Best Decking Lights for Safety and Ambience: 2025 Expert Review
Oli at OR Electrics
18th Edition Fully Qualified Electrician
Decking is a brilliant addition to any garden, but let's be honest: in the UK, timber decking gets incredibly slippery when wet. Without proper lighting, a dark deck in winter is essentially a slip hazard waiting to happen. I've seen enough grazed knees and twisted ankles to know that lighting isn't just cosmetic; it's a safety necessity.
Many homeowners in Leeds ask me if they should go for solar or hard-wired lights. Whilst I always favour a properly installed hard-wired system for reliability—especially given our limited sunlight just when we need lighting the most—I realise not everyone wants to rip up their deck to run cables.
In this review, I'm comparing three decking light options available right now. I have included a budget-friendly solar option for quick installs, alongside robust low-voltage wired systems that I would happily fit in a client's garden.
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Specs vs. The Real World
The Spec: "Solar 'All Night' Performance"
"Marketing materials often claim solar lights work for 8-10 hours after a charge."
In a UK summer, yes. In a Leeds December, you might get 1-2 hours of dim light. Solar relies on UV intensity, which is low in Northern England winters. Rely on them for decoration, not primary safety.
The Spec: "IP67 Waterproof Rating"
"The device is dust-tight and can withstand temporary immersion in water."
This is crucial for decking lights because water pools on flat surfaces. If you buy anything less than IP65/IP67 (like standard IP44 wall lights) to put in a deck floor, they will fail within months due to water ingress.
My Top 3 Recommendations
Three options to cover different needs and budgets
Torchtree 2023 Upgraded Solar Outdoor Garden Lights (12 Pack)
Torchtree
If you cannot drill holes or run cables (perhaps you are renting or just want a quick fix), these solar disk lights are a decent compromise. They sit flush to the ground and require zero electrical knowledge to install.
The Good
- Extremely cost-effective at roughly £1.42 per unit
- Zero wiring required - safe for complete novices
- IP65 rating is decent for surface water
The Bad
- Solar performance will struggle in UK winters
- Plastic spikes can snap if inserted into hard ground
- Not as bright or consistent as mains/12V lighting
Installer Tip:
Don't hammer these directly into the ground or deck gaps; you'll break the plastic housing. Create a pilot hole first. Wipe the solar panels with a damp cloth every few weeks to remove grime and optimise charging.
Priced at £16.99 at the time of writing
Check Price on AmazonSMY Lighting 16 Pack LED Deck Lights (Warm White, IP67)
SMY Lighting
This is a proper wired solution. Using a 12V plug-in transformer means these are safe (SELV - Safety Extra Low Voltage) for DIY installation but offer the reliability of mains power. The IP67 rating is essential for lights that sit face-up on a deck.
The Good
- Consistent, reliable light output regardless of weather
- Safe 12V system eliminates shock risk for pets/children
- High IP67 waterproof rating suitable for pooling water
The Bad
- Requires drilling 32mm holes in your deck
- Installation takes more time/effort than solar
Installer Tip:
When drilling the holes, put masking tape over the spot where you drill to stop the wood splintering. Also, consider where the transformer plugs in—it needs to be in an indoor socket or a proper waterproof outdoor socket enclosure.
Priced at £48.99 at the time of writing
Check Price on AmazonSMY Lighting Recessed LED Deck Light Kits with Remote Control (RGB)
SMY Lighting
Sometimes standard white light is too harsh for a relaxing evening, or you want to change the mood for a garden party. This colour-changing set solves the issue of flexibility. It includes a remote to dim the lights or change colours, giving you control without expensive smart-home hubs.
The Good
- Provides both functional lighting and party atmosphere
- Dimmable feature is excellent for late-night relaxing
- 12V safety with waterproof connections
The Bad
- More components to potentially fail (remote, receiver)
- RGB white is often not as 'clean' as dedicated warm white
Installer Tip:
The receiver box for the remote control is often the weak point for water ingress. Do not leave it loose under the deck. Mount it inside a growing IP66 junction box to keep it dry, ensuring the system lasts more than one winter.
Priced at £45.99 at the time of writing
Check Price on AmazonFrequently Asked Questions
Are solar decking lights worth it in the UK?
What IP rating do I need for decking lights?
Is 12V lighting difficult to install?
How far apart should I space decking lights?
Do I need an electrician for these decking lights?
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