Robert Hayes
A simple tutorial requiring common materials and beginner DIY skills. Light up your deck or patio with glowing ambience for outdoor entertaining. We’ve created an enchanting glow on our back deck to welcome guests and cozy up evening dinners al fresco with some simple string lights.
The answer, of course, is, “It depends.” But don’t worry, I have many different ideas that fit a variety of spaces and situations.
I am showing several solutions to transform your outdoor space into a magical haven of twinkling lights in 30 minutes. You’ll be enjoying your balmy evenings under the stars faster than it takes to warm up the grill.
Recommended Supplies For Hanging Lights on a Deck or Railing: 8′ METAL CONDUIT RODS or 2-INCH -WIDE PVC – The photos show wood rails, but if I had to do this project again, I would use metal or PVC rods. 1 ½″ GALVANIZED PIPE STRAPS – From the hardware store plumbing section. If You Do Not Have a Structure or Trees: 8′ METAL RODS or 2-INCH- WIDE PVC – This pipe sits at ground level. – This is to insert the longer 8 ft pipe PLANTER POTS – The key here is using one large enough to be stable, but not too heavy that you can’t move it. Another option is to create your own concrete pots with this tutorial and drill a hole in the bottom for the pole to stand in. Another option is to create your own concrete pots with this tutorial and drill a hole in the bottom for the pole to stand in.
***I have even more ideas at the bottom of this post if these tutorials don’t fit your situation. Reader’s Tip: These are temporary setups that we can break down and move any time we like. Height, pointy shape, and isolation are the dominant factors controlling where a lightning bolt will strike. To attach the lights to the poles in a way that makes them easy to take down, we used plastic cable staples.
The step-by-step directions for hanging string lights on a patio or backyard are in the tutorial card at the bottom of this post. However, if you cannot find these parts, your best bet is to peruse the plumbing and conduit sections for something that will work.
More Ways to Hang String Lights without Nails Weave them through fence panels and droop the lines. Vinyl Siding Clamps are good for hanging on your house without making holes. More DIY projects to add a little more oomph to your outdoor (or indoor) space? Vinyl Siding Clamps are good for hanging on your house without making holes.
The simplest idea is to use Christmas lighting hooks made for gutters like these. Grab our free series "Weekend Home Projects that will Transform Your Life" Sign up below to receive updates including free printables, organization tips, home improvement projects, recipes and more!
