How to Light Your Deck and Patio for Maximum Fall Vibes

Alexandra Wilson
Jun 23
3 min read

The Informative, Stylish Guide to Making Your Outdoor Space Shine After Sundown.

When the sun starts setting earlier and the nights get a little crisper, lighting becomes more than a detail—it becomes the difference between using your outdoor space and wishing you could.

At Iron Ridge, we believe a well-lit space isn’t about showing off. It’s about comfort, safety, and atmosphere—done right.

Whether you're hosting neighbors for a firepit night, grilling dinner under the pergola, or just stepping outside for five minutes of quiet, the right lighting can extend your season, set the mood, and make your space feel like home.

Let’s break it down.

Why Outdoor Lighting Matters More in the Fall

In spring and summer, you can count on daylight. In fall? Not so much.

But here’s the thing: Fall is the best time to use your deck and patio. The bugs are mostly gone. The air is fresh. The evenings practically beg for flannel blankets, warm drinks, and good conversation.

Lighting makes that possible—and safe—without harsh overhead floodlights or porch bulbs that kill the mood.

Like most things in construction, there’s more than one way to do it. But when it comes to lighting? It's all about layering.

1. Step Lights: Safety Meets Subtlety

Let’s start with the obvious: You need to see where you’re going.

Step lights are built right into your stairs or risers. They cast just enough glow to guide your way without making your deck look like a runway.

✔ Ideal for decks with multiple levels or wide stairs

✔ Comes in finishes that blend with your trim or decking

✔ Long-lasting, low-voltage or solar options available

Iron Ridge Tip: We wire these during the build phase so it looks seamless—not like an afterthought.

2. String Lights: The Fall Classic

You can’t beat the ambiance of a string of warm café lights above your patio. There’s a reason every cozy backyard you’ve pinned on Pinterest has them—they work.

✔ Easy to hang across pergolas or between trees

✔ Budget-friendly and big on charm

✔ Dimmable options for added control

Pro Move: We recommend commercial-grade LED string lights—they’ll last longer, withstand the weather, and won’t flicker or sag like the cheap ones.

3. In-Deck Lights: Built-In Brilliance

These are flush-mounted into the decking itself—think of them like recessed floor lighting. They’re subtle, but when you see them glow beneath your feet, they feel elevated. Literally.

✔ Great around the perimeter of your deck or stair landings

✔ Creates a “glow from within” vibe without being overbearing

✔ Durable enough to walk on

These pair beautifully with composite decking and let your craftsmanship speak for itself.

4. Wall Sconces & Lanterns: Old-School Style with New-Tech Ease

If your deck connects to your home or has vertical surfaces like posts or outdoor kitchens, sconces and mounted lanterns add a dose of tailored style. And with today’s fixtures, you don’t have to sacrifice weather resistance for looks.

✔ Choose between rustic iron, matte black, or antique brass

✔ Add timers or dusk-to-dawn features for effortless use

✔ Use warm Edison-style LED bulbs to complete the look

These are your “mood setters”—not the brightest, but they tie everything together like a good pair of boots.

How We Handle It at Iron Ridge

We don’t just add lights. We design for them from the start.

When you work with us, lighting is part of your deck and patio design conversation. That means:

Wiring is hidden
Placement is purposeful
Fixtures are chosen to match your style, not fight with it

Our job is to make it feel like your backyard was always meant to look this good at night.

Cost Considerations

Step or in-deck lights: $100–$300 each (installed, depending on wiring)
String lights: $200–$500 for high-quality setups
Wall sconces: $250–$600 each with wiring
Full lighting packages: Most clients spend $2,000–$4,000 as part of a new build or refresh

Final Word (from the Ridge)

Lighting is like good music. When it’s done right, you don’t notice it—it just feels right. It turns a simple deck into a cozy gathering space. It makes a patio feel like a destination. It says, “Stay a little longer.”

And for us? That’s the goal. To build spaces you’ll use, love, and linger in—even after the sun goes down.

Want to talk lighting options for your deck or patio? Let’s get you on the calendar before the nights get shorter—and your backyard goes dark.