Building a deck requires following many different building codes to guarantee it’s safe to use for you and your family. For example, some codes have the purpose of ensuring your deck can support a certain weight. Or that its structural posts can survive through the coldest winters, etc.
But what are the code requirements for stair lighting? Your deck won’t fall apart without it. And maybe you’re unsure about making that extra investment, or it’s not quite in the budget for your initial deck build?
Today, we’ll clear up the confusion on what lighting is necessary and go over some of the options we use and recommend. So, here’s what you need to know about code requirements for stair lighting.
What Does Code Say About Stair Lighting?
Building code stipulates that a set of exterior stairs needs enough light to safely use the stairs when the sun has set. But what does that mean exactly? Because what’s considered “enough light” could vary from person to person.
In our experience, the light on the back of your home near your backdoor is usually sufficient for lighting up your deck stairs. We’ve yet to come across a building department or individual inspector that’s required additional or integrated lighting on a set of deck stairs.
What About HOA or Condo Association?
If you live in an HOA or Condo Association, you know how they can be about following rules. So it’s natural to wonder if they’ll require you to install lighting on your deck stairs.
While we can’t speak for every association, we’ve only heard of one (located in South Lyon, MI) having a written requirement on deck stair lighting. But if we’re honest, from looking around at neighboring decks, it doesn’t seem that they strongly enforce it.
Still, it’s always best to check and ensure your deck meets all HOA requirements.
Why You Should Consider Lighting
Even if the building department or your HOA doesn’t require you to install deck stair lighting, we believe it’s one of the best deck upgrades you can get.
Think about trying to use a set of stairs at night, and you’ve forgotten to turn on your backdoor light. Or maybe it’s burnt out, or someone else has turned it off while you’re outside. It’s not the easiest or safest idea. And this is especially true for guests that aren’t familiar with the stairs.
With the proper lights, they’re always on when you need them, and you’ll never have to worry about stumbling up or down your deck stairs at night.
Stair Riser Lights
There are plenty of light options, but stair riser lights are the most common, and we love them!
Trex makes fantastic LED hardwired lights that you install in each stair riser’s fascia. So they shine down on each step, properly illuminating them for safe use at night.
On top of exponentially increasing the safety of your stairs, they look amazing and give your stairs an aesthetically pleasing finished look. Also, riser lights are among the most affordable forms of lighting you can install on your deck stairs.
If you’d like to read more about deck lighting, check out our other posts:
- The Best Types of Deck Lighting to Brighten Up Your Space
- Stair Riser Lights: Should You Install One or Two per Step?
Conclusion
The bottom line is that extra lighting is usually not required by the building department, an HOA, or a Condo association. However, we definitely recommend installing lights for improved safety and increasing your deck’s overall aesthetic appeal.
What Next?
Are you looking for a deck builder? Let’s talk!
At Custom Deck Creations, we build composite decks for clients across SE Michigan. Our builds are all custom, meaning we’ll work with you to design the perfect deck for you and your space. And we’ll go over all the lighting options with you and what you can easily add in the future.
When you’re ready, give us a call! Or, if you’d like a little inspiration first, feel free to check out some of our most recent projects.
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