How to Install Stair Lights
- Step 1: Measure the Stairs. Measure how long your stairs are to find out exactly how much strip lighting you need. The...
- Step 2: Buy the Lighting. After measuring your staircase, buy the stair lighting you want. You can find a wide range of...
- Step 3: Install Strip Lights. Strip lights have an adhesive back, so they're easy to install. You...
Full Answer
How to install stair lighting with LED strips?
There are various ways to install stair lighting with LED strips, depending on what type of stairs you have and where you want to place the lights. First, you need to measure the length of the installation area. If you want very specific placement, you may want a strip light that has frequent cut marks to match your desired length.
How can I Make my stairway more illuminated?
In the dark, sometimes insecure walking down the stairs, so we provide some tips that can help you to make your stairway properly illuminated and thereby safer to use. One option is to install lighting on the wall next to the stairs. Depending on the size of steps, three or four should be sufficiently illuminated.
How do you wire a step light?
Repeat this for all step lights. Loosely run the wire from the transformer to the location of the closest light. Then, run the wire from light to light, leaving a loop of wire at each step light location. Cut back any excess wire, and leave enough exposed to make connections without excess bulk. Separate each wire pair into 2-3 in single strands.
How many lights do I need for a staircase?
Depending on the size of steps, three or four should be sufficiently illuminated. In this case, the rectangular shape of light fits into the design of the staircase. Another idea is to set the lighting to be mounted on the wall, so that they have the ability to glow in different directions and thus contribute to the overall interior design.
How do you put lights on a staircase?
0:044:41HOW TO INSTALL STAIR LIGHTS - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSince we're putting it on the sides we have to make sure we have access. So if we look up the sideMoreSince we're putting it on the sides we have to make sure we have access. So if we look up the side here you'll see that oh look we have all the opening in the world to drop the wires.
How do you install LED strip lights on stairs?
When installing exposed step-lights (without aluminium extrusions), the best approach is usually to stick your LED strip to the underside of the stair-tread's overhang. The LED light will then shine downward, creating a glow effect while hiding the light-source.
How do you install deck lights on stairs?
0:072:10How to Install Lights on a Deck Riser - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipUse a pencil or sticker to mark where you're going to drill measure twice and drill once. Now forMoreUse a pencil or sticker to mark where you're going to drill measure twice and drill once. Now for the drilling keep your drill straight and wear the proper ppe. Use our drill bits.
How do you hide LED strip wires?
0:025:14Concealing and Managing your LED lighting wires - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou use three-quarter inch or larger double-sided foam tape you're going to need to trim it off ifMoreYou use three-quarter inch or larger double-sided foam tape you're going to need to trim it off if you use a half-inch. It should fit right on there. And you won't need to do any trimming.
How do you mount LED lights?
0:293:41How to Install LED Light Strips - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIncluding color different sizes and the great part is you can cut them down to whatever length youMoreIncluding color different sizes and the great part is you can cut them down to whatever length you need then you need solderless clamps for LED light strips.
How many stair lights do I need?
We recommend installing 1 light every 3 steps or so, but you can play with this number depending on how bright you want your staircase to be.
How do you hide wires on deck lights?
1:022:25How To Hide Deck Lighting Wires - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipConcealing low voltage wiring on a new metal railing system is limitless as the posts and rails areMoreConcealing low voltage wiring on a new metal railing system is limitless as the posts and rails are hollow allowing for a lot of hide away spots.
Where should decking lights be placed?
0:542:59How to Install Deck Lighting with Wickes - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipOr if you're adding the lights to the top of the deck then make sure that they're positioned overMoreOr if you're adding the lights to the top of the deck then make sure that they're positioned over the center of a deck board and not directly over any joist.
How do you put lights on concrete steps?
A great solution is to install lighting into the vertical part of a stair, called the riser. Concrete step lights, or tread lights, fit right into the stairs and focus light downward onto the step immediately below it. They offer enough light for safety, but the light is subtle enough that it isn't distracting.
How do you put lights on basement stairs?
One smart way to get light onto your basement stairway is by installing a light on the wall above the door going down into the basement. Placing a light above the door can be an effective way to light all the way down a straight flight of stairs.
What is Stairway Lighting?
Stairway lighting is a tasteful lighting technique that looks beautiful and serves a functional purpose. The installed lights illuminate the stairs, making an attractive glow while also increasing the visibility of your walkway in a charming manner.
What to do after cutting LED lights?
After you cut the necessary length of your lights, lay out all all your connectors, aluminum channels, wires, and components. Before attaching the connectors, make sure that the polarity (positive and negative markings on the LED strip) is consistent all throughout the run of lights, connectors, and power supply. If you reverse the polarity, the lights will not function properly.
How to determine the size of LED strip light?
To calculate the size of the power supply for your LED strip light, you need to calculate the total watts used in your strip. Each strip consumed a different amount of watts per ft (W/ft). Take the w/ft and multiply it by the number of total feet you are hooking up to the power supply . Then, take that number and add an additional 20% to prevent overloading the power supply. It is better to under-load the power supply because it will help increase the lifespan by keeping it cooler.
What is an extrusion in LED strip lights?
Extrusions also act as heat sinks and protect the LEDs from dust and debris, lengthening the life of your strip lights.
What voltage is needed for LED lighting?
We recommend the 24V option in most LED stairway lighting applications. The 24V version allows you to run more wiring if necessary, such as having a power supply tucked away under the sink or in the basement. Additionally, all of our dimmers and remote controls are compatible with 24V versions.
Do you need to test LED lights before installing?
When installing LED strip lighting, it is very important that you test the LED lights before any installation. Follow the steps below before you cut the strip lights or attach them to any surface. Make sure to always disconnect the power in your work area, especially if you hardwiring electrical components. Consult an electrician if you have any doubts.
Step 1: Measure the Stairs
Measure how long your stairs are to find out exactly how much strip lighting you need. The length of a stair is measured from the bottom of one step to the top of another. When making these measurements, you'll want to take any curvature into account, as you don't want them to be too short or too long.
Step 2: Buy the Lighting
After measuring your staircase, buy the stair lighting you want. You can find a wide range of different types of stair lights online, and they're straightforward to purchase, thanks to their popularity.
Step 3: Install Strip Lights
Strip lights have an adhesive back, so they're easy to install. You stick them onto the top of your steps and plug them in. Make sure you don't need any tools or professional help installing it!
Step 4: Finish!
That's it! Your staircase is now complete with a beautiful stair light at its top. You can get creative with your stair lighting and mix and match different colors and styles to make a unique design.
Step 5: Enjoy!
Now you've added your beautiful stair light, enjoy the results of your hard work! Finally, you'll be able to walk up these stairs with ease, knowing that they're fantastic and look great for anyone who visits.
A Word on Building Codes
In many cases, adding stair riser lights isn’t required by code but many municipalities require that you illuminate the top and bottom of your deck’s stairs. But more often than not, a single wall sconce on the back of your home near your door will do the trick.
One Vs. Two Lights Per Step
Now we have that covered, let’s jump into the common question of installing one or two lights per riser. What we recommend depends on the width of your stairs.
Lighting Every Second Step
Another common question homeowners ask is if we can install riser lights on every other step instead of every step to save a bit of money.
Colors & Brands
Continuing with aesthetics, most manufacturers of stair riser lights make the housing (the visible part that the bulb sits in) available in shades of white, black, and brown. We typically recommend matching the color to a component from your railing to tie the entire design together.
Conclusion
Stair riser lights contribute to both the safety and the overall aesthetic of your deck design. While there are general guidelines we recommend following, the “correct” amount of lights per step isn’t set in stone.
Can stairs be lit from below?
Most modern houses opt for this type of lighting, while at the same time it goes well with the minimalist interior. Staircase can be also lit from below.
Can you put lighting on a stairway?
In the dark, sometimes insecure walking down the stairs, so we provide some tips that can help you to make your stairway properly illuminated and thereby safer to use. One option is to install lighting on the wall next to the stairs.
