How to Wire Deck Lighting
Adding lighting to your deck gives it a touch of class and is both aesthetically pleasing and functional when it comes to entertaining your outdoor guests. Installation is quite easy and can be done by the average homeowner without the need for an electrician.
- Draw a sketch for your lighting. Create an idea on paper for your lighting and then figure out your design. First decide how many lights you want to have, and then figure out where you want them to be placed.
- Purchase your lights. You can buy these kits at your local home improvement store as they have a large variety. The kit will contain everything you need including the lights, covers, wires, bulbs and transformer. Make sure that the amount of lights contained in the kit fits the number that you planned out in your design. If not, then you can purchase extra lights separately.
- Drill holes in your deck. Designate the holes to match the sketch layout you designed. Make the holes about 3 inches, but be sure not to drill all the way through the wood.
- Feed the wires through the holes. Mount the base for the lights with the screws that came in the kit. Insert the bulb and trim plates.
- Put your lights in. To make sure that you do not exceed the wattage of the transformer, add up the total number of your lights and multiply that number by the wattage amount. If this number goes over the wattage amount, then you will need to install another transformer to accommodate the overage.