Flip the switch: 5 places to install deck lighting for entertaining

Spring is well on its way, which means backyard barbecues aren't far off either. Don't get left in the dark: Assessing your deck or patio and identifying your outdoor lighting needs is the first step to creating a welcoming atmosphere.

Take a look around your outdoor space. Are there practical spots that need to be well-lit, like your grill and dining areas? How about lighting for safety, like stairs and garden pathways? Lastly, think about aesthetics. What mood do you want your lighting to create? Do you have attractive areas that you want to highlight like stone waterfalls, landscaping or archways? All are important things to consider in your outdoor lighting plan.

One of the primary ways people light their decks and patios is with lighting fixtures attached to their home's exterior. And we're not talking visually shocking flood lights. Wall lights, lanterns and sconces are the perfect place to start, not to mention a great way to set the lighting style you are trying to achieve for your deck, whether mid-century modern, European, baroque or something completely different.

These lights are crucial to making your deck safe as well as enjoyable. With well-lit stair risers, you can easily ascend and descend while carrying trays of cocktails or appetizers to your guests.

Attaching LED lights to the tops of your deck's post caps is a very popular way to add functional lighting to your outdoor space. Be sure to opt for LEDs with warmer color temperatures like soft white to give your yard a welcoming glow. When you check the back of the bulbs' packaging, you'll find the color temperature scale; keep in mind that the farther left on the scale your choice falls, the warmer the light it will emit.

Rope lighting is a great deck option because it's extremely versatile and weatherproof. Consisting of a flexible, solid plastic rod with a series of tiny bulbs embedded in it, rope lighting can be run under virtually any surface length on your deck and attached with rope clips or a plastic rope light track.

This method of lighting works because it subtly illuminates the boundaries of your space and keeps your guests aware of trip hazards like elevation changes.

The final and most fun step to planning your deck lighting is choosing the decorative lighting that will serve to enhance the mood of your gatherings. Whether you want to get crafty and make your own Mason jar pendant lights, add funky flair with colorful paper lanterns, or stick with more traditional LED string lights for a romantic ambience, it's completely up to you. The sky is the limit!

Sarah Kellner provides online advice for The Home Depot on everything DIY, including topics like backyard lighting and what types of light bulbs to use. Visit HomeDepot.com to find the LED lights and bulbs that Sarah talks about in this article.

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Flip the switch: 5 places to install deck lighting for entertaining