Wednesday, July 6, 2005

Enhance your deck with lighting

As spring rolls in and summer is not far behind, homeowners find themselves on their decks so often, it becomes like an outdoor living room. According to a local decking expert, adding lights to your deck has become a popular option for homeowners looking to improve safety, enhance the look and extend the use of the deck well into the night.

“Lights on and around your deck are an excellent, cost effective way to improve security around your home, prevent mishaps and extend the usage and value of this important gathering place,” said Donnie Miller, owner of Archadeck of South Atlanta, the country’s leading deck specialists.

The key decisions on lighting are based on how the deck is used and what types of lights - line voltage, low voltage, solar - the homeowner wants.

“We work with our customers to plan how the deck will be used first and then determine where the lighting should go,” Miller said. “Lighting can be broken down into three groups: task, ambience and safety.”

Task lighting around grill areas should be strong enough to provide ample light and usually requires a line voltage light. Stairs and elevation changes can benefit from low-voltage lighting that simply illuminates areas where there is potential for a fall. Solar products can be used effectively to create mood lighting on post caps and railings.

Archadeck also helps clients install lighting around the deck to enhance landscaping, trees or water features.

“A well-designed lighting plan can really boost curb appeal and greatly increase the enjoyment of your deck,” Miller said.

Adding lights to your deck is not a budget buster. A typical lighting plan can add between five and 15 percent depending on type and amount of lights. Archadeck recommends against using inexpensive fixtures because they will end up costing you in the long run.

“We install high quality fixtures that are made of durable materials that look better and last longer,” Miller said.

Miller offered these tips for making your “outdoor living room” the place everyone wants to be.

Stairs and railings. Lighting kits for your stairs and railings not only create dramatic looks but also reduce the possibility of falls and accidents.

Step Lights. These are mounted flush with the decking and can be placed to accentuate the use of space, enhance the shape, or for traffic flow.

Landscape lighting. Strategically placed spotlights at the base of trees or around the perimeter of a deck can help to create an outdoor theater effect.

Sensors. When installed, sensors not only help conserve energy, but can act as a deterrent to unwanted visitors.

The variety of deck lights is as endless as the designs that Archadeck has created and installed, Miller said. A consultation with a professional can help you narrow down your choices.

For more information, contact Donnie Miller at 770-719-0083 or log on to www.archadeck.com.