As you plan your new backyard deck, remember to incorporate outdoor lighting. Several well placed backyard lights can help set the mood, enhance safety and focus attention on the new deck.

Backyard decks have become popular home improvement projects, as they create a scenic area for relaxing and entertaining. A deck also can become an extension of the indoor living space, as you blend style and finishes to coordinate the two spaces.

Add Furniture and Grill to Backyard Deck

Many decks are adorned with high quality furniture, an outdoor grill and perhaps a wine cooler. The backyard deck then becomes a perfect place for guest to wander to as the indoor party winds down. Decks also are being used almost year round, depending on climate and whether you add a fire pit or portable heater in the backyard.

Deck Lighting Enhances Mood

As the deck becomes an important focal point in your backyard, lighting naturally follows. Ask your contractor about using backyard and deck lighting to:

• Add mood lighting for parties and casual family gatherings
• Enhance deck safety by adding lights around stairs and doorways
• Focus attention upward at trees, shrubs and flower beds

Many Styles of Deck Lighting

Among the outdoor lighting styles to consider are:

• Coach lights - decorative backyard lights that work well for deck posts and nearby house walls
• Flood lights - can light up the backyard for viewing from the deck. Add them along the backyard or under the deck stairs as part of a home improvement project.
• Down lights - try mounting backyard lights along the deck railing to provide low level light for walking or illuminating the backyard
• Up lights - can shine up from the ground and highlight trees, shrubs and backyard flowerbeds.

Design Trends in Deck Lighting

Among the popular deck lighting designs are:

• Antique bronze finish - adds an upscale yet old fashioned look to the backyard
• Coach lights with round or square styles
• Finishes with a patina to mimic an aged deck light

About the Author
Allison E. Beatty is a syndicated real estate writer. She has written home improvement columns for 15 years. Her articles have appeared in numerous national newspapers and magazines, and on home improvement web sites.