Does your deck lack the ambiance and functionality to fully enjoy it after dark? Many homeowners find themselves frustrated when their deck space is poorly lit, making it difficult to entertain, relax, or navigate safely at night. Without proper lighting, your outdoor space can feel incomplete, and you miss out on maximizing its full potential.
We know the value of balancing aesthetics with functionality, and we’re here to help you achieve both with expert lighting solutions. At Custom Built Design & Remodeling, we understand how important it is to create a beautiful, practical, and inviting deck, no matter the time of day. With 15+ years of experience in deck design and installation, we’ve seen firsthand how Trex lighting can transform a standard deck into a beautifully illuminated space perfect for evening gatherings or quiet nights outdoors.
In this article, you’ll learn how to enhance your deck with various Trex lighting options, from post cap lights to stair riser lights:
- Deck Rail Lights
- Post Cap Lights
- Solar Post Cap Lights
- Wedge Deck Rail Lights
- Stair Riser Lights
- Recessed Deck Lights
- Trex RainEscape Soffit Lights
1. Deck Rail Lights
An elegant option for illuminating your deck is the Deck Rail Light, which provides subtle, indirect lighting. These lights are installed directly on the rail post, casting a soft glow onto the deck surface below.
Unlike brighter overhead lights, deck rail lights are designed to enhance the beauty of your deck without overwhelming the space. They’re perfect for creating a warm, inviting atmosphere that lets you enjoy your outdoor area long after sunset.
The deck rail lights focus on illuminating the deck's surface, making them ideal for safety in high-traffic areas or along pathways. They provide enough light to guide you around your deck but don’t shine directly into your eyes, ensuring a comfortable ambiance for everyone.
Whether you’re relaxing on your deck in the evening or entertaining guests, these lights add both functionality and style to your space.
2. Post Cap Lights
One of the most popular options for deck lighting is the Post Cap Light, which adds a soft glow around each post. It sets a relaxing tone, providing ambiance without being overpowering. These lights aren’t designed to flood your deck with brightness but rather to create an enjoyable, mellow atmosphere.
The great thing about post cap lights is that they’re customizable. You can install them on every post for a uniform look or just light up the corners and high-traffic areas, such as the dining or lounge spaces.
For stairways, adding a few well-placed lights ensures safety and visibility without needing to illuminate every single post. These lights are also dimmable, allowing you to adjust the brightness to match the mood.
3. Solar Post Cap Lights
For those looking for an eco-friendly option, Trex’s Solar Post Cap Lights are a newer addition to their lighting lineup. While solar lights aren’t new to the market, Trex has taken the time to design a solar light that meets their high standards for quality and durability.
Solar lighting can be a great option for homeowners who want to reduce energy usage while still enhancing their deck’s appearance. With the right placement, these lights can give your deck a modern look while also saving you money on energy costs over time. It is worth noting that Trex uses 75% less energy for all its lighting products via LEDs from CREE.
4. Wedge Deck Rail Lights
If you prefer to keep your lighting subtle and focused, Wedge Deck Rail Lights might be the solution. Installed just above the deck surface, these lights shine downward, illuminating the deck without glaring into your eyes. They are perfect for lighting up walking areas, stairways, or even around seating areas where you want enough light to see but not enough to disrupt the ambiance.
Like the post cap lights, wedge deck rail lights are dimmable, so you can set them to your preferred brightness. They’re especially handy in areas where foot traffic is high, like near steps or entrances, ensuring that everyone can move around safely after dark.
5. Stair Riser Lights
Stairways are one of the most important areas to light for both safety and aesthetics, and Trex’s Stair Riser Lights do the job beautifully. Installed in the stair riser—the vertical section above each tread—these lights brighten the steps without being too harsh. You can use one or two lights per riser, or even place them on alternating steps for a unique effect.
For stair riser lights, dimmability is key. At full brightness, these lights can be quite powerful, so having the option to adjust them lets you find the perfect balance between visibility and ambiance. Plus, lighting your stairs ensures that guests can safely move around your deck, especially in the evening.
6. Recessed Deck Lights
If you have a ground-level deck, consider Recessed Deck Lights to outline the perimeter. These lights are embedded into the deck surface, creating a sleek, modern look while also making sure no one accidentally steps off the edge. In many cases, handrails aren’t required for ground-level decks, so recessed lighting can help define the space without blocking sightlines.
These lights are perfect for evening gatherings, adding a touch of safety while also enhancing the overall aesthetic. Plus, they look impressive from a distance, creating a well-lit, welcoming space that’s visible from neighboring yards.
7. Trex RainEscape Soffit Lights
For those with a two-story deck or covered patio area, Trex RainEscape Soffit Lights are a fantastic way to brighten the space below. The Trex RainEscape system creates a waterproof ceiling beneath your deck, allowing you to use the space year-round without worrying about water damage. With soffit lighting, you can install slim, recessed LED lights that provide ample illumination without being intrusive.
This lighting solution is ideal for outdoor entertaining, whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply relaxing in a weatherproof, well-lit space. With the RainEscape system, you don’t have to worry about electrical issues, and Trex’s innovations in lighting continue to offer new ways to enhance your deck.
4 Ways to Customize Your Trex Deck Lighting
Customizing your Trex deck lighting allows you to create the perfect atmosphere while maintaining safety and functionality. Here are a few ways you can personalize your lighting setup:
1. Mix and Match Light Types
You don't have to stick to one lighting style. Combine post cap lights to give a soft glow around your deck’s perimeter with stair riser lights to illuminate steps safely. For extra beauty and functionality, add deck rail lights to brighten your main walkways.
2. Strategic Light Placement
Depending on your preferences, you can place lights in key areas without overloading your deck. Light up the corners, highlight stairs, or focus on seating and dining areas. Wedge deck rail lights work particularly well in high-traffic zones like stair entrances, giving you the option to brighten essential spots while keeping the overall look clean and elegant.
3. Adjustable Light Intensity
With dimmable Trex lights, you can easily adjust the brightness to suit your mood. Lower the intensity for a relaxed ambiance when entertaining guests, or increase it for safety during evening activities. This flexibility ensures your deck lighting always matches your needs.
4. Add Timers or Motion Sensors
Another way to customize your deck lighting is by incorporating timers or motion sensors. You can set your lights to automatically turn on at dusk, or use motion-activated lights to enhance security and convenience. This feature is perfect for entryways, stairs, or areas where you want lighting only when needed.
By customizing your Trex deck lighting with thoughtful choices in light types, placement, and features like dimmers and timers, you can create a welcoming and functional outdoor environment tailored to your needs.
Next Steps to Installing Trex Deck Lighting for Your Outdoor Living Space
If your deck feels incomplete after dark, or you're struggling with poor visibility and lack of ambiance, it’s time to consider the impact of well-designed deck lighting. Without the proper illumination, you risk missing out on thoroughly enjoying your outdoor space during the evenings.
By exploring Trex’s wide range of lighting options, you can transform your deck into a stunning, functional area with the right mix of ambiance and safety. Whether you’re looking to light up your stairs, railings, or entire deck perimeter, Trex lighting offers durable, stylish, and customizable solutions to fit your space.
At Custom Built Design & Remodeling, we understand how important it is to bring your outdoor living vision to life. With 15+ years of experience in designing and building decks, we know how to make the most of Trex lighting to create the perfect evening atmosphere for entertaining, relaxing, or simply enjoying your outdoor space safely.
Ready to enhance your deck with Trex lighting? Contact our team of design and remodeling professionals today to discuss how we can bring your deck lighting project to life. Explore the range of Trex lighting options to see which suits your needs best:
Now that you know more about Trex’s lighting options, let’s explore how much lighting and composite decks cost and Trex’s high-quality composite lines:
- How Much Does Deck Lighting Cost in Michigan? - Discover how much Trex and other deck lighting options cost and what affects the estimate.
- How Much Do Composite Decks Cost in Lansing, Michigan? - An overview of how much your Lansing composite deck will cost and the factors that will influence your price.
- Comparing Trex Lineage, Transcend, Select, and Enhance Composite Decking Lines - Explore our thorough comparison of Trex’s most common composite decking options, including cost, colors, and benefits.
