Learn How To Hang String Lights Outside Using Stainless Wire For Support With These Tips You Can Create An Outdoor Oasis In No Time
I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: twinkle lights make everything magical. It’s the whole reason I host a nighttime tour every holiday season… but what’s a girl to do the other ten months of the year? Hang outdoor string lights, of course.
And not just any outdoor string lights: ones that will last.
When I revealed my outdoor dining area last week, I had so many questions about the best way to hang string lights, so today I’m sharing all my tips and tricks, as well as the best outdoor string lights and materials needed to hang them on wire cables.
Bring A Soft Inviting Glow To Your Backyard Porch Or Patio By Installing Cafe
- Outdoor extension cord
- Tape measure
- Ladder
For string lights strung over a large expanse:
- String light suspension kit
- Wire cutters
For yards without trees or other tall supports:
- 10-foot-long wooden posts or 10-foot-long metal poles
- Hammer
- Nails or screws
- Sturdy planters or weighted buckets filled with concrete and a PVC pipe slot in center
- 18-inch-long metal rebar stakes
- Cable ties
Before You Start1. Choose where to hang your outdoor lights. 2. Measure for length and roughly choose your light configuration. 3. Purchase the cords and lights, and gather all materials.LED bulbsHow to Hang String Lights1. Identify where mounting support is needed. 2. Install mounting hardware or use a string light suspension kit — or both.
- Hanging without a wire: To hang the patio lights without a wire, screw a cup hook into the wall, fence, pergola or tree trunk to use as mounting.
- Hanging with a wire: If you’re using a wire, you can purchase a wire hanging kit that comes with a cable wire and suspension hardware . Install according to the instructions included with the kit.
CAM Construction3. Hang patio lights. How to Hang String Lights in a Backyard Without TreesAlong a wood fence. On a deck or concrete patio.Posts attached to a rooftop railing provide height and support for outdoor globe lights. On a lawn. How to Hang String Lights on a Covered PatioWatermark LandscapesTell us: More on Houzz
How We Hung Our Deck String Lights Privacy Screen And Artwork Outside
April 21, 2018
Sharing how we hung our String Lights or rather our Deck Lights today. I am a accent lighting fanatic! We live in a 1950’s home that really hasn’t had any major updates to the exterior besides the small ascetic things we have done. So you aren’t going to find an outlet outside. If you are building a new home- this is where you make a mental note to add a plug in several spots outside. The plug issue wasn’t going to stop me from having a glowing strand of String Lights off our back deck. Also added a privacy screen that I will share the details on this post too!
Disclaimer- this is what WE did. It has worked really well for us but might not for you. Below is what we did and hopefully it will give you an idea that would work for you!
- Large Hooks
- Long Screws
**We went to Home Depot . We found some wood trim that we cut in half right there. Got home, spray painted them all. Installed them. Then realized they were too thin and not supportive enough. So we started over. That is when we used the 60? Wooden Garden Stake because they are thicker and taller. You could also use a plumbing pipe or a metal fence pole. We found that these worked just fine for our lights.
In the above image you can see the Garden Stakes we used. How we spray painted them FIRST. Then attached mini hooks to the garden stake so we could loop the string lights around them.
How To Install Poles To Hang Outdoor String Lights In Your Backyard
Lighting makes outdoor spaces feel inviting. Here’s a simple, sturdy way to hang those pretty string lights you’ve been eyeing.
Ready your outdoor space for al fresco dining and bonfire season with the warm glow of string lights. If you don’t have any deck or porch posts accessible or trees you can use to string outdoor lights, this backyard project can help you suspend lights anywhere with minimal effort. Long vertical poles secured with concrete footings are an easy way to support twinkling string lights and are sturdy enough to stay up for the entire summer season. A little carpentry work and a few basic supplies are all that’s required, and this DIY project can be done in one day. See how we did it below, and check out our expert advice to hang string lights correctly the first time.
- Working time3 hrs
- Start to finish1 day
- DifficultyKind of Easy
- InvolvesPouring Concrete, Carpentry Skills
- 1-inch diameter PVC pipeQty:1
- 3/4-inch conduitQty:1
Set Concrete
Create a sturdy base for the lighting supports using concrete and PVC pipes. Sink concrete forms at each end or corner of your patio or backyard area. Make sure the concrete forms are set deep enough to go below the frost line, which varies by region. Center a same-height piece of 1-inch-diameter PVC pipe inside and fill form around the pipe with concrete.
Cut Pipes
Drill Holes
Finish Poles
Hang String Lights
Tips And Tricks For Hanging String Lights Under Covered Patio Deck
Clean design. Initially, I had wanted the lights to be angled from one corner to the next. Since we had a fan installed, it would be too much for the space.For our space, I wanted to stay clear of a cluttered ceiling, so we opted for the perimeter to be lighted.
However, if you have a fairly open space, I would recommend looking up various ways you can hang the lights .
Measure Your Space. Before you even think about ordering your lights, measure your space and your design. It’s important to think about how you’ll get the light to the outlet, especially if you want to hang the long leading end. Measure your space and your initial design so that you get enough length.
Anchor Ports. Make sure you have anchor ports for the light strands. In our space, since we were securing it around the perimeter, it wasn’t that big of a deal.
Use hooks and silicone. If you plan on adding holes to the outside walks, I would recommend using caulking silicone around the hooks to keep the hole from wearing with the weather as well as keeping the bugs out.
Keep the lights away from the wall. While the lights don’t emit that much power, we wanted to avoid any heat to the structures surrounding it as much as possible. As a hack, we added zip ties to the hooks and cut them. The zip ties effectively worked as spacers on the hooks to keep the lights away from the wall. It was cheap and worked.
How Are The Outdoor String Light Poles Holding Up After 3 Years
We installed the first two poles 3 summers ago, and we decided to add a third pole 2 years ago. And I have to say, this is one of the easiest things to set up when we bust out the outdoor furniture and accessories every spring!
We set the posts into the PVC, attach the string light cords, and that’s it. It doesn’t get much simpler than that!
Summary Of Hanging String Lights Under Covered Patio Or Deck
Seriously, this is the easiest project ever. Adding string lights to our deck makes our evening more magical. The lights look glorious during sunset hours. I just love to get away from the noise of what a big family offers and just sit and relax with a cup of hot chocolate. The glow is charming and provides a surprising amount of light.
While it is true that bugs are less attracted to these as compared to my regular fan lighting, I now had a new appreciation for what my screened in patio could do for me. Check out our project on restoring our deck patio furniture here!
The Easiest Way To Hang String Lights On A Screened Porch
This post may contain affiliate links, which means that we earn a small percentage of each sale. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
The backyard is basically the biggest reason we bought our house.
The amazing view of the lake makes waking up each morning and walking outside a dream.
Add to that evenings sitting outside on the screened porch with a cold beverage, we’re really enjoying our choice.
We eat as many of our meals on the porch as we can, but the dinky wall light that was there makes it difficult to see much detail once it starts getting dark.
We’ve had a bunch of people over for dinner or parties since we moved in and after dark it’s hard to see.
So we picked up a big box of outdoor string lights from Costco for $40 to hang above our porch.
How To Hang String Lights Without Nails: 5 Simple Ideas
Learn how to hang string lights or Christmas lights without using nails on almost ANY surface!
Put that hammer away, let’s take a look at 5 simpler solutions…
Nothing compliments that new patio furniture or gazebo quite like some great ambient lighting.
And these days, string lights are where it’s at.
If you want to avoid using nails when hanging string lights, either indoors or outdoors around the pool or patio, you actually do have a lot of options these days.
Here are five different solutions that you might find helpful when hanging lights in different areas of your property.
How To Hang String Lights In The Backyard Without Trees
It is a common thing to hang outdoor string lights on trees in the backyard. However, if your backyard has no trees, then you will need to look for alternative ways on how to hang string lights in the backyard without trees.
Here are some tips on how to hang string lights in the backyard without trees.
How Do You Hang Edison Lights Under Covered Patio Deck
To hang Edison lights under a covered patio, you’ll need to have hooks or screw eyes that are drilled underneath the ceiling of the covered patio or deck. Next, use silicon to do preventative shielding for water damage. Hang the string lights without the bulbs. Once the string lights are hung up, add the bulbs on along with an extension cord and automatic timer.
How To Hang String Lights On An Aluminum Patio Cover
Despite all these great products being available to you, sometimes the best way of how to hang string lights on an aluminum patio cover, umbrella, or gazebo without using nails is .
Depending on the brand and design, you should have plenty of posts, joists, and possibly supporting hooks hang your string lights from.
You can dangle, wrap, and suspend the lights between the different pieces of your patio cover. If you’re decorating the inside of your patio, then you can string the lights between vertical joists in the cover.
The cover will protect the lights from wind and rain so there’s no need to even fasten them – just grab a ladder and get creative.
In most cases, wrapping and using the parts of the gazebo itself will allow you to hang your string lights without drilling holes or using potentially damaging adhesive.
If there is no way to do this on your gazebo or patio cover, then go back and look at the zipties solution mentioned above or one of the other solutions instead.
How Do You Attach String Lights To An Aluminum Patio
How to Hang Things on an Aluminum Porch
Likewise, how do you hang patio lights without nails? Method 1Hanging Lights with Hooks or Clips
Correspondingly, how do you hang string lights on a patio?
Hanging Patio String Lights Basic Steps
How do you hang lights on a metal awning?
Hanging lights on metal doesn’t have to be hard.
Can You Screw Into Alumawood There Are Other Options
- November 30, 2019
- News
Can you screw into Alumawood? “Yes, you can, But. why would you want to?”
As an alternative to drilling holes into your Alumawood Patio Cover, you can use . You can quickly release them off the surface when you no longer need them. But if you do use screws, make sure whatever you are hanging will not pull through the metal with too much weight. You can use to hang your plants onto your header and beams. Sometimes you may have to sleeve and reinforce your joists with wood to hang a roll down shade onto your Patio Cover. Planning is essential when designing your new Alumawood Patio Cover because we can plan to prepare your Patio Cover for many of these add ons and issues.
How To Hang String Lights If You Only Have A Patio
The same ideas will apply! Instead of attaching the wood poles to a deck, I would suggest putting them into a planter and perhaps filling it with a small amount of cement to really weigh it down. Then fill the rest of the planter with some soil and succulents to make it pretty.
You can also use command hooks to simple drape them across the side of your house, like we did!
See how easy it is to hang string lights on a deck? We really love the effect these string lights have created on our deck and we’ve been spending so much more time outside enjoying our deck while the weather is still nice!
P.S. Don’t forget to check out the full summer deck reveal!
What Is The Best Way To Hang Outdoor String Lights
Fancy brackets, hooks, and poles can be expensive. By using EMT conduit and PVC conduit, you can hang beautiful string lights over your patio inexpensively.
All you need to do is add one-hole straps to the top of the EMT, which will hold the guidewire. Then, add a little spray paint really gives the whole thing an expensive look. Next, secure the EMT into PVC ‘holders’. After that, all that’s left to do is string up the lights! Maybe that was too quick, let me walk you through it!
How To Hang String Lights On Aluminum Patio Cover
String lights can help you achieve the perfect lighting you need for enjoyable outdoor relaxing and dining. They cast a beautiful, soft glow that provides the perfect amount of light while still being subtle and gentle on the eyes.
The process for hanging string lights on an aluminum patio cover is much the same as the process for hanging them on any other kind of patio. In this article, we’re going to explain the process in full.
How Do You Hang Things On A Aluminum Patio Cover
How to Hang Things on an Aluminum Porch
A: No, Alumawood patio covers are designed to create shade and are not recommended to be walked on. Q.) A: Yes, the aluminum is extruded from a machine to make the different sizes used to build Alumawood Patio Covers.
Furthermore, how do you hang patio lights without nails? Method 1Hanging Lights with Hooks or Clips
In respect to this, can you screw into Alumawood?
“Yes, you can, But. But if you do use screws, make sure whatever you are hanging will not pull through the metal with too much weight. You can use Aluma hooks to hang your plants onto your header and beams.
How do you hang lights on a metal awning?
Hanging lights on metal doesn’t have to be hard.
Ways To Hang Outdoor Patio Lights Without Nails
Having patio lights will help you enjoy your patio. It will also make your home look better and improve your house’s curb appeal. However, is there any way to hang them up without putting nails into the wall?
One of the ways to hang outdoor patio lights without nails is using adhesive hooks or gutter hooks. Alternatively, you can tape or staple them to your wall. You can also hang them on trees, bushes, posts, potted plants, and your fence. Another way to brighten up your patio is by using lanterns.
In this article, we will discuss the benefits of installing patio lights. We will also go over the best ways to install patio lights without using any nails.
Why Install Patio Lights Without Nails
However, before we get into it, we will explain the benefits of installing patio lights and why installing them is better without using any nails.
Nails Can Damage Your House
Improves Your Home’s Curb Appeal
Another reason to install patio lights outside your home is that it will improve your home’s curb appeal. Having a well-lit patio will allow you to charge more for your home if you are listing it online, as you will be able to take beautiful pictures of your home and your patio at night.
If anyone drives by your home and you have a for-sale sign on your front lawn, having a well-lit patio will make your home more attractive. More people will notice it, and they will be more interested in buying. They will also be willing to pay more.
Improves Your Quality of Life
Glue on Hooks
Easily Hang Outdoor Patio Lights Without Nails
Patio lights can make a world of difference to your outdoor space. They immediately signal to all of your guests that you care about the ambiance of your patio.
However, it’s not always obvious how to hang them up . You may be tempted to reach for a box of nails, but hold on!
Before you do something you might regret, read on. I’ll tell you how to hang outdoor patio lights without nails!
Step 5: Connecting The String Lights To Power
For the fifth and final step, you will want to connect the outlet on the string lights to your extension cable. String the cord down to the source of power you are using, plug it in, and fasten the cord to a post or a wall with cord clips of your choice. If you want, you can also use an outlet timer so that your lights will turn off and on automatically.
Can You Hang String Lights With A Staple Gun
Staple guns should not be used to hang string lights. Not only will staples damage your home’s walls, but it could also completely damage the lights. The recommendation is to just use a drill to install hooks and/or screw eyes or potentially find plastic clips and hooks that are strong enough to hold up your string lights.
How To Hang String Lights Without Backyards
Some homesteads do not have backyards. Therefore, if your homestead does not have one, then you need to learn how to hang string lights without backyards. There are several ways to light up your homestead regardless of the backyard. Lack of a backyard should not hinder you from illuminating your house.
How To Build A String Light Pole On A Deck
Time needed: 1 hour.
Simple tutorial to attach a string light pole to a raised deck
We used two – one on each of the farthest corners of the deck. This way we could attach hooks to the house and to the poles and swag the lights back and forth.
Allow to dry.
Using wood screws, attach each pole to the back of the deck. We used two screws for each post to ensure they were stable. Make sure you check for level as you are screwing them in.
Screw a hook on to the top of each pole as well as to the side of the house where the string lights will start and end.
Simply hang the beginning of the light set from the first hook and drape across to the next hook, then the next hook and so on. We had a few feet of lights left when we reached the last hook and just let it trail down the side of the house.Note: Depending on where your nearest electric outlet is you may need to get a little creative with plugging in your lights. Ours is way over next to our bulkhead, which is about 15 feet away from the deck. We plugged an extension cord in, tacked it under the siding and ran it all the way over the deck and up side to meet the lights. You can see the white extension cord where it meets the black string of lights.
RELATED: How To Clean Patio Cushions
Best Ways To Hang Outdoor String Lights
Backyards in many homes are brightened up by hanging string lights. Outdoor string lights can be hung temporarily during events such as weddings or permanently to enhance the backyard patio. Regardless of the events, there are numerous ideas on how to hang the string lights to create that cozy ambiance that will have you enjoy your nights.
String lights bring out an inviting and soft glow in your backyard or the entire homestead. When properly fixed, they will transform your backyard into an attractive spot, where you can host friends and cheer up as you enjoy your night.
Some backyards have trees and other objects while others lack a backyard. Therefore, before you decide on the best way to hand your outdoor string lights, you should take time to assess your backyard.
Outdoor street lights should be able to withstand harsh temperatures, wind, and rain. Therefore, the quality of the lights and the hanging style are crucial.
However, to achieve that inviting illumination in your backyard, you need to hang the lights in the right way to achieve the best illumination pattern. Therefore, you should learn the best ways to hang the outdoor string lights in your homestead.
That said, here are the best ways to hang your outdoor string lights to beautify and brighten up the space.
Learn How To Hang Outdoor String Lights
Learn how to use support cables to hang outdoor string lights over your patio or yard.
See above for all the considerations . You will want to attach the cables at least 9? off the ground to allow for a bit of sag and for the lights to hang down. Once you have decided these details, measure the space, then order your lights and cable hanging materials.
There will be tension on the cable, obviously, so it is important that the eye hooks be installed securely. At least 9? off the ground, choose a position that will allow the eye hook to stick out perpendicular to the direction the cable will run. This will keep the pressure of the cable from trying to pull the screw hooks straight out of the tree. Use a hammer to tap the end of your eye hook into the tree. Once it is secure, begin screwing it in. You may have to repeat the tapping and screwing a few times as it makes its way through layers of bark. Eventually, though, it will catch and you can screw it in securely. To tighten the screw, using a screwdriver through the eye for leverage.
Between each set of eye hooks, run stainless cable and secure using aluminum sleeves or other wire locks. Be sure to pull the cable tight before securing.
Secure the end of your final strand to the last eye hook and enjoy!
GET THE SUPPLIES:
Do you have any other questions about hanging outdoor lights? Ask away! And don’t forget to pin it.
How High Should Patio String Lights Be
Always be careful hanging patio string lights along people’s walking paths. Small, thin strings of outdoor lights are difficult to see when not turned on.
You don’t want to be responsible for someone clothes-lining themselves! It’s hard to tell you a definitive height, considering it largely depends on the height of the tallest person on your patio! However, 9-10 feet is a good rule of thumb.
Why 9 to 10 feet? It’s 4-5 feet taller than an average-sized human being. The lights will naturally hang down and sag over time, so you’ll want a bit of breathing room.
How To Store Lights After The Holidays
When the holiday season is over and it’s time to take off your Christmas lights and decor, here are a few options to consider.
- Take a piece of cardboard and wrap your lights around it for a tangle-free eco-friendly solution.
- You want to make sure the cardboard is at least 12 inches or bigger.
With either of these alternatives, you can go one step further by placing the lights and other decorations in a bag or box. Labeling the bag or box also helps with finding your decorations easily for the following holiday season.
Good luck with your holiday project this year and we hope these make the process easier. Happy Holidays!
How To Mount Outdoor Lights On Siding
- March 11, 2021
Norm abram s best tricks of the trade ii exterior light fixtures wall siding new house how do i install outdoor lights on this bracket doityourself com community forums pin décor to mount lighting ribbed metal garage journal board barn simount fiber cement mounting blocks from tapco group you replacing an fixture create a rock solid base for mounted vinyl or aluminum lap wit installing porch block ply gem
Norm Abram S Best Tricks Of The Trade Ii Exterior Light Fixtures Wall Siding
New House Siding How Do I Install Outdoor Lights On This Bracket Doityourself Com Community Forums
Pin On Décor
How To Mount Outdoor Lighting Ribbed Metal Siding The Garage Journal Board Barn
Simount Fiber Cement Mounting Blocks From The Tapco Group You
Replacing An Exterior Light Fixture You
Create A Rock Solid Base For Exterior Light Fixtures Mounted On Vinyl Or Aluminum Lap Siding Wit Installing Fixture
How To Install A Light Fixture On Fiber Cement Siding
How To Install A Porch Light You
Vinyl Siding Mounting Blocks Exterior Light Block Ply Gem
How To Mount Outdoor Lighting Ribbed Metal Siding The Garage Journal Board
How To Install A Light Fixture On Fiber Cement Siding
How To Install A Light Fixture On Fiber Cement Siding
How To Mount Speakers Vinyl Siding
How To Hang Decor On Siding Outdoor Patio Front Porch Decorating
Replacing Outdoor Wall Sconces What You Need To Know Porch Daydreamer
Replacing Outdoor Wall Sconces What You Need To Know Porch Daydreamer
Step 1: Choosing Your Anchor Points
Before you begin hanging your string lights on your aluminum patio cover, you will want to choose your anchor points.
To do this, you should start by laying string lights around the deck’s perimeter. Think about where you want all of the strands to hang. Then, adjust the lights until you get them in a position that suits you.
You will want to make sure that the plug is placed close to a power outlet or grab an extension cord to extend the reach. Using a pencil and ladder, mark the general area where you will place each light on the overhang of your deck.
Wrap The String Lights Around Trees
You can use any trees in your yard as impromptu light stands.
While it’s perfectly fine to do this, you’ll want to make sure to shift the lights regularly. You want to avoid having the string lights grow into the tree .
You can choose to drill directly into the tree, but be careful not to permanently damage it.
Where To Hang Outdoor String Lights
Making a plan was definitely the slowest part of the whole project for me – ha! There are four major considerations:
We decided to hang ours in two groupings: one over the larger clearing, which we will use as a game area, and one of the smaller clearing for dining. Each grouping comes to a single peak on one side and spreads out to four other points on the other side.