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How To Hang Patio Lights Without Nails

Tools And Materials You’ll Need

Hang String Lighting from Alumawood Aluminum or Duralum patio cover.

The proper tools and materials not only make the job quicker and easier, but also prevent injuries. Depending on the method you choose, you’ll need:

  • Pencil – Make marks to help plan your lighting layout.
  • Tape Measure – Take accurate measurements to hang your lights pleasingly.
  • Hammer & Nails – Pound in nails to hang the lights from.
  • Drill & Screws – Screw in screws to to hang the lights from.
  • Metal Hooks – These are a nifty and somewhat attractive alternative to nails or screws for hanging.

In addition to these tools and materials, the “create your own supports” method requires the following additional materials.

  • Posts – Wooden, hollow metal, or PVC pipe works best.
  • Buckets – Heavy-duty buckets act as a base for each pole so you don’t have to dig into the ground.
  • Hardware – Add hardware to easily secure the lights.

Remember to be careful when using any and all power tools, even just a simple power drill, as these can easily cause injures when used incorrectly.

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 youre 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 theres 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 To Hang Fairy Lights Without Nails

Bryony Hayburn

You may have decided that an aspect of your house needs illumination this may be the living room, the hallway, maybe even a bedroom but dont want to place unsightly holes in your wall due to the use of nails. Luckily there are a number of alternative ways to hang or display fairy lights.

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Make Sure The Lights Are Energy Efficient

If you are having a lot of gatherings in the backyard, or keep the backyard lights on to illuminate the area, then youll want to make sure the lights are working for you. Using LED lights or other energy-efficient bulbs can save you both money and power in the long run.

Additionally, most LED lights are durable enough to withstand significant use and the elements. Plus, the brightness level remains the same as non-LED lights. For lights that are going to last for a long time, make sure to use some LEDs.


How Big Is The Patio String Lights To Be

How to Hang Patio Lights Without Nails

Often look out for hanging patio string lights in peoples walking routes. Short, thin strings of exterior lights are hard to see when not switched on.

You dont want to be liable for someone whos wearing shoes! Its hard to tell you a definite height, provided that it depends mostly on the height of the tallest individual on your patio! Yet 9-10 feet is a decent rule of thumb.

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How To Hang Patio Lights

With a little planning, patio string lights have the unique ability to make any outdoor space more exciting. We made this guide for anyone looking to get started.

Turn your dark, unused outdoor spaces into a nighttime oasis with the help of patio lights! Hanging patio lights across the backyard, deck or inside of an outdoor structure like a gazebo or pergola is a perfect way to add ambient landscape lighting for every day use, parties and outdoor events. Scroll down a little to start at the beginning or click on one of the links below this text to skip straight to the patio lights topic you’re looking for!


With a little planning, patio string lights have the unique ability to make any outdoor space more exciting. We made this guide for anyone looking to get started.

Hanging Patio Lights Guide

How to Hang Patio Lights

The installation process can vary depending on where and how you decide to hang your patio lights. To get you started, we’ve created a list of the basic steps, supplies you might need and methods to use.

Supplies You Might Need


  • Hooks- these could be screw-in hooks or another variety.
  • Zip ties

Hanging Patio String Lights Basic Steps

  • Draw a rough sketch with measurements
  • Assemble your poles if applicable
  • Hang your first patio light string with the male plug closest to your outlet.
  • Plug your patio lights in and enjoy the ambiance!
  • Where To Hang Patio Lights

    • Across the backyard or deck
    • Attached to Trees

    DIY Patio Light Pole

    How To Attach Light Strings With Clips

    • Measure The Perimeter-It is essential to measure the perimeter of the area that you want to decorate, so that you can get the right number of strings to comfortably cover the distance. Also, it will be helpful to know the color pattern you want to display, such as using only one color, randomly mixing colors, or alternating colors.
    • Get A Sufficient Number Of Clips-Purchase a large enough number of clips to cover the distance, with one clip every 6 to 8 inches – it depends on the type of light you want to use. Bulb-type lights such as C7 use larger clips than mini lights or icicle lights.
    • Protect Clips With Adhesive-Use adhesive along the perimeter you want to decorate to secure the clips. It is advisable to follow the product instructions for applying the adhesive and allowing sufficient time for the adhesive to cure.
    • Test Light String-To ensure there are no burned-out or missing bulbs, test the light string by connecting the lights into an electrical outlet. Replace bulbs if necessary, and then unplug the lights and take them outside. Arrange the lights along the line of clips, place the cord in each clip as you go, and then plug the light string into an outdoor outlet, using an extension cord.

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    How To Hang Small Christmas Lights On A Wall Without Using Nails And Making Holes

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    To drape your Christmas lights around the room the way you want them, you need to attach them to the walls in many places along the strands of wire. This can leave you with a series of small holes you need to patch at the end of the season — and taking down the holiday decorations is sad enough without adding hours of extra work to the job. If your lights are small, the strands should be lightweight, which gives you several options for how to hang them without damaging the walls.


  • Stick a small adhesive decorating clip to the walls in each place you want to attach a strand of lights. To secure a vertical stretch of lights going straight up or down the wall, face the clips in alternating directions to make the arrangement more secure. In other words, attach the bottom clip facing left, the clip above it facing right, the third clip facing left and so on. Slide the strands of lights into the arrangement of clips to fasten them to the wall. This system works best on white plaster walls because adhesive decorating clips are most readily available in white.

  • Things You Will Need

    How To Hang Patio Lights Without Nails

    String lights on Alumawood patio cover

    Summer has just come, and you have numerous plans, but your patio has not yet been revamped. This might make you get stressed, but there is no course for alarm! I have prepared for you numerous simple ideas which you can use to hang your patio lights without nails.

    5 Best-Selling Lights for Your Patio

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    Summer holidays are generally beautiful and full of life, and nothing beats a well light patio and their ability to improve the ambiance and general view of your space.

    Adding lights can transform your space from an ordinary backyard to a party-ready soft spot and cheer up dim pathways with inviting luminescence.

    Lets explore the various ways that can easily be implemented to hang your patio lights without nails.


    Image Source Deavita

    This technique is straightforward and leaves your walls undamaged. Estimate the gaps you want to maintain between each hanging light and stick the gutter hooks at these intervals.

    Hang in your string light and let them dropdown. The straight, bright lines slanting down your wall brings an ecstatic view to your outdoor space.

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    Peel And Stick Double Sided Sticky Tape

    Peel off the back and press your outdoor wall art firmly in place. I held my pieces down and put my weight into pressing to be sure I had a good seal.

    Viola!

    My outdoor wall art is hung, and in 10 minutes!

    Id have to say our little backyard is starting to shape up!

    That planter is my Key West DIY Wood Planter Box project and I made the DIY Coastal Rope Garden Border last week.

    See how simple it was to hang outdoor art without nails? I promised you a 10 minute project!

    Just like when you are decorating the inside of your house with wall art to add interest, the outside of your home can benefit from a little detail too. Outdoor wall decor helps define your space and helps an outdoor space feel cozy.

    This is project # 3 of my 30 Days To Fabulous Backyard Makeover.

    Hang An Outdoor Light

    When you are removing the Gorilla Tough & Clear Mounting Tape from the package, do it carefully. It really sticks! Youll want to make sure your hands are washed and you are ready to go when you remove the tape because it doesnt come to play.

    We took two pieces of the Gorilla Tough & Clear Mounting Tape and stuck it on either side of the mounting plate. This tape works with a lot of plastics, metal, wood, glass, brick, ceramic, stone, and more.

    The only place is really doesnt work is on wallpaper, delicate surfaces, and some PP plastics. In this case, our mounting plate was metal. The tape stuck very quickly so youll want to make sure its in the right location before pressing it down.

    After that youre going to remove the strips on the top of the tape. If you dont have long fingernails, use a craft knife or tweezers to help you grab a corner.

    Then youre going to make sure the surface is dry and relatively clean . Then press down firmly. This Gorilla Tough & Clear Mounting Tape REALLY STICKS!

    After we taped up the lower, solar bracket, we also used the Gorilla Tough & Clear Mounting Tape to place the upper light plate as well. The Gorilla tape holds up to 15 lbs*, though our neighbors light was probably 2 3 at the most.

    Im happy that my neighbors were able to add a light and that we were able to help them do so. I cant take all the credit though . . . this Gorilla Tough & Clear Mounting Tape is pretty amazing. What would you hang with this product?

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    Attaching String Lights On A Stucco Wall With A Hot Glue Gun

    A. Measure the border you need to beautify with lights, such as your homes rooftop line, patio overhang, or around window outlines. Buy enough light strings to cover this separation serenely. Consider the shading design you intend to show, such as utilizing just one shading, exchanging two hues, or arbitrarily blending hues.

    B. Purchase an adequate number of clasps to cover this separation with one clasp each 6 to 8 inches, contingent upon the kind of lights you will utilize. Bulb-type lights, known as C7 or C9 bulbs, use bigger clasps than scaled downlights or icicle lights.

    How To Hang String Lights On Covered Patio

    How to Hang Patio Lights Without Nails â Alternative Ideas!

    A covered patio makes hanging string lights a bit easier. This is because these types of patios already have somewhere to hang lights from.

    The first thing to consider is what style will work for your patio. A zigzag pattern might be great for some patios but the design could interfere with structural elements such as ceiling fans. In those cases, string lights framing the edges of the ceiling can offer a beautiful alternative. Another choice is to run the lights in straight lines across the ceiling. These can be carefully placed to avoid any other design facets on the ceiling.

    No matter what pattern you use, the first step is to measure the space. Try to start your length of string lights as close to an outlet as possible. Then, youll want to consider how youre going to anchor your lights. One option is to use the same coaxial staples as before. If youre looking to avoid the use of nails, however, you can try adhesive hooks. If you use adhesive hooks, its crucial to make sure theyre made for outdoor use. The last thing you want is for your hooks to slide off the wall at the first sign of foul weather.

    If your commercial grade lights tend to heat up, you can use trimmed down zip ties connected between the hook and wire to add a little extra distance.

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    How To Hang String Lights On Deck Railing

    If you have a deck, the railing of that deck offers a convenient place to hang string lights. Not only that, the lights can give your deck a comfortable glow on dark summer nights. Like fences, though, simply wrapping the lights probably isnt going to give you a polished look. The installation process is simple and you even have a couple of choices in how you work with the design.

    The simplest way to hang them is to have them run with the railing of the deck. This probably wont be the best choice for string lights with large bulbs since the design is pressed flush against the deck. If you have smaller bulbs or rope lights, this could be the design for you! All you really need is a set of the coaxial staples that we discussed earlier to hold the lights in place.

    An alternative option is to install furring strips by nailing them to the and allowing them to extend upward well above the deck. These work as poles to support higher lighting.

    How To Hang String Lights Along A Fence

    Attaching your lights to a fence is just about as simple as it gets. The industrial lights come with a hole above each bulb so you can simply attach each light with a 3 finish nail pounded in at an angle. The nail heads are small enough that youll be able to remove the lights and replace them without removing the nails.

    Finish nail- 16 penny 3 or 3.5 nail

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    Rough Concrete And Brick Walls

    Using a hot glue gun is a great way to hang string lights without nails to almost any surface imaginable.

    Now, keep in mind this option is a little more permanent and the lights are harder to move around once you commit to where you glue them.

    However, this option will like work the best on flat rough surfaces like porous concrete where there is nowhere to attach a zip tie or a way stick an adhesive backed hook.

    What are Hot Glue Guns?

    If youre not familiar, hot glue guns heat up and extrude glue through a metal nozzle. The glue quickly cools down and hardens, adhering items to one another.

    There are hot glue guns that are rated for outdoor use which is perfect for this application. You can use this option for either bulbless or bulbed string lights. In either case, youll give the gun 5 to 10 minutes to heat up.

    Hold the lights how you want them to look and apply a little bit of glue to the string, pressing it firmly against the surface you want it to stick to.

    If you have bulbed string lights, avoid getting glue on the lights so you dont end up with foggy bulbs.

    Use as many or as few applications of hot glue along the string of lights for your desired outcome.

    Unscrew the Bulbs First

    If youre using large-bulbed string lights, you might wind up unscrewing the bulbs first.

    You can then hot glue the base or the T-connection of the light to the wall. With the bulbs unscrewed, youre ensuring that you dont fog up the glass.

    What Is The Best Way To Hang Outdoor String Lights

    SIMPLE WAY TO HANG PATIO STRING LIGHTS!! INDOOR OR OUTDOOR!!

    The best way to hang outdoor string lights depends on where you are hanging them. If you have trees, its easy to hang lights. Just drill a hole into a tree, install a cup hook, wrap the light around it and secure it with a zip tie. Or you can thread them through the branches and not anchor them. But, make sure you are close enough to a power outlet. You can also hang string lights from porch or deck posts, your home, fences, gazebos, pergolas, or pavilions.

    When hanging heavy lights or hundreds of feet of string lights, thread them through a guide wire for extra support. You can also install wall anchors before the hooks for extra support.

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