LED deck lights
LED DECK LIGHTS
Well-planned LED deck lights serve safety first: you can see every step, the edge of the deck and the way down to the yard. They also bring out the wood or composite and stretch summer evenings well past sunset. For a raised deck, LEDCO supplies waterproof #2000 puck lights for the risers, IP66 outdoor strip for the handrail, flex neon, step lights and waterproof power supplies, along with the wire and connectors to finish the job.
LED deck lights: the five spots that matter
A deck is not lit like a ceiling: the light comes from below and from the sides, where people walk. The spots that deliver the most:
- The risers: one puck in the centre, or two, guides your feet without glare.
- The handrail: a strip or flex neon traces the perimeter of the deck.
- The posts: a puck recessed into the face lights the deck boards around it.
- The foot of the stairs: a step light marks where you reach the ground.
- The path to the deck: LUNA or SCOOP landscape fixtures mark the way.
Waterproof #2000 puck lights in the risers
Outdoors, the puck light has to be waterproof: the #2000 family of our decorative LED puck lights is the one that goes on a deck, usually in the riser. It comes as the round #2000 puck light, square and louver, and in directional 1-side, 2-side and #2000 SCOOP versions that throw the light down onto the step. Recessed into pressure-treated wood, composite or concrete, these recessed deck lights guide people step by step without glare, in 3000K or 4000K depending on the mood you want.
A word on indoor puck lights: the low-profile #600R puck light and #600S puck light are designed for indoor stairs and do not go outside. On the deck, stay with the #2000 family.
Step lights with a motion sensor
For the foot of a staircase or a single step, the 3W LED stair light with motion detector turns on when someone approaches, then switches itself off: handy for a backyard exit you only use now and then. The 2.5W LED stair light, without a sensor, suits steps you want lit all evening.
IP66 outdoor LED strip under the handrail
An LED strip mounted under the handrail or the bottom rail of the railing creates a continuous line around the deck: you can see the edge of the deck from the yard, and people follow the perimeter. It is often the centrepiece of deck lighting. For deck LED strip lighting, the strip must be waterproof, like the 9.6W/m IP66 outdoor LED strip.
Housed in an aluminum profile, the strip is protected from snow shovels, chair legs and direct rain, and its light becomes an even line. The custom LED designer cuts the profile and strip to the length of each railing section. Choose 3000K warm white for a welcoming evening, or RGB to change colours for special occasions.
Flex neon under the railing: a line that follows the curves
Where the railing turns or follows a curve, LED flex neon replaces the rigid profile: it bends and gives a continuous line of light with no visible dots. The 18x16mm wall washer flex neon, which bends in two directions, can also wash the deck skirt or the foundation wall with light. Before installing any flex neon outdoors, check its protection rating on the spec sheet.
Puck lights recessed into 4x4 or 6x6 posts
A #2000 puck recessed into the face of a deck post or a pergola column creates a point of light that marks the edges of the deck. Aimed downward, like the 1-side version, it lights the boards around it without dazzling seated guests. It goes into a cutout in the 4x4 or 6x6 post, with exterior sealant around it to keep water out.
Waterproof power supply and connections under the deck
Puck lights and strip run on low voltage, so they need a power supply, rated IP67 if it stays outdoors, hidden in a waterproof enclosure under the deck or installed inside the house. Our 12V and 24V LED power supplies are chosen according to the total load of the circuit. To finish cleanly, the IP68 outdoor junction box, silicone-filled marettes and 18/2 outdoor wire make connections that stand up to rain and frost.
Technical tips for LED deck lighting
Outdoors, waterproof gear only. #2000 puck lights, IP66 strip, IP67 power supply: an indoor product has no place on a deck.
Same layout on every step. One puck in the centre or two per step is a matter of taste; what stands out is one step that differs from the rest.
Seal every cutout. A bead of exterior sealant around the puck light keeps water from seeping into the wood.
Add up the watts before buying. The strip and puck lights on one circuit add up; the power supply is chosen above that total, never right at it.
To plan your outdoor LED deck lights, contact LEDCO with the length of the railing, the number of steps and the deck material: we will help you choose the puck lights, strip and power supply.
LED Deck Lights FAQ
What are the best LED deck lights?
The ones made for outdoors: waterproof #2000 puck lights in the risers, IP66 outdoor strip in a profile under the handrail and an IP67 power supply. Add a step light with a motion sensor at the foot of the stairs, and your deck lighting covers both safety and ambiance.
Are solar deck lights a good option?
For a corner far from any wiring, yes: the 15 and 19-inch TULUM solar fixtures mark an edge or a path without trenching. For the steps and the railing, a low-voltage circuit connected to a power supply gives more consistent light from one evening to the next.
Can I use indoor puck lights in outdoor steps?
No. The #600R and #600S are indoor puck lights; outdoors, the puck must be waterproof. The #2000 family, round, square, louver, directional or SCOOP, is the one that goes on a deck.
Where should the deck power supply go?
In a waterproof enclosure under the deck or inside the house, sheltered from direct rain and snow. If it stays outdoors, choose an IP67 model, and plan an IP68 junction box for every outdoor connection.
What colour temperature for deck steps?
3000K gives a warm light that suits wood; 4000K, more neutral, makes the steps crisper at night. On the same deck, keep the same temperature for the puck lights and the strip, or the difference shows right away.
