Inexpensive outdoor solar stake light hack for adding light to deck steps or all around the outside of a deck. No electrical skills needed.
I can’t take credit for this clever outdoor deck lighting idea. It was in place when we bought the lake house.
Outdoor Deck Lighting Trick:
supplies needed:
To light up the edges along the deck steps or even all around a deck, all I had to do was add a few new solar path lights along the outer edge of the steps going down to the yard.
It was easy to do…
…with two-hole strap U brackets that you can buy at the hardware store. The brackets come in different sizes, so get the size you need for your light stake size.
You simply attach a bracket to the side of each step with two screws using a screwdriver.
Then place the light right in.
I used 4 copper solar path lights along the steps. Two at the top and two at the bottom.
On the steps in-between, I used smaller and less decorative path lights that are not as bright, but that add enough light to see each step at night when going down to the yard and lake.
At night the solar lights go on so there is just enough light to safely get up and down the steps. The lights also add a nice ambiance.
The house came with all the planters filled with pansies and other perennials.
I added a copper solar path light to the center of each to add some soft lighting to the deck at night.
The lights comes with stakes that make them easy to move anywhere you want. They do require 2 – AA batteries and need to have a few hours of sun each day so they will light up at night.
Emma Wilson says
Your outdoor deck is so lovely, it looks like a cozy place to bathe in the afternoon light. Lighting it at night looks even better, I wish there was an image of it when the lights were on.
Diane Henkler says
Hi Emma – I have tried to get a good photo at night, but they all come out dark and grainy. I will keep tying.
Barbara H. says
I thought this was such a clever idea to add the solar lights to wooden steps that I tried it myself and it worked like a charm! Thank you so much for the directions and pictures. I can now safely go up and down the steps that lead from my side patio up to the side yard.
Mira says
You mentioned 2 double A batteries. I can’t find the lights you have that have double AA batteries. Help please. I’ve had to invest in solar batteries and don’t want to do that again. They didn’t last at all.
Diane Henkler says
Hi Mira – The lights I have are discontinued, but you can find AA battery powered lights at Home Depot. Check these out: https://bit.ly/3eifD0g I have these. They require one AA battery after the one they come with wears out. There are many others too. Just look in the lights description online to see if it says battery powered. Also if you are out shopping and see lights, take the top off and look underneath to see if there is a battery slot. If ou see one then you know you will be able to use AA batteries.
If you want copper, I think are these on Wayfair have batteries: https://bit.ly/2AXuY84 In the listing on Wayfair, there is contact info for the company to ask questions before buying. You may want to ask them if they are AA batteries.
I hope this helps you find a light that has the style you want and AA battery powered.
Holly says
Such a beautiful deck & love the planter baskets!
Teri says
I want to see all these lights at night!
Diane Henkler says
Hi Teri – I will try to get a photo of the lights at night. I only have them on the steps now as I removed quite a few of the planters from the deck since I wrote the post a few years ago.
James says
I really like these deck chairs, they are incredibly versatile with most outdoor areas and are surprisingly long lasting, I’ve got these same chairs in my backyard, with a throw pillow it’s perfect for summer.
Landscaping Gold Coast says
I definitely enjoying every little bit of it I have you bookmarked to check out new stuff you post nice post, thanks for sharing.
Rebekah Edgar says
Hi Diane,
I love your DIY ideas! I have a question for you: Have you ever painted outdoor furniture cushions before? And how did they turn out? Would just spraying on a clear coat of sun protection make them darker (revive the faded look)? I want to redo mine, but I want to make sure that the spray would not rub off on clothing in the heat and humidity of summer outdoors, and I don’t want to ruin the water repellant feature of the original cushions.
Thanks for getting back to me when you have a chance!
Becky Edgar
Diane Henkler says
Hi Rebekah –
I have only painted indoor cushions that did not have water repellant on them. I think once you would spray of add anything over the original protection would remove that quality from the cushions. If you really want to paint them, you could add a product made by Rustoleum after you painted them to add back the water repellant quality. It is called: NeverWet and can be bought at any home improvement store or online.
Lisa says
What a lovely and colorful space you created!
Vicki says
Everything is looking so lovely at your lake home. There’s absolutely nothing more calming than living beside water. So glad you’re here!
Diane Henkler says
Hi Vicki – I agree with you that there is nothing more calming than living besides water. I am a water loving girl and born under the sign of water, Cancer. I feel my best when around it.
Denise McDonald says
What a beautiful outdoor space! Your blog post came just at the right time – we are researching outdoor furniture and I think these swivel chairs will be the perfect choice on our deck too : )
[email protected] says
Your house is such a resort space. Love the furniture, it’s perfect.
Darren Phillips says
I love the idea of creating an outdoor living room, some great decorating ideas here Diane :)
Patricia Wilson says
Diane, I loved your posts before you and Ed moved into your new lake house; now I almost literally swoon with each of your new posts. We live literally five minutes’ walk from beautiful Columbia Lake here in Connecticut, but still not the same as living on the lake itself. I’m so happy for the both of you and look forward to each and every one of your posts regardless of topic, as I always have before, yet especially the ones emanating from your new life in your lake house.
kat says
Just beautiful! Those solar lights are so wonderful.
i can’t even imagine what it was like when the only way to get lights was to wire everything in.
Ann says
I have been on the hunt for exactly those outside swivel chairs. Than you for the resource.
Sheryll $ Critters. says
Everything is so fabulous. I am longing to copy every detail
P says
Just wanted to say that I’m glad the blue trim on the house grew on you — I really like it. And the idea of solar lights on deck steps is very helpful! You’re doing a wonderful job — thanks for sharing.
Khadija says
It all looks so lovely. Show us a photo of your lights at night please!
Christine says
gorgeous outdoor living space and I really dog those new chairs as well!
Debbie White says
I always come away with great ideas from your posts, and even though I don’t comment very often I always enjoy reading them and seeing what you do. We are in a similar stage of life and just bought a house on the outer banks of North Carolina where we have a glimpse of the ocean and I can walk the beach every day. I love what you’re doing with your new home and can’t wait to see what you do next. Thanks for sharing!
Lauren @ Mom Home Guide says
Your lake house looks wonderful! I love your new furniture, and the tree stump side table! That was nice of the previous owner to leave you those beautiful planters of pansies!
Alexis says
Love the chairs and loungers, and the wood stump on wheels for a side table is brilliant! Your ideas are so inspiring! When can we book a room for the weekend? (Just kidding) Enjoy the summer.
Patricia says
Love it!
Carla says
Everything is lovely Diane. Living on the lake must be wonderful!
Diane Henkler says
Thanks Carla – Living on the lake is more than I could have ever hoped for. I still can’t believe we were able to make it happen. It is true that determination can get you where you want in life, even when life gives you lemons like unemployment that happened to my husband. :-)
Cheryl Cope says
Looks great Diane. Enjoy your first Summer at the lake house!
Diane Henkler says
Thanks Cheryl – It is off to a good start so far. I hope your summer is enjoyable for you, too. :-)
Elaine Williams in Baltimore says
Just beautiful Diane!
Diane Henkler says
Hi Elaine – Thanks. I am so excited to be able to have a space like this. My previous house had a deck, but it was in full sun all day which made it too hot to sit. We could only use it at night. I am looking forward to spending many hours outside all day long now. :-)
Toni C says
Love what you’ve done with your outdoor living space, Diane! I’ve been looking for an easy way to do outdoor lighting around the pool area and those copper lights seem like they would work well. Are you happy with the amount of light they provide? Also, what are the small lights you used on the steps?
Diane Henkler says
Hi Toni – :-) The small lights are inexpensive LED lights I found at Walmart in the garden section.