Need ideas for deck lighting

[krunchykrome]

Our deck will be finished this week, maybe even this weekend. I need ideas for deck lighting. Im not sure if this exists, but I'd like solar power lights that can be installed on top of the posts, with on/off switches.

When I say post, I mean something like this.

Does anything like that exist. I want to avoid wires.

 

[iGas]

Solar lights aren't particularly attractive, and the output is abysmal.

 

[DrPizza]

Originally posted by: iGas

Solar lights aren't particularly attractive, and the output is abysmal.

I agree. They sound like a nice idea, but their faint blue light just doesn't really seem attractive. I haven't put lighting on a deck, but it seems that it would be very simple to inconspicuously hid the wiring under the deck.

 

[Squisher]

I've never had them work for more than a few months either. Maybe, if the solar array was off somewhere else and was 10 times the size they usually come with it might work, but then you'd be running wires anyway.


Low voltage lights (12v) are the way to go. Does it have to be on the posts?

EDIT: you know that hole they drilled in that pic doesn't need to be that big and you could always run the 12v wire up the side of the post in a channel or surface mounted with a cover.

12v landscape wiring is uber flexible. You could just lay it across the deck for everyone to trip on or little kids to chew on and it would be OK (although rewiring would be a bitch ).