Adding high-quality outdoor lighting to your Regina deck is more than just a finishing touch – it’s what truly transforms your backyard into a comfortable, safe, and inviting retreat. At The Ultimate Deck Shop, we’ve seen firsthand how the right lights like the In-Lite Ace Up-Down, Liv Bollard, and DB-LED can elevate Saskatchewan backyards. But for standout, long-lasting results, it's about much more than just screwing in a few fixtures. Here’s how to get it right, using our local expertise and experience in the prairie climate!
1. Thoughtful Placement: Why Where You Put Your Lights REALLY Matters
One of the biggest missteps we see on DIY installs? Rushing placement without considering how shadows, sight lines, and local conditions affect your finished space. With In-Lite Ace Up-Down fixtures, you want clean, continuous washes of light on fences, pergolas, or feature walls. We recommend spacing units about 2 to 2.5 metres apart, usually at a height of 1.4 to 1.8 metres from deck level, to maintain balance and consistency.
For Liv Bollard and DB-LED path lights, visualize how people move through the deck and your landscaping. Place bollards along walkways, deck stairs, or at key gathering spots, and use low-voltage DB-LED markers for subtle guidance. Remember, light shouldn’t ‘blind’ – the goal is welcoming ambience, not stadium intensity. Mark your fixture spots before you start drilling, and step back at dusk to make sure the effect matches your design intent.
2. Master the Waterproof Cabling: Plan Your Layout & Use Easy Lock Connectors
Canadian winters are no joke. Water, snow, and freeze-thaw cycles put landscape wiring to the test. That’s why In-Lite’s EASY-LOCK connectors are such a game-changer – they’re engineered for reliable, waterproof connections, and they come standard with every Ace Up-Down, Liv Bollard, and DB-LED unit.
Before you start, sketch a cable routing plan (we can help you with this in-store or in a consult). Typically, you’ll use a 12-gauge, outdoor-rated low voltage cable for most runs. Lay your cable and test-fit all fixtures before making your final connections. Remember: EASY-LOCK snaps onto your wiring without stripping insulation – an added layer of protection from the elements!
- Route cable in flexible conduit under the deck when possible (reduces UV and physical wear).
- Connect all fixtures with EASY-LOCK, then cover exposed runs with G-Tape or a similar protective wrap (available in-store).
- Always leave a little slack at each fixture to allow for frost heave or seasonal deck movement.
3. Adjust for Style & Function: Aim and Accessorize with Intention
The beauty of the In-Lite system is its adaptability. The Ace Up-Down offers adjustable shutters and lens accessories (ask us about these in-store), so you can customize the spread and intensity of the light. Want a dramatic effect on an outdoor stone wall? Use the narrow beam shutter. Need subtle pathway lighting? Angle your Liv Bollards slightly away from seating areas to minimize glare.
- On stairs, try installing DB-LED marker lights TOWARD the vertical riser edge – not on treads – for gentle guidance without trip hazards.
- Point accent lights away from neighbours’ windows. You’ll appreciate their gratitude!
- For layered lighting, combine up-down wall washes with low-level bollards and under-rail glow for a deck that pops after dark.
4. Prioritize Safety & Code: Know When to Call the Pros
Here's a critical point for Saskatchewan and all of Canada: Some In-Lite models (notably the "100-230V" versions of Ace Up-Down) are mains voltage and MUST be installed by a licensed electrical contractor (that’s not just for warranty – it’s the law under Canadian Electrical Code). These high-voltage models can’t be integrated into the standard In-Lite low-voltage HUB/SMART control systems, so be sure you’re ordering the right one for your application.
- When in doubt, bring your blueprint or deck sketch and let us review your lighting plan before you buy. We see a lot of jobs go sideways due to a missed detail in required transformers or wiring.
- For low-voltage (12V) systems, careful DIY installation is absolutely possible, but always triple-check connections and don’t overload your transformer.
5. Protect Your Investment: Warranty, Maintenance & Weatherproofing
In-Lite stands behind their products with an industry-leading, 5-year manufacturer’s warranty – but you’ll need proof of purchase and proper installation. (Tip: Take progress photos as you install, and hang onto your receipts.) For extreme weather, we also recommend adding a HUB Protector to shield key connections from snow and debris. This is particularly helpful for exposed decks prone to windblown leaves or ice build-up.
Every spring and fall, inspect fixture housings and cables for damage, frost heave, or accumulated debris. Wipe lenses clean for optimal brightness, and check that all junction points remain tightly waterproofed. Proper seasonal care can help your system last for years beyond the warranty!
Installation Checklist
| Item | Purpose | Included |
|---|---|---|
| EASY-LOCK | Waterproof, tool-free connection | Yes |
| 60cm Fixture Cable | Primary fixture wiring | Yes |
| Torx Wrench | Secure mounting | Yes |
| Shutter/Lens | Beam adjustment | No (sold separately) |
Why Trust The Ultimate Deck Shop for Your Deck Lighting?
Lighting can make or break your backyard experience. At The Ultimate Deck Shop, our team has helped thousands of Regina DIYers and contractors achieve professional results with curated, warranty-backed In-Lite lighting. We stock the fixtures and accessories we truly believe in, offer personalized advice, and can even pre-cut your posts and mark wiring routes to save you time.
Whether you’re just planning or are halfway through your project and need troubleshooting help, we’re here to make sure you get the safest, sharpest, and most enjoyable backyard lighting for our prairies. Ready to design or install? Chat with our experts or request a free quote today.
