At DaVinci Lighting, safety is always our top priority when designing outdoor landscape lighting systems.
One of the most overlooked yet critical areas is the steps leading from a deck to a yard. These transitions can be especially hazardous at night—particularly for guests unfamiliar with the layout of your property.
While some deck builders may offer lighting add-ons during installation, these are often an afterthought—typically small, upward-facing lights embedded in the steps themselves. This approach presents two major problems:
They don’t adequately light the step treads because the light is directed straight up rather than across the walking surface.
They shine directly into your eyes, making it harder—not easier—to see where you’re going.
This is one of the least effective and most unsafe ways to illuminate stairs.
Our approach is different. We recommend lighting stairs from above, casting light downward onto the treads. This can be done using fixtures mounted on nearby railing posts or overhead structures, providing even, glare-free illumination that enhances safety and visibility where it’s needed most.
