DIY Solar Deck Lighting

Jim Cox
by Jim Cox
2 Materials
$15
2 Hours
Easy

A quick way to add lighting to your deck (with no wiring!)

Solar Walkway Light

Tools and Materials

  • solar walkway lights
  • Dremel/electric grinder
  • wood screws
  • screwdriver (don't use an electric drill)


I got a load of these "At Home" (the store). I chose the stainless steel tops for the contrasting look during the day.

Remove Stake
Remove the Stake from the Bottom and Discard


I cut off the nipple that slides into the stake to lower the globe on the deck. It's not necessary but looks nicer. I used an electric grinder. You can use a Dremel too. You must cut square to the globe to get a nice vertical look when installed. You can clean up slight errors with sandpaper.


Many have suggested skipping this step by using larger 1/2" holes in the deck for the nipple, but I was after something with less damage should I ever want to remove them - or sell the house.

Attach to Your Deck with a Wood Screw


When attaching to your deck, pre-drill your hole and use a screwdriver, not a cordless drill - otherwise you'll break the globe. I use a #8 stainless wood screw 3/4" long

Reassemble the Light Module
Reassemble the Light Module


Remove the battery tab and assemble the light module on top of the globe

DIY Deck Lighting

Here's the light shining about dusk. The globe makes a nice pattern on the deck rail.

DIY Solar Deck Lighting

I put one light above each 4x4 on my deck

Angled cut at the base of the globe

If you're careful, you can cut the base of the globe tube at an angle for your stair rail

Suggested materials:
  • Walkway lights   (At Home)
  • 3/4" Stainless wood screw   (Lowes)
Frequently asked questions
Have a question about this project?
3 of 8 questions
  • Vrowland76 Vrowland76 on Aug 01, 2017

    What do you recommend for solar lights on a picket fence?

  • Billie Sue Wilson Billie Sue Wilson on Aug 02, 2017

    What is going on when solar lights light up during the day, but will not when it is dark out?

  • Stacie Bennett Stacie Bennett on Aug 03, 2017

    materials are just screws and lights. what is the cup you are putting them in?


Comments
Join the conversation
3 of 124 comments
  • Alayna Fisher Alayna Fisher on Jun 24, 2018

    Smart,efficient. Working on a solar powered chandelier myself. Wonderful concept and cost very little w huge payoff!!! Thanx pal

    • Jim Cox Jim Cox on Jun 25, 2018

      Thx for saying so. My time budget is often more limited than my funds, so I look for easy ideas that make a big difference quickly.

      Post a comment pic when you’re done 👍🏻😁

  • Car Rey Car Rey on Aug 16, 2018

    Awesome ! Excellent idea ! can't wait to try . thanks


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