How to hang outdoor string lights without trees? (2024)

How to hang outdoor string lights without trees?

Look around your yard to find other structures that might act as good supports for your lights. Examples are any poles and pillars on a porch, sheds or other outbuildings, gazebos, or trellises. You can easily attach your lights to any of these supports without using trees.

How do you string lights outside without trees?

How To Hang String Lights In Backyard Without Trees. The easiest way in trying to figure out how to hang patio lights in your backyard without trees is to just simply use wooden posts! It's an easy, cost effective solution if you don't have big trees you can string the outdoor lights around with!

What is the easiest way to hang outdoor string lights?

Stainless steel screw hooks (or cup hooks, which are nearly the same) are his go-to for a litany of reasons. “They're easy to install; if you have enough hand strength, you don't even need to pre-drill the holes,” he explained. “They really cradle the wire and hold it off the house a little.

How do you hang outdoor string lights without hooks?

Zip Ties

Aside from being useful for wrapping items, zip ties can also be perfect for setting up lights on your patio. It's easy to customize the fit of the zip ties to suit the specific surface or platform you want to set up the fairy lights.

How do you hang outdoor string lights on a covered patio?

You can hang string lights on your patio cover without nails by using outdoor Command hooks, zip ties, awning hangers, or Alumahooks. Punching holes in your aluminum patio cover can be done, but you can avoid damage altogether by going nailless.

How do you hold string lights in place?

The best way to hang string lights to existing structures is to use screw-in cup hooks, not nails. If you're reluctant to drill holes into your wood deck railing or fencing, consider stapling the lights in place using a heavy-duty staple gun.

How high should outdoor string lights be?

Generally, though, it's good to have lights 8-10' off the ground at a minimum just so there's walking clearance. If you are using larger bulbs, you may want to consider raising the height of your display further, based on personal preference.

How do you make a base for string lights?

Mix some quick-set cement in the first planter. Make enough to fill the planter three-quarters full. Stick the light pole (or PVC or wooden post) into the cement until the bottom end contacts the bottom of your planter. Tip: dedicated string light poles often come with spikes on the ends to stick into the ground.

Can you use patio umbrella stands for string lights?

There are endless options for hanging outdoor string lights. Try creating a DIY barrel planter to hang your lights like Jodie did. Or you could try using cement to secure your poles like our friend Janine from HappyHappyNester.com did. You can also use an umbrella stand like I did.

How do you hang outdoor string lights without holes?

Outdoor-rated zip ties can be used to hang string lights on your patio cover. A simple, easy solution with no drilling required. These are also a great option when installing solar festoon lights and have multiple sets. You can also use the ties to connect the two end strings so they look like one continuous set.

How do you hang outdoor string lights with wire?

How far apart should string lights be?

However, if you are wanting patio lights for a larger outdoor area, consider stringers where the bulbs are 12" to 24" apart depending on how dense you want your lighting to be. Hanging string lights in larger outdoor spaces with limited hanging points requires careful planning.

How do you hang string lights in the corner?

How many string lights do I need?

String Lights

For columns or trees, measure once around and multiply that by how many times you'll wind your light around. Once you determine the total length, divide that by the length of a single strand for the quantity you'll need to purchase.

Do you have to hang string lights with cable?

Using support wires isn't required. If you want to drape them through the trees or across a fence, that's ok, too!. But a guide wire does relieves stress on the electrical wire and allows you to keep the lights taught above your head and all hanging the right direction.

Do outdoor string lights attract bugs?

It's true! Certain types of outdoor string lights can attract bugs.

How do I keep my outdoor string lights from drooping?

Use the clips on the light strings to attach the string, and zip ties in between to prevent the light string from sagging along the full length of the wire if the clips are spaced too far apart.

How do you hang zig zag string lights?

Many people hang strings in a zigzag pattern across an open space; if you're doing this, plan for each "zig" or "zag" to be a single cable connected at each end to a screw hook (cables can "share" a screw hook).

Can I use a staple gun to hang string lights?

Leave a little slack at the area closest to the power source and use a staple gun with ¼-in. staples to attach the string lights closest to the power source. Unplug the cord from your outlet. Pull the cord taught, but not tight, and continue stapling the string lights along your path.

How do you hang string lights on siding?

If you're attaching the string lights to vinyl siding, opt for vinyl siding clips, which are directly wedged into the seam of the siding. Another option is to attach the lights to gutters by securing them to S-clips. For a more permanent setup, drill holes directly into the siding, brick, or other exterior material.

How do you hang string lights on an outdoor canopy?

Start by attaching one end to the tree canopy (use the plug end to make it easier to hide the extension cord). If your lights don't have built-in clips, use zip ties to secure. 6. String the lights along the branch towards the post; when you reach the post, wrap the wire around one of the hooks.

How many outdoor string lights can you put together?

So, maximum connectivity is calculated by dividing 210 watts by the number of total watts required by the light string you are considering. For example if your light string is rated at 20 watts, then you can run a maximum of 10 strings together in series.

How long do outdoor string lights last?

How Long Will Outdoor Rope Lights Last? If you are using LED rope light, you can expect the lights to last for 30,000 hours. That's why they last 25 times longer than incandescent bulbs.

How long can outdoor string lights stay on?

The best way to know how long lights will last is to look at the hour rating. For example, if the LED rope lights or bulbs you're considering have a rating of 50,000 hours, that means they'll last for about five and half years. And that's if you plan to leave them on 24 hours a day.

Can I use PVC pipe to hang string lights?

You will want to dig an 18″ hole and then place a PVC Pipe into it. Just make sure it goes below the grass line. We installed our posts this way with the intention that we could insert metal poles into the PVC pipe and then take them out (and the lights down) during the winter months.