Our decks and patios become a luxurious extension of our homes, often complete with in-demand outdoor amenities like pizza ovens, hot tubs and fire pits. While these amenities are the ingredients for creating an inviting outdoor space, deck lights are like the secret sauce. Strategically placed deck lights can transform any deck or patio into a cozy and functional outdoor living zone that is safe to navigate at any hour. To start, we suggest “layering” deck lights to create a balanced outdoor lighting scheme that avoids dark corners or overly bright areas. In doing so, you can create an open-air space that invites family and friends to stick around long after the sun sets.

Read along as we shed light on additional ways to use deck lights to create a cozy deck or patio.

Add post lights and stylish post caps

Illuminate high-traffic areas to increase visibility in the dark and prevent the risk of collisions near doors, stairs and outdoor furniture. Rather than installing an obnoxiously bright deck light that temporarily blinds anyone who looks at it, opt for the soft glow of vertical post lights that can be installed directly on the deck railing posts. These lighting fixtures feature a small, unobtrusive light casing that throws light on the ground. Here’s a tip: install post lights high up on the railing to illuminate a larger surface area or down low to restrict light to a concentrated area for cozy ambiance.

Pair vertical post lights with post cap lights to create a well-defined and stylish deck or patio perimeter. Either install the lighting accessory underneath the rim of a post cap or wrap it around the sides of the post cap. Consider integrating lit and non-lit post-caps interchangeably to customize the lighting scheme to suit your personal style or intended purpose for the outdoor space.

Use surface mount lights or universal lights

Add surface mount lights or universal lights to light up features of the deck or patio that you want to draw attention to. Think underneath the railing panel, keeping the fixture hidden out of sight while casting light on your updated railing or wood-emulating surface boards. This type of illumination is particularly useful on railings that run along the deck stairs, providing directional lighting that allows deck users to walk up and down the stairs safely. Go one step further and install a surface mount light or universal light directly on the deck stair treads.

Get creative with candles and string lights

Not all deck lights need to be permanent fixtures. Experts at Forbes Home agree that nothing creates a cozy, moody moment quite like candles do. Point noted! To adopt this easy look, place candles inside a variety of glass votives and stage them across the deck or patio area—place them at different heights to enhance their visual effect. For a fire-safe option, use a battery-powered candle instead.

Planning an outdoor gathering this fall? Wrap string lights around the deck railings to create an inviting glow around the open-air dining area. If there is a steel pergola overhead, adding fairy lights to the top rafters can simulate a starry night, adding to the magical ambiance.  

To design a cozy deck or patio of your own, Fortress Building Products offers a complete line of post caps, base covers and LED lighting accessories designed for easy integration with new or existing railing systems. For more deck lighting inspiration, follow us on Instagram at @fortressbldgproducts.