For some, having a yard or patio is better than having another room in the house. By adding or upgrading your outdoor lighting, you can extend the time you get to spend outdoors, flourishing and enjoying quality time with those you love.
In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of hanging outdoor string lights on various surfaces, including trees, deck railings, covered patios, and materials like brick and stucco. If you’re also looking to illuminate an open seating area, we have options for you.
Difficulty level: Easy
Estimated time: 2 – 4 hours (depending on the size of your yard)
Before Getting Started
Before you start hanging outdoor lights, there are a couple of things you need to know. First, measure the area you’re illuminating and plan the layout. Sketch your outline on graph paper, where ¼-inch equals 1 foot, and add 1 foot to your results for extra leeway. Consider the location of your power source, where to attach your lights, and plan for concealing connections. This step also helps you determine the supplies you’ll need.
Second, choose the style of bulb. For durability, consider industrial LED string lights. Protected areas can use inexpensive string lights, and there are various styles like globe bulbs for a cafe look or Edison bulbs for a rustic feel. Either way look for soft white lighting for the ideal nighttime ambiance. If you don’t have an outdoor outlet, consider battery- or solar-powered options (especially if your outdoor area is exposed to plenty of sunlight).
Tools and Materials
Now, let’s get started. Here’s a list of what you’ll need:
- Outdoor hanging lights (make sure outdoor is specified on the product label)
- Tape measure
- Step ladder
- Drill (optional)
- Cup hooks
- Outdoor extension cord (optional)
- Staple gun (optional)
- String light poles (optional)
- Zip ties (optional) or twist ties (optional)
- Command hooks (optional)
- In-ground posts (optional)
- Planter (optional)
- 8-foot pressure-treated posts (optional)
- Fast-setting concrete (optional)
- Wall anchors (optional)
5 Ways to Hang Outdoor String Lights
How to Hang Lights on a Tree Outside
Hanging lights on a tree outside is easy. Simply string lights among the branches for a natural style. If hanging lights among multiple trees, follow these steps:
- Measure the distance between trees, considering how taut you want the lights.
- Plug in your lights to ensure they’re working properly.
- Remove the bulbs to ensure easier cord handling and to protect the bulbs from breaking during installation.
- Lay the lights on the ground in the desired pattern before hanging them.
- Mark spots on the trees for hanging lights and drill guide holes.
- Use a tape measure for consistent hole height.
- Install hooks into the guide holes.
- Thread the lights onto the hooks.
- Install the bulbs in your string lights.
- If needed, connect an extension cord to your hanging outdoor lights and secure it to the tree with a hook.
How to Hang String Lights from Posts
Some outdoor locations, such as fire pits or pool areas, won’t have anything to secure lights to. In this case, consider purchasing in-ground string light poles. Or in the case for renters, purchase poles using patio umbrella stands as their base.
Another fashionable option is to place poles inside planters. Here’s how:
- Screw cup hooks into the top of the posts, either 4- or 5-inches from the top.
- Place planters where desired. Ideally, planters will be 10-feet apart and placed in a circle or rectangle form.
- Have someone hold the pole while you pour in concrete, leaving space for drainage, soil, and plants.
- Alternatively, you can pour concrete close to the top, and simply place potted plants instead.
- Let the concrete dry before adding gravel, soil, and plants.
- Use a ladder to drape lights at the top of the poles. You can also secure the lights using twist ties.
- If needed, plug in an outdoor extension cord to the power source.
How to Hang String Lights on a Deck Railing
Deck railings are an excellent place for outdoor lights. Lights can run the entire length of a railing, or just the main length. Follow these steps:
- Ensure your lights work, remove the bulbs, and lay them on the ground.
- Start with the light closest to the power supply and use a staple gun to fasten the lights under the railing. This keeps hardware out of sight.
- Ensure staples don’t puncture the cord.
- Continue the process pulling the string taut as you go.
- Install the bulbs.
- If you don’t have a staple gun, exterior tape or painter’s tape can be used in place of staples. Sub for smaller, lightweight bulbs if going this option.
- If you want lights above the railing, purchase pre-made string light poles 8-feet in height and attach them to the deck railing.
How to Hang Outdoor String Lights on a Covered Patio
Hanging lights on a covered patio is convenient because the structure is already in place and it provides protection against the elements. Follow these steps:
- Determine the function. For accent lighting, simply run lights around the perimeter. For more lighting, make several passes keeping in mind obstacles such as the ceiling fan.
- Plug the strand into the power source and bring the first light to its location, leaving a small amount of slack.
- Check the surface. Some covered porches will have a thin beadboard. In this case, use command hooks. Command hooks adhere to any smooth painted or stained surface. If your porch is a solid wood surface, use staples.
- Hook or staple the first light, then unplug the lights. Continue hanging the rest of the string.
- Space staples or hooks every foot or so near a bulb for stability. Note a combination of staples and hooks may be the most stable option.
How to Hang Outdoor String Lights on Other Materials
For stucco or brick, follow the same process as hanging lights on trees, but add wall anchors for stucco and brick hook clips for brick. You can also spruce up your outdoor area without a drill using temporary options like lining pathways with lights secured with weatherproof outdoor tape or hanging lights on an arbor or trellis.
Hanging outdoor string lights on a fence is simple as well. Simply nail 3-inch finished nails at an angle and drape your lights above.
Final Tips for Hanging String Lights Outdoor
Before we go, here are some final tips for things we didn’t cover:
- If your cord isn’t long enough to reach certain corners, use a carabiner to buy extra length.
- Add symmetry to draping lights with focal points such as a patio pendant or large tree.
- Structures aren’t the only place to place lights; consider adding light to bushes or dense plants such as English Ivy.
- More is more, for an extravagant look hang dozens of lights in one area.
Need Help?
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