After hanging string lights over our gravel fire pit area in the backyard, I can vouch for how simple and striking this DIY project is. Lighting like this is one of the easiest ways to transform a backyard, patio or any outdoor space. So easy!
Glass bulbs that twinkle create a warm glow that makes an outdoor area feel like a natural extension of your home. If you want an (almost) effortless, budget-friendly way to upgrade your outdoor space, this step-by-step guide is for you.
Steps for hanging outdoor string lights
Our backyard makeover started with the spot where our trampoline used to sit. We had planned to lay sod, but changed our minds. That bare circle immediately inspired fire pit ideas with gravel. Here are some before-and-after shots showing how it began and how it's coming along.
Even compared with the dramatic change in photo two, you can see how pretty planters and hanging lights took things a step further. Feeling inspired to try something similar? Here are three basic steps for hanging outdoor lights to fit your space.
Step 1: Measure Where You'll Hang Your Outdoor Lights
Begin with a rough sketch of your outdoor area. It will help you plan the overall layout, where the lights start and stop, and any anchor points in between. Think about power too: you'll need a GFCI outlet near the endpoint.
With a tape measure, record each stretch the lights will span, beginning at the first anchor point. Then measure from there to the next point, and keep going.
Important: Allow some extra length so you can comfortably reach the outlet. Depending on where it sits and how much spare wire is left at the end of the strand, you may need an outdoor extension cord.
No tree to hang from? You may need a string light post with a heavy base, or you could build one yourself!
Step 2: Make a List and Buy Light Strands and Hardware
Outdoor hanging lights are often called cafe lights or bistro lights. They come in many styles and lengths, so you'll need to decide which look, bulb shape and material suit you best. Make sure they're rated for outdoor use.
If you need more length than one strand provides, check the maximum number of strands the manufacturer allows you to connect, and never exceed it.
For our project we needed 75 feet, so we combined LED strands from the same manufacturer: one 50-foot strand and one 25-foot strand. If you have to join two strands, consider weatherproof connection covers.
A big takeaway: Buy a string light hanging kit. This is the outdoor light-hanging kit we ordered. Plenty of kits are available, and we were happy with this one. The manufacturer also posts helpful tutorials on Amazon. As shown, it includes wire, a dozen cable clamps, zip ties, four cup hooks, turnbuckles, brackets and carabiners, along with the bracket screws.
The kit takes the strain off the wire, so your lights stay steadier and are less likely to be damaged in a storm. The turnbuckles let you tighten everything to just the right amount. I highly recommend this setup!
Last, pick up an outdoor smart plug. I'm a big fan. It lets you dim the lights and switch them on or off from a phone app or a voice assistant. The one we ordered works with Alexa, Google Assistant and SmartThings. Love it!
Step 3: Hang Your Outdoor Lights With a Helper
Although this is one of the easiest DIY projects, it's best done with a helper, and here's why: you'll probably be on a ladder and need someone to spot you for safety. Having a second person hold the light strands while you attach them to the guide wire also makes things much easier.
With a helper, this step becomes simple. First, use the guide wire kit's hardware and wire to prepare the setup. Drill pilot holes with a small bit and fix the brackets at your starting point, ending point and any other anchor points.
In our setup, we mounted the brackets in three spots: two on different parts of the home's exterior and one on a tree behind the fire pit seating area.
Next, attach the turnbuckle to one end of the guide wire and secure the loop with the supplied screw clamp. Hook the turnbuckle to your first bracket. Run the guide wire to your anchor point(s) and back to the ending bracket. Loop the wire around the last bracket, secure it with a screw clamp, and attach a carabiner clip.
Clip the carabiner onto your ending bracket. Go back to the turnbuckle at the starting point and turn it until the line is as taut as you like. Finally, thread your lights onto the guide wire, using a zip tie to hold each bulb snugly in place.
Common Questions About Hanging Outdoor String Lights
String lights have become hugely popular, and there are countless ways to use them outdoors. Because every space and design goal is different, the questions that come up vary too. Here are a few common ones I didn't cover in the basic steps above.
How far can string lights span without support?
For the sturdiest setup, use a guide-wire system. You may manage without one over very short runs, but it's essential for distances over 100 feet. Guide wires stop your lights from sagging and help keep them from falling, which saves a lot of trouble later!
No tree to hang from? You may need a string light post with a heavy base, or you could build one yourself!
How low can string lights hang?
It depends on what will happen underneath them. To let people walk comfortably below, keep them at least eight to 10 feet overhead. Even with a guide wire, leave a little slack by hanging them about a foot higher than the lowest point you want.
Can string lights go near a pool or hot tub?
For safety, always hang string lights at least 10 feet high when they're over or near water, such as a pool, hot tub or landscape water feature. In those cases, always use IP65-rated string lights.
Are nails a good option for hanging string lights?
In a few situations, such as hanging lights high along a fence or inside a gazebo or pergola, yes. If you know they'll stay up and out of the way, nails can be the simplest option. They can also work along the roofline or ceiling of a porch or covered patio,
Still, I prefer screw hooks or cup hooks for hanging string lights on fixed surfaces like these. They cost a little more, but they're worth it to keep anyone from snagging on a nail. Their design also holds cords more securely in wind and storms. For the firmest hold, choose safety cup hooks with a small clip that closes over them.
If you do go the nail route, measure the spacing between each light and drive a long finish nail at an upward angle at those intervals along the fence or other horizontal surface. Then hang each light from the loop above its bulb.
I love the atmosphere these string lights create around our fire pit. We switch them on every night by voice through our Alexa app or device. They make the backyard feel cozy and like part of the house. I hope you find the perfect spot to hang string lights in your own yard!
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