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!
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
Where To Hang Patio Lights
- Across the backyard or deck
- Attached to Trees
DIY Patio Light Pole
How To Safely Use Outdoor String Lights
Always carefully inspect the specifications of any lighting to ensure its safe for your intended use. Only use lights rated for outdoor use on your patio. These lights are approved for use outdoors because they can withstand exposure to elements like snow and rain without compromising their electrical connections or creating a safety hazard.;
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Adding Patio String Lights To The Deck
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Happy Monday! ;Hope yall had a good weekend and are enjoying these last days of summer. It sure flew by this year, but I have to admit Im ready for cooler weather. ;Speaking of cooler weather, we got some really fun string lights up on the patio and deck and those are going to be so nice for the Fall season in our backyard.
I havent updated you all since I finished staining the deck and it really turned out nice, so Ill show you all of that as well as what the deck looks like now with the addition of another rug and the new string lights. ;We are loving them! ;Fair warning, I took a zillion pics from all angles, so you could see exactly what it looks like out there, as well as some close ups of how the lights are attached. ;Youll probably remember the Treehouse post I did earlier in the Spring before the deck was stained, but I showed it all furnished with rugs and new cushions.
Back story on the lights. ;I was contacted last year by a company here in Atlanta, Christmas Lights Etc. asking me if they could come and light up my backyard.
What???
Im sure youve noticed that string lights are all the rage now and so many people are adding them to their backyard and lots of companies sell them now. ;They have really grown in popularity the last 5 years or so.
Notice the posts in the corners?
The guys from Christmas Lights Etc. came out and secured the string lights and got them installed so nicely.
Sweet Holly!
These succulents are looking good out here too.
Commercial Outdoor String Lights
Any amount of string lights can add magic, but I knew two things: I wanted lots of light , and I wanted them not to break.
I began by choosing the type of lights that would provide the most light and ambiance for our outdoor living space. Globe lights were going to give us more light: enough for outdoor dining and yard games. But I decided that a vintage style globe light provided more ambiance than simple round lights.
I then compared regular string lights to commercial grade lights, and it was no competition. I read reviews and compared and decided that these commercial grade vintage-style string lights were the way to go.
Even better, theyre LED, which should last longer, stay cool to the touch, and allows for more strands to be connected together from a single outlet because the wattage per bulb is lower. If you need a lot of strands, the price can certainly add up. But I think its worth it to have something that should survive the outdoors and last for years to come.
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How We Hung Our Deck String Lights Privacy Screen And Artwork Outside
Sharing how we hung our String Lights or rather our Deck Lights today. I am a accent lighting fanatic! We live in a 1950s home that really hasnt had any major updates to the exterior besides the small ascetic things we have done. So you arent 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 wasnt 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.;
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.
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Hanging Patio String Lights: A Pattern Of Perfection
Spring has officially arrived and that means it’s time to get in shape! Now don’t start dusting off those old workout videos, today we’re talking about patio string lights! From straight lines to scallops, string lights can take on many different shapes and almost any of these will work in the area you are looking to illuminate. But, before you begin hanging patio lights, it is helpful to determine the best way to utilize the space you have in order to get the most out of your outdoor lighting project.
Patio String Lights Hanging Patterns:
- The ZigZag
- The Magic Circle
Some people love straight foward thinking, others like to keep things interesting by forging a new path. Zig Zag patterns are a fun choice when you want to add full coverage illumination across your space but desire a more interesting light design.
Pattern Perfection Pro Tip:Hang light strings closer together to create a canopy of stars that covers the entire space. If you have one or two very long light strings and an area that is more long and narrow, consider spacing each section farther apart to cover a greater distance with less strings. For even brighter illumination, consider wrapping surrounding trees with mini lights!
Pattern Perfection Pro Tip:Use patio light strings with larger bulb sizes and wider socket spacing for bigger areas. If you are working in a small space, choose smaller bulb sizes, such as G30 globe lights, with tighter socket spacing between each bulb.
How Do You Install Patio Lights Hanging
Hanging Patio String Lights Basic Steps
Method 1Hanging Lights with Hooks or Clips
do I need wire to hang string lights? Because most string lights plug into wall outlets, you won’t need to work with many electrical wires. Just hang your strands along the plotted lines and leave enough room to reach the electrical socket.
Besides, do you need wire to hang string lights?
Materials needed to add string lightsWire Rope The amount depends on how many lights you‘ll be hanging. The rope serves as support for using multiple strings of lights over a large area. You won’t need wire rope if you‘re hanging just a few lights.
How do you hang string lights on eaves?
5 Hang the lights along the eaves.For attaching lights along gutters or the roof, use plastic clips made for the jobthese grip shingles or gutters and have a lower hook that holds a light strand or extension cord. Use plastic clips for the gutters.
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Wrap The String Lights Around Trees
You can use any trees in your yard as impromptu light stands.
While its perfectly fine to do this, youll 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.
Hammock Or Hammock Chair
The best backyard hammocks make your outdoor area even more relaxing. A comfortable hammock chair is yet another option. The Mock ONE is my personal favorite backyard hammock thanks to its built-in hammock stand, comfortable lay, and incredibly portability. Of course, normal patio furniture will also get the job done.
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Make Your Backyard Ready For Summer Nights With String Lights
Lovely summer evenings implore you to spend the night in your patio under the stars. You can without much of a stretchand reasonablyoverhaul your outdoor space just by including a couple of strands of bistro lights. Certainly, the comfortable vibe will have you and your family dining outdoors each day of the season.
Summer is a period for bringing enchantment out of the generally ordinary and enjoying a touch of whimsical feel. With those long, pleasant night times and the coming of companions anxious to open a bottle of wine under the stars, the outdoor patio is your probable hangout.
On the other hand, whats a better approach to offer that previously mentioned enchantment than porch lighting fit for an endless summer of magic? Since they are simple, inexpensive, and easily accessible, bistro lights are the designers go-to. Certainly, these subtle adornments can give any space an instant mesmerizing beauty.
Above all, the best part is that there are probably endless varieties of string lights. From Edison bulbs to bobbing Chinese lanterns, basic or extravagant, the lights you string over your porch represent your inner summer soul. Ultimately, this means you are someone who knows how to entertain, as well as enjoy the glorious glow of string light installations.
Longer days and hotter evenings require a particular type of calm and quiet. Summer is the point at which the mood of the world backs off, and delights in things winter brutally denies.
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.
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What Color Should The Bulbs Be
Whenever Im buying lightbulbs, whether for indoor or outdoor use, I always look for warm white. Regular lightbulbs will have this Lighting Facts diagram on the back of the box like the ones below. Youll always want your light color to be on the warm side of the spectrum.
Boxes of string lights may or may not have this diagram. But the point is that you want a warm glow with yellow/orange undertones, similar to the color of candlelight. Anything that says daylight or cool is going to have a blue cast like an alien spaceship. And Im guessing thats not the ambiance youre going for.
Freestanding Solution For Hanging String Lights
If youre looking for a great way to illuminate your outdoor living areas, string lights are great option. String lights can enhance a patio or outdoor space by adding a warm glow and dispersed light, but they can be tricky to hang if you dont have trees or other tall objects to string them from.
We recently had a similar issue where we needed to utilize a freestanding cable solution in order to run string lights around the outer edge of our patio.
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Choosing The Right Brand
After learning the best ways to hang string light bulbs, you will need to choose the right brand for your house. Some brands are appropriate for temporal hanging during events while others are appropriate for permanent fixing. Therefore, you should purchase the best string lights that fit your needs.
The most common string light brands are:
1. Bistro lights
These lights consist of glass bulbs that give off a yellow glow. They are ideal for outdoor lighting. They are ideal ambiance lights that offer a pleasing night experience with warm overhead light.
2. Twinkle lights
They are available in both plastic and glass bulbs which is efficient in energy production; although, they give off cool blue light.
3. Edison bulbs
They are a pseudo-vintage type of string bulbs that are of higher end. They have an orange filament that gives out a warm glow with a timely ambiance. However, they are expensive to replace.