The Well-Lit Deck

[Photo: Peabody Landscape Group]

You're all decked out, but staying home instead. You want to to enjoy your deck in a new and pleasing way: well-lit by quality outdoor illumination well after sundown.

Deck and outdoor lighting come in many options. Being "well-lit" doesn't mean flood lights and chandeliers and torchieres that are painful to look upon. Perish the thought of yellow bug bulbs or the blue bug zappers.

Subtle is better than too bright

Instead, quality illumination is achieved by being subtle, says senior landscape lighting designer, Jason Bornhorst. He's been planning outdoor lighting for Peabody Landscape Group in Columbus, Ohio, for more than two decades. Bornhorst says people should be "walking through pools of ambient light on decks, porches, and walkways." He likened the desired effect to a candlelight conversation.

Bornhorst recommends that as a gauge, you should be able to see the faces of those you converse with, but light levels beyond that could be too bright. Being subtle, too, will help stave off complaints from neighbors who may see your light piercing their windows and outdoor living spaces.

Avoid 'runway effect'

Bornhorst has a few other suggestions: one is to "avoid the runway effect." He says it's a common mistake that do-it-yourselfers think that every square inch of walking space should be covered in light. "From a distance, it makes walkways, stairs and even driveways look like an airport runway." To the contrary, he recommends asymmetric placement of soft lights over paths.

For decks and porches, "downlighting is best," says Bornhorst. "You want soft lights cast downward against a wall or deck surface. You want just enough light to see your friends and family in conversation."

For a dramatic effect and useful illumination, Barnhorst says do-it-yourselfers should remember to light the house —that is, illuminate the architecture. "Most people light landscape plants, but forget to light the house," says Bornhorst. "Lighting a home's exterior adds texture and silhouettes and interest in the architecture." Those well-placed lights also have utility in the outdoor space you occupy.

The lighting designer encourages folks to do the research. "There are many quality products out there in warm light and cool light that have their specific applications. Working with a pro will help you understand the differences and uses around your home."

New LED technology

Lastly, Bornhorst recommends new LED technology over halogen and incandescent lighting. "It's cost-effective," he says. "LEDs are long-lived and use less energy."

Landscaping lighting is affordable and the net return is great when you consider the greater livability of your outdoor living space. You can extend your living space outward, and later into the night.