a type of edging.  If you want to spice up an area or make it more festive looking, string lights are the way to go.  You can find string lights in a whole variety of themes.  Having a 4th of July party and want some red, white and blue lights?  No problem.  Feeling a little Asian inspired?  Go for the delicate flower shaped or paper balls.  There are also hand-blown glass and LED illuminated solar string lights.

A colorful style of patio string lights along a railing.

In most cases, these string of lights are made to go outdoors, so you don’t need to worry about problems with the UL listing or complications with water.  What you might have an issue with is rain with the lights that have the wire frame paper wrapped decorations.  While they do have some protection on them for a light rain, leaving them outdoors for prolonged periods will cause them to simply fall apart.  The good thing is that they are relatively inexpensive.  The prices of these various quality light strings vary from the low end at  $15 USD to a more specialty style of $80 or more USD.

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A pretty unique style are the umbrella lights.  Your patio umbrella might not have its own lighting disc, like some do, so getting some of these string lights to hang from the umbrella frame can be a great look.  It can make your umbrella look a lot more ‘dressed up’ and even add that hotel style feel to your patio space.

Even if you are just thinking about adding some basic lighting to make your patio have more ambiance, these string lights can fit the bill perfectly for you.  With a few strands hanging along the edges of a pergola or cross-wise over a courtyard area, you can achieve a really nice look.  If you combine these lights with your landscape elements, you can take it a step further.  When you get into this though, you are starting to talk about other outdoor lighting options as well.  Remember, for simple but sweet patio lighting, go with a set or two of patio string lights.

If you thought chandeliers were only for indoor spaces, think again.  In fact, there are all sorts of rustic lighting

It just feels instantly more elegant with a chandelier - even outside.

options that may suit your patio space.  Some of these patio light options include rope or string lights.  The rope style is sometimes referred to as deck lights, because of how they can be mounted along a railing or perimeter of a deck.  There are also styles that are more playful or whimsical and can be hung from your patio cover or other outdoor patio structure.  You might even find that your patio umbrella can be used as a source of light – at least in so far as the umbrella structure can support different lighting options.

But, for truly elegant lighting and a grand outdoor space, you’ve got to look into getting an outdoor chandelier.  These are not just indoor models that you no longer care about so you stick them outside.  These varieties have been manufactured to withstand the conditions of water and other issues with the elements, such as temperature and dust.  Imagine your patio as a type of outdoor room.  This room, just like others in your home, has a roof, floor and walls.  Okay, sometimes the walls are more a hint of a wall, like posts upon which some outdoor curtains or shades have been hung.  The floor can be stone or pavers and may be softened by the use of an outdoor rug.

The use of quality outdoor dining furniture will also help to create the mood of the space in question.  If you use top of the line furniture, your lighting will only serve to accent that and make your space shine even more.  So, enough talk about why a chandelier makes such a great addition to your outdoor room, how about some specifics.

The style of chandelier that you choose will be directly related to how you plan on using your space.  Like all accessories, you will get the most benefit if the type of lighting you choose matches your entertaining style.  These outdoor chandeliers we are speaking about are also available with shades, so you are not limited to the pendant drops and crystal styles.  Again, in all circumstances, remember to ensure that any outdoor light you choose is approved for outdoor use, has sealed electrical circuitry and is appropriately grounded.  You can get additional protection from having your switch in a rubberized ‘envelope’ with a heavier gauge outdoor cord.  These things should all come standard on any outdoor chandelier.

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Here you can see a combination of deck lights and string lights.

Now, we do realize that we are talking about a deck here, so using words like ‘performance’ might sound a bit over the top, but it is true.  Think about how your deck is working now.  If you don’t have caps on your posts, then the performance of your wood is suffering.  Sure, that cedar or redwood can last for many seasons.  In fact, it will weather quite beautifully, even with the proper staining and sealing.

Think about how much better it will look and last with a deck light on the end of each post.  Combine this look with the right patio lights and your deck just became the envy of the neighborhood.  Outdoor lighting is so varied and such a valuable addition to any patio or deck.  Some types of lights provide just lighting for safety more or less.  Other types are for accent or ambient lighting.

A decorative patio light can make a great statement.  Put together various styles and you can create rooms or separate seating areas that the deck lighting delineates for you.  You can even use them on a ground level deck or patio space to create a type of ‘fence’ between your deck and the surrounding landscape or garden area.

The main thing to remember with lighting is that you want it to make your space more usable.  You don’t want it just to add brightness or harshness.  So, having control over these levels is an important factor to consider.  And, since lighting is such a special feature to any deck, you’ll have to add it into your budget to make sure that it isn’t a surprise at the end.

Deck Lighting – Costs and Considerations

Because the styles of deck lighting vary so much depending upon the type you choose, let’s discuss just one of the styles seen on many decks as an example.  These are the ones that cap the end of your posts.  At your local home improvement warehouses, similar lights will sell for anywhere between $40-60 USD each.  You can see how this will quickly add up if you have a large deck.  Also, if you are considering lighting, the best time to do the installation is when building.  Some styles can be added after the deck is completed, but others will look much more blended into your design if they can be planned for and ‘channeled’ into the deck structure itself.

There are also solar deck lighting options that should not be overlooked.  If you’ve read any of our other articles related to your garden or patio lighting needs, then you know we are big fans of solar here at Patio Covers Place.  Solar is not only a great choice for the environment, but it will cost you less over time to enjoy your deck and patio spaces.  Just some good ideas and food for thought in your quest for the perfect deck lights.

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