12 Ideas for Lighting Up Your Deck

When night falls, you'll need these deck lighting ideas to help create a great space to hang out and enjoy the stars.

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outdoor deck lighting
Irina Mos/Shutterstock

Deck Stair Lights

Lights on deck stairs give subtle illumination and make your deck safer after dark.

Psst! If you like this, you might also appreciate this flameless backyard torch that doubles as a Bluetooth speaker with lights.

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outdoor string lights on deck christmas lights
Sean Pavone/Shutterstock

String Deck Lighting

Who says LED Christmas lights are just for the holidays? Hanging deck lights or string lights of various colors can invoke a fun, festive atmosphere on your deck year-round.

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Under-Counter Deck Lighting

If you have an outdoor grilling or cooking area, consider putting lighting underneath your work spaces to help everyone see what they’re doing.

Photo: Courtesy of Accent Lighting

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Recessed deck Lighting
Epic StockMedia/Shutterstock

Recessed Deck Lighting

If your deck has some overhead protection, recessed deck lighting work well because they are protected from the elements and don’t require constant cleaning.

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Deck Post Cap Lights

Deck post cap lights work well in a deck space. Available in both LED and solar-powered varieties, deck cap lights are available at most home improvement stores or online.

Photo: Courtesy of The Decksperts

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In-Floor Lighting

There are a variety of low-voltage options when it comes to lighting your deck floor. Place lights in deck corners or near steps and seating for the perfect decking lights combination.

Photo: Courtesy of Samuel Nagle Landscaping Design Construction

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Under Rail Deck Lighting

Try using solar or LED-powered lights under the deck railing to create a soft glow.

Photo: Courtesy of Realtor.com

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Spotlights Over Deck

This covered deck area uses spotlights to help direct light where it is needed most. You want to see what you’re eating, right?

Photo: Courtesy of Britescape

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back porch with lighting fans
Greg Henry/Shutterstock

Under Deck Lighting

If your deck is technically a balcony, ceiling fans with lights are ideal. They look great, plus the air circulation and light make the area more functional. In addition, we love how this home also features a hang out space under the deck, which is perfect for under deck lighting. To inspire you, we’ve rounded up the most breathtaking outdoor lighting looks to take your backyard oasis to the next level.

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Hang Lights on a Pergola
Photographee.eu/Shutterstock

Hang Lights on a Pergola

If you have a pergola, you can install string lights or wired light fixtures in the rafters. These hanging deck lights accentuate the architectural elements of the structure.

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lanterns
S_Photo/Shutterstock

Lanterns

If you’re looking for a quick, inexpensive way to bring light to your deck space, try outdoor lanterns. Lanterns with battery-operated or solar bulbs (or candles!) are portable so you can put them where you need them most.

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Solar lights deck
tab62/Shutterstock

Strictly Solar Deck Lighting

Sometimes a well-placed solar light is all you need. Solar lights are easy on the wallet and can be placed on deck posts, walkways and even in planter boxes—no wiring required.

Rachel Brougham
Rachel Brougham spent years working in newsrooms, for television and newspapers, and has won several awards for her writing. In 2015, she left her full-time job as a newspaper editor to focus on freelance writing and editing. She has been a Family Handyman contributor since 2017.
In 2019, Rachel lived through a major remodeling project on her home, and she uses that experience to inform her Family Handyman content. She's also an avid gardener (both native plants and vegetables), enjoys keeping up with decor trends and spends a lot of time traveling, cooking and hanging out with her family and their giant dog.