Lighting today's decks

tTl"t Mosr coMMoN deck lighting

I- mistakes are committed by those who think more is better.

The truth is outdoor lighting can be intrusive to guests and neighbors if not strategically located with form and function in mind. Too often, d-i-yers and even pros spend too much time, energy and money on lighting nearly every outdoor area, ranging from patios and furniture to fences and walks, without consideration of the ultimate goal: creating a comfortable, relaxed atmosphere that facilitates entertaining or quiet, soothing alone time.

Oftentimes, this includes an overabundance of lighting focused in a single area or quite simply pointed in one direction, up or down, resulting in effects that are either flat-out boring or impair the visibility of other spaces. For instance, lighting grouped too intensely together atop railings can cause a nagging glare, while detracting from the beauty of fountains, shrubbery, statues, swings or porches.

Outdoor lighting should always include a blend of techniques to ensure safety and ambiance. This includes a combination of downlights placed unobtrusively under decks and stairs, uplights used to wash the front of artistic elements, backlights that accent architectural structures, and hardscape lighting built into structures like retaining walls and fire pits to increase both the flair and purpose of outdoor living areas.

Also a consideration is local regulations. Although not stringently enforced as long as light exists from other sources, stair lighting should be a mandatory inclusion of all decking projects due to their ability to increase safety and eliminate the possibility of costly violations.

Now, the hard part. Although most people would agree on the benefits of outdoor lighting, many contractors and homeowners alike are still reluctant to include lighting in their building and renovation packages. Difficult, costly and bulky are just a few of the terms that are regularly used to describe its installation. Fortunately, these phrases represent the memory of systems past, as cutting, splicing and line voltage drops are no longer integral for weaving lighting into decking and the surrounding landscape.

Unlike many exterior lighting solutions that only focus on posts, modern systems have been specially designed to light outdoor rail systems with new connection technologies that simply plug together to ensure easy installations achieved in half the time of traditional outdoor lighting products.

Another benefit is that they work equally well with all forms of material, ranging from vinyl and aluminum to composite and wood railings, to create nearly invisible downlighting effects that can be extended to deck stairs, posts or other outdoor areas and structures. This is mainly due to the use of sleek 5mm LED light strips available in 4',6', 8' or even customizable sizes that can be neatly tucked under railings, deck boards, and stairs.

Furthermore, the newest forms of LED outdoor lighting offer many advantages in comparison to their counterparts, with cost savings rising to the top of the list. This is because the latest LEDs use approximately 807o less energy than incandescent bulbs and are rated for 12plus years of operation if used 24 hours a daylseven days a week. Since they can be operated with custom low-voltage DC transformers, line voltage drops are also no longer an issue, with up to 30 LEDs lit on a single string of lights with the same intensity. Other benefits include:

. Photocell technologies that sense ambient light and automatically turn lights on and off for both safety and security. while adding convenience and reliability

. Lighting designs that don't create heat, making them safer for pets and children, while attracting fewer insects . Dimmable systems that can be increased or lowered in intensity to accommodate mood and ambiance

Lastly, always work with proven manufacturers who will back your sales efforts with credible warranties and sales tools that include kits that builders can demonstrate or homeowners can sample on their own during evening hours. This is a sure way to create confidence in the latest LED outdoor lighting systems and turn customers into repeat clients.

- Scott Holland is president, c.e.o. and founder of i-lighting LLC, North East, Md. Contact him at (888) 305-4232 or via www.i - I i ght i n go n I i ne.com.

By Pete Ciaraldi,