Best Solar Deck Post Lights
Best Solar Deck Post LightsDeck Post Lights can significantly amp up the atmosphere on your deck, and also provide gentle illumination without wiring and headaches. After looking at several 4×4 post light caps, we’ve found that the best solar deck post lights are the Davinci Solar Post Lights – Outdoor Post Cap Light.
The Davinci models remain bright for a long time and emit a light that is bright enough to improve vision but not so much that they ruin the landscape. Another great feature is their unique “fuzzy fit” design. This means they can fit on all 4×4 in. posts without requiring more specifications or measurements. They are also affordable and won’t break the bank.
Last update on 2024-11-01 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
For a complete review of the Davinci Solar Post Lights, see the Product Reviews section below.Runner Up: Best Deck Post Lights for Wood
Our runner-up choice is the Paradise GL28998BZ Solar Cast Aluminum LED Post Cap Light for 4×4 Wood Posts. These lights are reliable, durable, and are affordable for most budgets.
They are made of cast aluminum with a bright copper finish, which makes them attractive and beautiful. The only reason they don’t come in first is that they cost a bit more than other models.
Last update on 2024-10-27 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
For a complete review of the Paradise Cap Lights, see the Product Reviews section below.
Budget Choice: Solar Deck Post Lights for PVC Posts
For those on a budget, the iGlow 8 Pack Copper Outdoor Garden 4 x 4 Solar LED Post Deck Caps are a great choice. These lights are pretty inexpensive for an 8-pack. They last a reasonable amount of time, are clean and professional and look amazing. The main downside is that the sun fades the color quickly, which can be annoying.
However, the technology continues to work and they still look amazing.
Last update on 2024-10-27 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
For more info on the iGlow lights, see below.
Post Cap Solar Light Buyer’s Tips
Picking the right set of solar deck post lights can be a bit of a difficult process, due to several factors. Materials, sizing, post types, and packages all collide to make picking the right set a head-scratcher. In this section, we’ll break down some of the important apsects to keep in mind while deciding which are the right lights for you.
Number of Lights Needed
First off, count up the number of lights you need to cover your needs. Typically you’ll want one light per post, simple as that! Count all the posts on your deck and/or stairs.
Now you’ll need to keep that number in mind, as most all solar post cap lights come in packages of 6, 8, or more. If you have 9 posts that need lights, you may be stuck purchasing a whole bunch more than you need, which isn’t ideal. However, it means you’ll have some backups if one of your lights fails, breaks, or otherwise ceases to work.
Lights that come in packs of 2 mean that you’ll only at most buy 1 more than you need, but generally there is savings when buying in bulk.
Post Sizes
While most of the post light manufacturers say their lights will fit “standard” wood posts, or “standard” vinyl posts, this is always a bit of a fudge space. The dimensions can become confusing, as wooden 4″ x 4″ posts aren’t actually 4″ square, while vinyl posts are. Let’s dig into the details.
Wooden Posts
The vast majority of wooden posts are 4″ x 4″ nominal posts. This means they’re 3 1/2″ x 3 1/2″ in size. A post cap larger than 3.5″ square will fit over most any wooden post. That said, some wooden posts are 6″ x 6″, so be sure to measure your posts.
The good news about wooden posts is that it’s generally pretty easy to shave down your posts a bit if you need a little bit of wiggle room to get your caps on. It’s highly unlikely that little adjustments will be noticed on wood posts.
Vinyl and PVC posts
Vinyl and PVC post sleeves are generally designed to go over wooden 4″ x 4″ posts (actually 3.5″ square). These posts are typically either 4″ x 4″ actual dimensions, or 5″ x 5″ actual dimensions. Be sure you check the actual dimensions for your post sleeves.
As most vinyl and PVC posts are sitting on top of a wooden post, you could consider trimming the vinyl post down below the cap and mounting the cap to the wood inside the post. This will not be noticeable if done correctly. Just be sure you check your dimensions carefully.
Post Materials
Depending on the materials you’ve chosen, some post caps are designed to go over wood posts (they’re suited for 3.5″ posts) while others are designed for 4″ posts. The bottom line is that wood posts are almost always smaller than vinyl or PVC posts, and if a cap is stated to work well for wood, it won’t likely work well for vinyl without some fussing with the post.
Finishes
There are a wide variety of materials and finishes on the market for solar post caps. The vast majority of vinyl and PVC fence posts are white, though there are obviously colors available. Generally, white caps will look best in these circumstances, but you can get creative.
Wooden posts can be painted or stained in a ton of different colors and finishes. In these cases, often bronze, brass, black, and other finishes can look great with these posts.
Sun Exposure
The more sun your post caps are exposed to, the more they will glow at dusk. Naturally, many fences and decks are in a wide variety of exposures to sunlight, and consequently, you may find the post lamps in the part of your fence obscured by lots of shade to be noticibly dimmer than areas with lots of sun.
There’s not much you can do about this other than removing the shade areas.
Illumination
Different posts have different illumination values and lengths of illumination per charge. Most of these lights produce ambient light. The ambient light will offer a nice attractive glow, but will not illuminate enough for task lighting, or even for simply hanging out in the yard.
For this reason, you’ll probably want to combine your post lighting with other deck surface mount lighting, solar yard lighting, and general outdoor string lights to help make your gardens look amazing.
4×4 Deck Post Light Reviews
A solar deck post light is a specific type of light designed to sit on top of deck or fence posts and provide lighting during the night. The products touched upon in this review are lights specifically for posts which measure 4×4 in. These come in a few different shapes and sizes, and can work on a variety of post materials including wood, wood-like material, plastic, and others.
Since these lights can come in all shapes and sizes, it can be difficult to find ones that work well, fit well, and remain bright for a long time.
We’ll start with a comparison table to get the lay of the land, and then review each option individually. We’ll conclude with our favorites.
Last update on 2024-10-27 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
1. GreenLighting 6 Pack Solar Power Square Outdoor Post Cap Lights for 4×4 PVC Posts (White)
Key Points at a Glance
- Available in White and Black
- Fit PVC and Vinyl Posts
- Made from ABS Plastic
- Completely Solar-Powered
- Use LED Lights
- Energy Efficient
- Durable
- Solar Battery-Powered
- No External Wiring
Dimensions and Specs
- Lasts 8-10 Hours*
- Caps Fit on Vinyl, PVC, or Plastic Posts
- Full Set Weighs 3 lbs.
- Product Dimensions: 14 x 12 x 6 in.
- Inside Dimension: 4 1/6″
The Details
The GreenLighting 6 Pack Solar Power Square Outdoor Post Cap Lights for 4×4 PVC Posts (GreenLighting) are an energy efficient set of post cap lights that fit on posts which measure 4×4 in (not 3.5″ nominal wood posts).
They are available in white and black for flexibility. These square units are completely solar powered and provide about 2 lumens of light and automatically turn on and off at dusk and dawn.
The inside features LED lights with no external wiring for a smooth, sleek appearance. They are durable and capable of surviving the hazards of the outdoors, including constant sun exposure, rain, and snow.
Like many other post cap lights, the GreenLighting set needs to be placed on posts that have flat surfaces. They work well on vinyl, PVC, or plastic posts and are lightweight yet durable due to their ABS construction.
This particular set comes in a pack of six white lights that form perfect squares. GreenLighting suggests that these lights will shine for 8-10 hours if fully charged, though many find that the lights dim after 2-4 hours. Many buyers have found that swapping out the batteries for better batteries will keep the lights glowing for longer, though obviously this is a pain, and is an additional cost.
The Bottom Line
Unquestionably, the low illumination time is a negative with these lights, as they are otherwise quite nice. Once users switch out the batteries, they perform quite well. But many users aren’t going to want to bother having to take that step with a brand-new product.
Hopefully, GreenLighting will provide better batteries, and if we hear any new reports will alter this review.
If it wasn’t for the initial longevity issues, these would be in the top three of this review.
- DURABLE CONSTRUCTION - Heavy duty ABS plastic lamp casing is durable,...
- ENERGY EFFICIENT LED - Improved SMD LED provides brighter glow for better...
- 100% SOLAR POWERED - Top mounted solar panel charges the AA 400mAh Ni-mh...
- LASTS FOR 8 - 10 HOURS - Once fully charged, these lights will provide 8 to...
- Product Dimensions - 5.75" x 5.75" x 4.5", Base Dimensions: 4" x 4" Post...
Last update on 2024-10-27 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
2. iGlow 8 Pack Copper Outdoor Garden 4 x 4 Solar LED Post Deck Cap
Key Points at a Glance
- Available in black, brown, copper, and silver
- Uses LED Bulbs
- Weatherproof
- For Use on Wood or Composite Posts
- Includes brackets for 4×4 and 6×6 posts.
- Includes Rechargeable Batteries
- Solar-Powered
Dimensions and Specs
- Lasts Up to 100,000 Hours
- Comes In a Pack of 8
- Full Set Weighs 8 lbs.
- Product Dimensions: 12.8 x 11 x 13.5 in.
The Details
The iGlow 8 Pack Copper Outdoor Garden 4 x 4 Solar LED Post Deck Cap Lights (iGlow) are simple but stylish post cap lights. They have a bright copper color that makes them stand out, though they’re available in several finishes. These lights can be used on wood or composite posts which hold the weight best and won’t erode from the cap. They have brackets to fit wooden 4″ x 4″ posts, or composite 6×6 posts (5 1/2″ square)
The iGlow lights are solar powered and energy efficient with included rechargeable batteries. They can be left out during the day and will gain energy to be on through the night.
The iGlow lights should last for over 100,000 hours and come in a pack of 8.
They are square and fit on posts which measure 4×4 in. They are weatherproof and will survive through wind, rain, snow, and other natural elements. Each light weighs roughly 1 lb.
The Bottom Line
The iGlow lights are great when they first arrive but sizing them can be difficult.
The post tops need to be slightly smaller than 4 in. wide, and they can’t be placed on plastic or PVC fences, which many people have.
The main issue, though, is that the coloring fades quickly and the solar caps seem to build up a strange, hard-to-clean residue. However, the hardware is solid, making these lights a reasonable investment for those on a budget.
- 1 Ultra Bright White LED. Last up to 100,000 hours. Pre-installed...
- Automatic Sensor Activates at Dusk with NEW and IMPROVED Solar Panel for...
- Weatherproof – Designed to Protect the Lights from Natural Elements. Easy...
- Dimensions: 5.75” (L) x 5.75" (W) x 4.5” (H). Base Dimensions: 4" (L) x...
- Post Size Fitting: For Wood Posts (Nominal 4” x 4”) or Composite Posts...
Last update on 2024-10-27 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
3. Westinghouse Hilltop 20 Lumens Solar Fence Post Cap Lights for 4×4 Wood Posts
Key Points at a Glance
- Available in Black or White
- Sold in Multiples of 2, 4, or 6
- Automatically Turn On and Off
- Sturdy and Durable
- Made of Plastic
- Works on Wood or Nominal Wood Posts
- Uses LED Bulbs
Dimensions and Specs
- Bulbs Produce 20 Lumens, drop to 5 lumens after 6 hours
- Lasts 6 Hours
- Full Set Weighs 6 lbs.
- Product Dimensions: 19.5 x 12.2 x 6.5 in.
- Inside Dimension: 3.63″
The Details
The Westinghouse Hilltop 20 Lumens Solar Fence Post Cap Lights for 4×4 Wood Posts (Westinghouse Hilltop) are stylish post cap lights with a simple design that produces a pretty cool shadow pattern. Westinghouse basically invented electric lighting, so they should know what they’re doing. Unfortuantely, sometimes their customer service is less than idea.
These lights are available in either black or white, and only work on wood posts. They have a 3.63″ inside dimension, so they’ll fit over a 3.5″ post, but not a 4″ post.
The Hilltop lights use LED bulbs, and are solar powered with batteries that store the energy. With a full charge, the lights last roughly 6 hours before needing to be charged once more. Each bulb produces roughly 20 lumens of brightness.
The lights are made of sturdy plastic and include a mounting base. The lights will automatically turn on and off based on the brightness of the outdoors.
These lights are weatherproof and durable, and come in a set of six. Each post cap light weighs roughly 1 lb.
The Bottom Line
Many buyers find that these lights arrive damaged, and Westinghouse isn’t particularly responsive to complaints. If you find that your lights are damaged, reach out to Westinghouse immediately, and we hope you have good luck getting the issue resolved.
Westinghouse’s customer service issues will likely turn off many potential customers, and is one of the main reasons why the Westinghouse Hilltop solar deck lights did not make the cut on this list. We hope they improve their packaging and quality control, as well as their customer service.
- Brand New in box. The product ships with all relevant accessories
Last update on 2024-10-27 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
4. Davinci Solar Post Lights – Outdoor Post Cap Light
Key Points at a Glance
- Available in Black or White
- “Fuzzy Fit” Design compatible with virtually all setups
- Solar Powered
- Uses LED Bulbs
- Works on Wood or PVC Vinyl Posts, including 6″ x 6″ posts
- Durable and Sturdy
- Includes Rechargeable Batteries
- Made of Industrial Grade Plastic and Glass
- Weatherproof
- Available in 2 Pack
Dimensions and Specs
- Bulbs Last Over 100,000 Hours
- Bulbs Produce 15 Lumens
- Full Set Weighs 1 lb.
- Product Dimensions: 6.3 x 6.3 x 3.7 in.
- Includes base that is compatible with virtually all posts, however cap will not sit completely on top of 6″ x 6″ posts
The Details
The Davinci Solar Post Lights – Outdoor Post Cap Light (Davinci Solar Post Lights) have an appearance as elegant as their name suggests and come in sleek black or white.
Davinci’s lights are compatible with virtually all post designs, meaing buyers can avoid the measurement headaches. They can be used on wood or PVC vinyl posts. The manufacturer uses a unique “fuzzy fit” design which means the base that wraps around the fence post is flexible and has some give so measurements don’t need to be exact. They even include a mount for 6″ x 6″ posts, though the cap won’t sit 100% on top of the 6″ x 6″ post.
These post lights are solar-powered and include LED bulbs that emit 15 lumens and are designed to recharge and produce over 100,000 hours of use. The light lasts for roughly 6-8 hours after being charged in full sunlight during the day, which keeps the user’s yard bright and clear at night.
These units are sold in packs of two, and are not terribly expensive. You also get the advantage of being able to purchase at most one more than your needs. These avantages make the Davinci Solar Post Lights an inexpensive but efficient lighting option. Rechargeable batteries are included with purchase.
The full post light is durable and sturdy and is made of industrial grade plastic and glass.
Each light weighs roughly 0.5 lbs.
The Bottom Line
Without a doubt, the Davinci Solar Post Lights are the absolute best solar cap lights available for a 4×4 post or 6×6 post. They work on the two most common fence materials (wood and vinyl/PVC), are durable, affordable, and the manufacturer’s “fuzzy fit” base means the fence requirements aren’t as strict for these lights to work as for other products.
These factors, combined with the Davinci superior weatherproofing and quality brightness ratings, mean these are the best solar post lights.
- SOLAR POWERED - Save energy, save money, save the planet. Caps charge...
- BRIGHT - Industry leading 25 lumen warm white LEDs provide more than just...
- CORDLESS - Avoid the cost and headache of hiring an electrician or...
- INCLUDES DIFFERENT BASES - Wooden posts come in all shapes and sizes. Fits...
- QUALITY - IP44 waterproof. Next-generation nickel-metal hydride (NiMH)...
Last update on 2024-11-01 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
5. Paradise GL28998BZ Solar Cast Aluminum LED Post Cap Light for 4×4 Wood Posts
Key Points at a Glance
- Crystalline Solar Panels
- Bronze Color
- Sold in Packs of 1, 4, or 6
- Weatherproof
- Includes Rechargeable Energy Source
- Works on Wood Posts
- Extremely Durable
- Solar Powered
- Uses LED Lights
- Made from Cast Aluminum
Dimensions and Specs
- Full Set Weighs 11 lbs.
- Bulbs Last Over 100,000 Hours
- Product Dimensions: 15 x 14.8 x 14.8 in.
- Inside Dimensions: 3 7/8″
The Details
The Paradise GL28998BZ Solar Cast Aluminum LED Post Cap Light for 4×4 Wood Posts (Paradise GL28998BZ) is a set of solar-powered post cap lights designed to fit on pure wood posts that measure 4×4 in. The full set ships and arrives quickly and weighs roughly 11 lbs.
The cap lights are made of cast aluminum for its durability and lightness and are coated with a reliable bronze-colored finish.
In each cap is an LED light that should supply over 100,000 hours of illumination. The Paradise GL28998BZ lights automatically turn on and off and charge during the day when the sun is out. Paradise uses crystalline solar panels designed to capture more of the sun’s natural energy to keep the bulbs powered and functioning properly, and is made with higher quality materials than most of the other lights on our list. These are completely weatherproof.
When the box arrives, its dimensions should be 15 x 14.8 x 14.8 in. Each light is only roughly 5 in. wide.
Finally, the Paradise GL28998BZ lights are sold in packs of 1, four, or six. The ability to buy a single light is welcome for many who have odd numbers of posts!
The bronze finish should not come off easily and can withstand the natural rigors of the environment.
The Bottom Line
The Paradise GL28998BZ solar post cap lights are a reliable, durable model which last for a reasonable amount of time and possess a truly spectacular appearance. The shading on the lights produces some cool patterns that are more interesting to look at than most other lights on the list.
The primary reasons they don’t take the number one spot are that they only fit wood posts, and they’re pretty costly. These lights are made with high-quality materials, but the price is a difficult one to deal with compared to the high-quality Davinci lights. Also, the internal bulbs fade a bit quickly compared to the Davinci Solar Post Lights.
Last update on 2024-10-27 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Conclusion: 4×4 Post Deck Solar Lamps
Buying cap lights for fence posts and decks can be frustrating, but it doesn’t have to be.
For the regular homeowner, the process can be simplified by measuring the top of the post, known the material used to construct the fence, and then doing some research.
Out of all of the options reviewed here, the absolute best are the Davinci solar post cap lights, due to their quality, fuzzy fit design, and styling. Costly but attractive are the runner-up Paradise GL28998BZ. For those on a budget who have wooden posts, the iGlow are a great choice. These rankings came about primarily due to functionality, longevity, and overall cost.
Light up the world with solar post cap lights, and make sure to choose an option that will combine quality and affordability.
Last update on 2024-10-27 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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