Moonlight Decks Blog

Transform Your Deck into an Outdoor Living Area

2011-09-28T09:51:00.008-05:00

Written by Adam Coholan, an active blogger out of New York who writes about remodeling and exterior design based on his experience working with Fire Island rental properties for Elliman Real Estate. You can follow him on Twitter @Coho22.

Most homeowners wish for more space in their home, but often the solution is right outside. Transforming your deck into an outdoor living area not only allows for more space, but brings you closer to nature and all the activities that outdoor life offers. Here are three tips to get your outdoor living experience started.

1. Light Up the Night
Darkness needn’t send the family indoors, not when there are so many options for deck lighting. Adding spot lights, wall lighting, and post lights can illuminate your deck and provide added security, too. Lighting options also include solar-powered LED models than can easily be attached to posts or walls. Adding some simple lighting is one of the easiest and cost efficient ways to dramatically increase the amount of time spent on your deck enjoying the fresh air.

2. Shelter and Shade
Sometimes a bright sun or a stiff breeze is the only thing keeping homeowners from expanding their living space onto the outdoor deck. Adding awning or a pergola can provide an attractive and affordable defense against hot summer sun. Awnings can reduce the outdoor temperature by as much as 20 percent, and pergolas offer another shade solution when covered with fast-growing vines or linens.

A lattice covered with climbing plants makes an attractive windbreak. Plants like cypress, boxwood, privet or hemlock that can be pruned into hedges for another green windbreak solution. A more solid alternative is adding a wall constructed from wood or masonry. This will not only offer wind protection, but can create wall space for amenities like an outdoor grill or a dry bar for entertaining.

3. From a Deck to a Room
Once a deck is lit and covered, the possibilities are endless. When fitted with cabinets, shelving and counters, a deck can become the perfect place to indulge in a favorite interest or hobby, and allow opportunities for features like outdoor kitchens, fireplaces and entertainment centers that can include flat-screen TVs and surround sound systems. Gardeners will enjoy a deck with a sheltered spot for nurturing delicate plants. Add counters for a wet bar and an under-cabinet refrigerator or wine cooler, include a few pieces of comfortable indoor/outdoor furniture, and your deck may soon become the favorite spot in your home!

Deck Lights for KC Can

2011-02-19T15:44:00.007-06:00

Moonlight Decks donates lights to Kansas City Children's Assistance Network

For the third year Moonlight Decks has donated lighting for the KC CAN auction.
We raised $600

We used the Smooth Roman Bronze lighted post caps for this deck. The color of the caps matched the color of the house and deck.
It was a great off setting color for the white railings.

If you'd like to illuminate your deck check out www.MoonlightDecks.com !

Deck Lighting in Leawood, KS

2011-02-19T14:44:00.006-06:00

Deck Lighting in Leawood, KS.

This new deck in Leawood, Ks was built by All Weather Decks. Moonlight Decks added the lighted post caps to give a nice finish to the posts that also lets the home owners use the deck at night too.

The weathered wood Evergrain composite deck with black deckorators spindles has a great look that will last the homeowner for many years. We used a gloss black finish on the lighted post caps to match the spindles.

The new deck with the spectacular deck lights, along with a new stamped concrete patio forms a very relaxing environment to this Leawood backyard.

Find out how you can relax and enjoy your summer nights too at www.MoonlightDecks.com

Overland Park, Ks. Fence Post Lighting

2011-02-03T16:41:00.002-06:00

Fence Post Lighting in Overland Park, KS.

Moonlight Decks installed these copper vein color fence lights around the patio and privacy fence for one of our customers in Overland Park, KS. The lights around the patio feature double glass to allow more light.
It started out as a small landscape lighting job, but when the customer saw what she could do with the lighting effects of our post caps / deck lights for her backyard she loved the idea.

The lighted post caps on the fence really add a nice ambiance to the patio sitting area and give a sense of security for the back yard at night.

Here are a few more pictures and some decent night shots too.

If you would like your back yard to become a nice summer evening retreat, visit www.MoonlightDecks.com to see the many different styles of lights we have for your deck.

Moonlight Decks post caps are made in the USA!

Keep it local!

Deck lighting in the Winter

2011-01-28T23:54:00.005-06:00

Deck Lighting is great in the winter too!
Gotta protect those posts from the harsh elements.

I've had these deck lights on my posts since 2004. They have withstood all kinds of harsh Kansas weather! That's because they are built right, by someone who cares about quality and giving you the most bang for your buck.

If you want a good quality deck light that is Made in America, go check out www.MoonlightDecks.com and talk with Steve Hodes Jr about what you need.

Keep it Made in America!

Custom Deck Lighting

2011-01-27T23:34:00.005-06:00

Custom Deck Lighting in Overland Park, KS.

This deck in Overland Park, Kansas had the cheap caps from a big box store before we got to the scene. The customer wanted something very similar because they were able to paint the wood base of the old caps and really liked the copper look. Once I showed them that I could combine our Sunburst color post cap with a white base AND have it light up at night, they were ecstatic.

Even on this post next to the house, we had the cap chopped to fit so that all of their posts would be covered and protected from the weather.

Our lighted post caps are made from sand cast aluminum at foundries right here in the USA! They won't weather like the old wood bases that were rotting and cracking there before.

If you want to illuminate your deck, give us a call or visit our website. www.MoonlightDecks.com

Keeping it made in America. Support your local businesses.

Deck Lighting in Overland Park on a cold winter's day.

2010-09-19T21:42:00.005-05:00

The smooth roman bronze deck lights / low voltage lighted post caps we used on this newly installed deck in Overland Park, Ks are the perfect accent piece that really "caps off" the deck.

We used 2 extra pieces of glass which allows more light out. The customer uses their new deck for a lot of entertaining and really wanted that extra light, but without attracting more bugs.

The custom made deck lights (Made right here in Kansas City!) are a very nice contrast to the white deck railing.

If you are looking to do more entertaining on your deck at night, call Steve at Moonlight Decks. He will have the perfect solution for you.

Deck Lighting in Kansas City

2010-09-17T09:34:00.008-05:00

Deck lighting in Kansas City is getting more popular. Our customer here was sitting in the dark before finding us. Their posts were also showing signs of weathering. Our low voltage lighted post caps were the perfect answer.

Our deck lights typically use low voltage 18 watt Xenon bulbs. But we can also use solar power, or LEDs, or regular line voltage to light them.

Now they have a great place to enjoy the evening without attracting bugs. They also have a little added safety because the lights help to illuminate the stairs out to the yard.

Come find out more about deck lighting at www.MoonlightDecks.com

Check out our spot at thumbtack.com

2010-09-13T13:07:00.001-05:00

Check out our service and new pictures on thumbtack.com.
Deck Lighting

Custom Deck Lights and Lighted Post Caps

2010-01-21T23:04:00.006-06:00

Moonlight Decks is getting even more creative with their totally unique deck lights and lighted post caps.

Check out the Glass Post Caps featured on their website.

And take a look at the LED lit sculptures that you can use as lighted post caps or install anywhere else you want on your deck.

Steve Hodes Jr has some really great ideas and can work with any budget. Give him a call!

New, Unique Solar Lights Site

2009-12-01T11:17:00.005-06:00

Hi everyone,
I have a new website featuring very unique solar lights.
Check it out at www.Moonlight-Solar.com

We've been nominated by Kansas City's A-List as one of the best businesses in KC!

2009-04-30T21:53:00.002-05:00

We've been nominated by Kansas City's A-List as one of the best businesses in KC!

Please come vote for us!

http://kmbc.cityvoter.com/contests/home-and-garden/4731/outdoor-living/accessories

Thanks!

Steve

How To Wire Low Voltage Deck Lights and Post Caps - Part 7

2008-05-12T13:56:00.000-05:00

How To Wire Low Voltage Deck Lights and Post Caps - Part 7 - Connecting the socket to the wires. Split and strip the low voltage wire. Usually there will be 2 different runs of wire. Attach one side of each run to one side of the socket. Use an electrical wire nut and electrical tape to make a secure connection. Tuck in the wires and then screw the socket down. Plug in the bulb and test it out. If everything works, place the cap on and tighten it down with the screws provided.

You can find great deck lights and lighted post caps at www.MoonlightDecks.com

Thank You!

Steve Hodes Jr.
913-638-1685

How To Wire Low Voltage Deck Lights and Post Caps - Part 6 The Transformer

2008-05-12T13:03:00.001-05:00

How To Wire Low Voltage Deck Lights and Post Caps - Part 6 The Transformer - Attach one side of your 12-2 or 16-2 low voltage wire to one side of Transformer and the same with the other side. If you are using a Malibu Transformer one side goes in A and the other in B. Kichler Transformer - one side in Common and one side in proper voltage slot.

You can find great deck lights and lighted post caps at www.MoonlightDecks.com

Thank You!

Steve Hodes Jr.
913-638-1685

How To Wire Low Voltage Deck Lights and Post Caps - Part 5

2008-05-12T12:53:00.001-05:00

How To Wire Low Voltage Deck Lights and Post Caps - Part 5 - Run your 16-2 wires from post to post underneath the handrail. Staple the wire up every 6" or so making sure not to staple through the wire.

You can find great deck lights and lighted post caps at www.MoonlightDecks.com

Thank You!

Steve Hodes Jr.
913-638-1685

How To Wire Low Voltage Deck Lights and Post Caps - Part 4

2008-05-12T12:39:00.001-05:00

How To Wire Low Voltage Deck Lights and Post Caps - Part 4 - Use a 1/2" drill bit to drill up at an angle from underneath the handrail into your auger bit hole. This allows you to feed wire up into the hole.

You can find great deck lights and lighted post caps at www.MoonlightDecks.com

Thank You!

Steve Hodes Jr.
913-638-1685

How To Wire Low Voltage Deck Lights and Post Caps - Part 3

2008-05-12T12:28:00.001-05:00

How To Wire Low Voltage Deck Lights and Post Caps - Part 3 - Using a 1 3/4" Forstner Bit drill down over your auger bit hole. Drill down about 2 inches. This hole is to make room for your wire connections to be tucked in under the light socket.

You can find great deck lights and lighted post caps at www.MoonlightDecks.com

Thank You!

Steve Hodes Jr.
913-638-1685

How To Wire Low Voltage Deck Lights and Post Caps - Part 2

2008-05-12T12:10:00.001-05:00

How To Wire Low Voltage Deck Lights and Post Caps - Part 2 - Using a 15" long by 1" wide Auger bit, drill down just off center through the top of the post until the hole is deep enough that it reaches a point just below the handrail.

You can find great deck lights and lighted post caps at www.MoonlightDecks.com

Thank You,

Steve Hodes Jr.
913-638-1685

How To Wire Low Voltage Deck Lights and Post Caps - Part 1

2008-05-12T11:58:00.001-05:00

How To Wire Low Voltage Deck Lights and Post Caps - Part 1 - Check to make sure the cap fits properly over the post. If not, you might need to cut off the top portion to give you a nice, smooth surface to mount the lights to.

You can find quality deck lights and lighted post caps at www.MoonlightDecks.com

Thank You,

Steve Hodes Jr.
913-638-1685

How To Install Low Voltage Deck Lights and Post Caps

2007-06-22T08:24:00.002-05:00

I have just uploaded a photo tutorial on how to wire your deck for low voltage deck lights and post caps on my website. Go to www.MoonlightDecks.com and click on the Installations link. There is a link to the photo tutorial there.

Or if you want to go straight to it from here...
How To Install Low Voltage Deck Lights and Post Caps

If you have any suggestions for me on how I could improve the process, feel free to leave a comment here or contact me. I'm always looking for a better, easier way to get it done right.

Thanks!

Steve

Low Voltage Lighting vs Solar Lighting

2007-03-30T09:54:00.001-05:00

Which is better? Low Voltage Lighting vs Solar Lighting.

There is a growing debate over which type of landscape lighting is better:

Solar Lighting or Low Voltage Lighting.

This article highlights some of the pros and cons of both based on my own personal experience.

Low Voltage Lighting

This type of lighting is available in a variety of brightness levels and styles. The light emitted varies from fixture to fixture, but is usually very good. A transformer provides the electricity and can be controlled by an automatic timer. Low voltage lighting is shockless and safe to use around children and pets. It's also cost effective and the hardest thing about the installation is burying the wires.

Some of the benefits of low voltage lighting systems are listed below:

A professionally installed lighting system has been known to increase the value and resale of properties. Showcasing your house at night with low voltage lighting helps potential visitors find your property easier too.

Compared with line voltage, low voltage is easily installed, safe to operate, extremely economical, and casts beautiful light.

As a homeowner, you can enjoy more hours outside entertaining friends and family. Low voltage lighting can even be wired on your deck giving you great ambient light or even direct light for your grill.

Low voltage lighting systems are expandable so they can be adapted as properties are expanded and/or owners' needs change.

Proper lighting offers increased safety and security.

Some of the cons:

Bulbs burn out and need replacement.

Wiring can be damaged and need replacement.

Timers need to be reset with daylight savings time.

Solar Lighting

Solar lights use LEDs instead of traditional bulbs. LEDs last longer than any other light source, sometimes lasting as long as 10 years. This type of lighting requires no wiring and is the most energy-efficient lighting because it uses the sun's energy to recharge batteries. It costs nothing to operate and is easy to install. However, it should not be used to illuminate large areas brightly or for activities such as grilling and socializing.

Some of the benefits of Solar Lighting:

Lasts longer than other light sources. With LEDs there is nothing to break, rupture, shatter, leak, or contaminate.

Unlike typical conventional light sources, LEDs are not subject to
sudden failure or burnout. There is no point in time at which the light source ceases to function; instead, LEDs gradually degrade in performance over time.

Reduced Maintenance Costs - Since LED based light sources last at least 10 times longer than a normal light source, there is no need to replace the light, reducing or even eliminating ongoing maintenance costs and periodic bulb replacement. This is especially nice if you have an area that is difficult to access to change bulbs.

Energy efficiency - You can rest assured knowing that you aren't contributing nearly as much to global warming or the energy crisis when you use Solar products.

There is no mercury in the light source. Eliminating Mercury from your lighting system will enable you to meet new and future increasingly stringent environmental regulations.

Some of the cons:

The solar panels that typical lighting fixtures use need to be small. This means they collect less energy from the sun to recharge the batteries.

Areas that are frequently shaded or get little sun geographically also affect the recharging capabilities of the fixture.

The lighting is typically dim and does not cover much ground. It also tends to look blue even though it says they use "Super Bright White" LEDS.

The dim lighting means you have to use more fixtures, which creates a sort of landing strip look, or if you are using deck light fixtures they end up looking like a bunch of bug zappers, (without the ability to zap the bugs).

No matter how long they say that LEDs last, it has been my experience that the solar panel usually becomes covered in dirt and the batteries don't last nearly as long as they are supposed to. You have to keep that solar panel clean or it won't work, this means more maintenance more often.

Fixtures are usually set to come on at dark and off at light. Not much control there.

Summary

I tend to prefer low voltage lighting for the simple fact that it is better quality light and can be controlled better with timers. LED landscape lights will probably always be dim. Solar lights just don't harvest much energy from the sun, so no matter how efficient their LEDs, they will never be really bright. In comparison to your cheapie solar lights, low voltage is likely to be a huge improvement, and the low-voltage installation process is not really that much harder than it would be for solar fixtures.

I say, low voltage is the way to go until the technology can improve solar panels ability to capture energy and LEDs ability to output more light.

You can find both Low Voltage Lighted Post Caps and Solar Lighted Post Caps and Deck Lights at http://www.MoonlightDecks.com

A great idea for path lighting using Solar Post Caps

2007-03-30T09:31:00.001-05:00

Want a great project that will make you feel quite handy?

You can make your own path lights using solar post caps!

Get yourself a solar post cap that will fit a 4x4 cedar post. (You can find great looking solar post caps and low voltage lighted post caps at http://www.MoonlightDecks.com ). Take an 8ft long 4x4 cedar post and cut it into 2 ft lengths. Next, get a 3 1/2 inch floor flange from the plumbing section in your local hardware store. In that same section, find a threaded pipe about 10 to 12 inches tall that will screw into your floor flange. These 2 pieces are going to be the "spike" that holds up your path light.

Next, take 4 wood screws and attach the flange to the bottom of one of the 2 ft sections of 4x4.

Next, screw in the 12" pipe for your spike. Then just hammer or push the post into the ground wherever you want to put the path light.

And finally, add your solar post cap. You can stain and seal the wood for a really elegant and lasting look, or you can paint it to any color you need.

Now don't you feel crafty? You get to buy cool things at the hardware store. You get to use rugged power tools. And you get to impress your friends and neighbors with your craftsmanship. And you get a really unique looking path light with NO WIRING!

So, here's what's inside a basic solar light:

Light source, such as LED lamp, that lasts approximately 10,000 hours

Rechargeable NiCad batteries that provide about 8 hours of light

Photocell, or built-in solar panel, that charges the batteries during daylight hours

Light sensor that detects when to turn the lamp on and off

Most hardware stores carry a decent selection of solar lights, but you can also spend hours online searching through the many selections available.

Steve Hodes Jr.