When people think of decks, they often imagine summer afternoons, having barbecues and enjoying one another’s company while soaking up some rays. To get the most out of your deck, enjoy warm, summer nights out on the deck, another great experience that decks can offer. Something that not many people consider when it comes to using decks at night, however, is the source of lighting that is needed. Here are a few reasons to consider when choosing the right lighting for your deck.
The number one thing that needs to be considered is the safety of others. At night, it can often be difficult to see, especially if there is minimal or no lighting in your backyard. Because of this, it could be easy for someone to miss a step for example and fall. When considering lighting for safety, there are three things that you want to take into account: provide lighting so that someone doesn’t accidentally fall over a rail, lighting so that someone doesn’t fall down the stairs, and lighting so that people are able to see where they are going. The best lights to use for safety purposes are downward lights because these types of lights do not shine in someone’s eyes as they go up or down the stairs. Directional lights, that are along railings or postings for example is a good way to help lead people in the right direction. Another reason to use lighting for decks is for aesthetic purposes. Dim lights along your deck for example are an easy way to create a specific type of mood. More often than not, deck lighting is light enough to help you see another’s face but it not necessarily bright enough to read a newspaper at night for example. However, if you would like bright lights on your deck, this is an available option to make your deck an inviting space.