Deck Step Lighting - Made Easy With Outdoor Solar Lights

Recent changes to construction code requires the illumination of deck steps. This is a challenge for contractors and homeowners that are installing a new deck.

What once was strictly a carpenter's affair now requires wiring, electrical connections prone to failure, expensive transformers perhaps even an electrician and local building permit. Wires and transformers and permits Oh My!

All exterior stairways shall be provided with a light source located near the top landing of the stairway. IRC 303.6

For the contractor the issues include a longer project timeline. Worse they now run the risk of increased "call backs". Wired lights are prone to failure when electrical connections corrode. Low voltage systems are also notorious for transformer failures. Worried about not receiving that last payment from the homeowner, the contractor now has to worry about product failure. Product failure was never a concern for the deck contractor when the project used to be comprised of just wood and fasteners - no more.

For the homeowner, wired deck lights add to the cost of a deck installation (whether they know it or whether the cost is hidden in the total project cost). The wired lighting systems have multiple failure points i.e. connections, bulbs and transformers. Many systems also require a manual process to "switch on" / "switch off". Ever forget to turn lights off in a room? Trust me, you will forget to turn your deck lights on too.

The easy solution for both contractors and homeowners is Solar Deck Lights - here's why.

Easy Installation

Some of the solar lights can be installed by simply drilling a hole with a spade drill and inserting the light. That's it done. The solar light is fully contained and encapsulated. Nothing to wire - no wires!

No Wires

The inherent design of solar lights makes them fully independent. The best lights are fully encapsulated and waterproof (look for IP67 or better). Not only does the lack of wires improve installation but you've also eliminated a major failure point.

Auto ON Auto Off

Solar lights store energy during the day and light up at night. Their internal circuitry constantly monitors the amount of lumens or sunlight that hits the solar cell on top of the light. When the sun goes down the light goes on. There it is! You never have to remember to turn "those deck lights" on or get up late at night to turn them off.

Long Life

Solar lights utilize LED lights which last well over 25,000 years. In fact they last so long that deck light manufactures make no provisions to allow the consumer to change them. If they essentially never burn out why take unnecessary design steps to allow for their replacement - or so the thinking goes.

Beautiful Ambient Light

The best part! Sit back and enjoy the glow.

http://twitter.com/#!/Embego
http://embego.com/

Outdoor Deck Lighting Ideas To Choose From

A deck isn't complete until you add some outdoor deck lighting to it. There are a lot of different choices out there that you can decide on, some are electric others include solar, depending on your yard and how much direct sunlight you get will determine what you need. This article will help you find best things that you can do is extend your home to the outdoors and make it a comfortable and relaxing place to be.

Start Off With Post Lighting.

Post lighting comes in many styles; some include the lamp post while others are just caps or base lights. When installing your outdoor deck lighting and you decide to use a full lamp post you will have the option to bolt them to the floor of the deck or you can space them evenly on the walkways by securing them in the ground.

For on the deck often the best is to use the railing posts to attach post cap lighting. You have many styles to choose from. Some of the choices come in a wood grain that matches your deck, or you can choose whatever you like best like a brass or burnished copper or brass look. Base lights are best placed at the base of a deck post or even on the stairs. This type of outdoor lighting is most often better suited for a softer lower light requirement.

Another Option is String Lights.

This type of lighting is more often used at Christmas time, but can be used for any occasion. They work great as an accent light by attaching them overhead or on the railing with a heavy staple. Most of this type of lighting can be purchased as a LED which uses very little electricity and will last for a very long time. When installing your strings be creative and use your imagination. With this lighting you can easily create an effect that is both appealing and practical at the same time.

Scones Light Fixtures

Scones look great and are one of the best outdoor deck lighting fixture choices for the average home. They work really good to add a little extra light to your outdoor space. In most cases you'll find that this type of lighting works best as an overhead wall mounted light for use when entertaining your guests at night. There are many styles to choose from the trick is to find the lighting fixtures that best suits your style of home.

Jo's site is loaded with articles and deals to help choose outdoor deck lighting fixtures that will make your home the perfect place to be.