How to Remove Old Deck Lighting
Few things can transform the atmosphere and feel of your home's existing deck like the magic of adding deck lighting! A simple way to take your old outdoor space from ordinary to amazing, LED deck lighting can help recreate your family's outdoor area into the magical nighttime spot you remember it as.
However, what is a deck owner supposed to do when the time for a change has come but some broken or burned out deck lights are still installed? Here are some easy step by step directions in how to remove old deck lights and how to replace burned out deck lighting with fresh new fixtures!
Also, take a few moments to read through the DecksDirect Deck Lighting Guide to learn more before jumping into your project. There you'll find more information including the different types of deck lighting available, how to install deck lights on your space, learn about deck lighting transformers and power supplies, and so much more!
Easy DIY Steps to Remove Broken Deck Lights
- Determine which deck lights will need to be removed and note them down.
- Unplug your deck lighting transformer from its outlet or turn off power source if deck lights are hardwired.
- Determine whether your deck lighting setup was installed via a convenient plug-and-play wiring system or through splicing.
- Lift or remove the deck light fixture from its location.
- Keep the low voltage light wires in place if able to be used in the future.
- Connect your new replacement outdoor light fixtures to the existing electrical wiring.
This will help save you time and frustration of having to guess at which deck lights you'll need to remove. We recommend sketching out your home's deck or patio and marking which outdoor light locations you'll want to replace.
This will allow you to remove your older deck and landscape lights without any electricity issues or causing any damaging your existing AC or DC deck lighting transformer.
When working with plug-and-play deck light wiring systems, such as those from Dekor, Trex, or LMT Mercer; replacing non-working deck lights can actually be quite simple. The convenience of plug-and-play light wiring may cost you a bit more in the beginning, however, will save you tons of time, effort, and money when it comes to replacements.
For post cap lights, back out any installation screws, and lift the post cap off the wood deck post. Then, disconnect the wiring.
For post-mount lights, rail lighting, stair tread lights, and stair riser lights; back out any installation screws and remove piece from the deck frame or railing.
If using a plug-and-play wiring system, keep the wiring in its position to use for the replacement deck lighting.
For spliced or hardwired outdoor light fixutres, clip the wires leading into the wire connector nut. Keep the wiring in position to splice a new patio or porch light in its place.
If using a plug-and-play wiring brand such as Dekor lighting, Trex Deck Lighting, or LMT Mercer lighting; you'll need to stay within the same brand of lights in order to connect with the existing wires.
If hardwiring and splicing your new exterior lighting, wear protective gloves, and splice the open wire leads together and secure with a wire connector nut.