Follow these easy instructions to hang outdoor string lights and brighten up your patio, balcony, or yard with a warm glow.

 

Family together under string lights

 

Outdoor string lights serve both practical and aesthetic purposes. They brighten up your outdoor living area while creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere for your loved ones and visitors to savor. Regardless of the dimensions or design of your yard, deck, or patio, there are various string light styles and arrangements available to suit your needs.

Before You Starting

 

Sofa under patio lights

 

Customize your outdoor string lights to create a unique and personalized ambiance, while also ensuring that you follow the manufacturer's installation instructions as they may differ. Fortunately, with some basic tools and knowledge, you can easily install most types of string lights. Follow these six simple steps to learn how to hang your outdoor string lights with ease.

Preparing to hang outdoor string lights requires consideration of the setup of your deck, patio, or balcony. The duration of the process will depend on several factors such as the number of strings of lights and the surrounding structures of your outdoor living space. Keep reading to learn how to hang your lights with ease.

Before beginning the installation of your outdoor string lights, it's important to assess the dimensions of the space you want to light up and decide on a configuration that works best for your needs. This will allow you to determine the length of each string of lights needed and the number of sets required. While it's possible to hardwire the lights, it may require the assistance of an electrician. This guide will focus on providing instructions for installing plugged-in or solar-powered string lights.

TOOLS & MATERIALS

To properly install outdoor string lights, you may require some tools and materials. These include cup hooks, a tape measure, a ladder, zip ties, and, optionally, a drill and masonry wall anchors. You may also want to consider purchasing a string light suspension kit or string light poles, as well as an extension cord rated for outdoor use. Additionally, the tools and materials mentioned in this guide may be available for purchase through Amazon.

The initial step in hanging outdoor string lights is to choose the appropriate lighting for your outdoor living area. Begin by calculating the total length of outdoor string lights required and decide on your preferred bulb type and style. There are various bulb shapes and sizes to choose from, including globe bulbs, Edison bulbs, lantern-style bulbs, and tiny fairy lights. Take the time to determine which option is best suited for your outdoor space.

Step 1: Choose the appropriate string lights for your outdoor space.

Before you begin hanging your outdoor string lights, it's essential to select the right type of lights for your alfresco living area. Start by calculating the total length of the string lights you need and deciding on your preferred bulb type and style. There are various options available, including globe bulbs, Edison bulbs, lantern-style bulbs, and tiny fairy lights, each with their unique shape and size. Consider your personal style and the overall ambiance you wish to achieve when making your selection.

The following crucial aspect to consider is the power source for your string lights. Homeowners with outdoor electrical outlets can choose between LEDs or incandescent lights. If the outlet is distant from the mounting location, you may need an outdoor-rated extension cord. Battery-powered string lights are an excellent alternative if there are no outlets on your deck or patio. Alternatively, solar-powered string lights are an ideal energy-efficient option, particularly in outdoor areas that receive direct sunlight during the day.

String lights are available in various lengths, ranging from 25 to 150 feet. If you need to connect multiple sets of lights to cover your deck or patio, ensure that the string lights you choose have both male and female connections. Additionally, it's crucial to review the manufacturer's recommendations on how many strands can be safely connected. Once you've purchased the string lights, it's essential to test each strand before hanging them. It's best to check all bulbs to ensure they are functioning correctly before hanging the lights overhead.

Outdoor string lights are available in a range of lengths, from 25 to 150 feet, to fit your patio or deck. If you need to connect multiple sets of lights, make sure they have male and female connections and consult the manufacturer's guidelines for the maximum number of strands you can safely link. Before hanging the string lights, it's crucial to test each strand to ensure that all bulbs are functioning correctly. This step is essential to avoid the inconvenience of having to troubleshoot faulty bulbs after the lights have been mounted.

Step 2: Plan where to mount the lights.

 

gala being hold under patio with string light

 

After purchasing and testing your string lights, determine the most suitable location and method to hang them. For a backyard surrounded by trees, consider suspending the lights from tree branches. Other options include fences, walls, pergolas, porch posts, roof eaves, or the siding's trim. If you have long light strands and plan to hang them from a few well-placed hooks, consider investing in a string light suspension kit. While loosely hanging string lights create an aesthetically pleasing look, mounting them on a taut wire can prevent them from sagging too low.

In the event that your outdoor space lacks suitable mounting points for string lights, you may need to purchase wooden or metal string light poles measuring 8 to 10 feet tall and install them in the area to be illuminated. Once you have determined the location and method of hanging the lights, lay out the strands in the planned configuration on the ground to ensure that they are long enough to cover the intended space. Be mindful of where the plug ends of the strands will hang, and conceal connections under tree branches or other suitable areas, if possible.

Step 3: Measure and mark the hanging points for the string lights.

 

two brother together under patio lights

 

Decide on the desired height for the string lights and mark it on the first post, fence, or tree where the lights will be suspended, using pencil or chalk. Measure the height of the initial mark using a tape measure and mark the remaining posts or hanging structures at the same height to ensure that the string lights hang evenly.

Step 4: Install the cup hooks.

 

Screw the cup hooks into the spots marked with pencil or chalk in a clockwise direction, ensuring that the open end of the hook faces upwards to prevent the string lights from slipping off. Depending on the material of the mounting surface, you may need to drill pilot holes before inserting the cup hooks. In the case of brick surfaces, drill masonry anchors before screwing in the hooks.

Note: When screwing in the glass bulbs after the strands are hooked in place, take care not to overtighten the bulbs, as this may cause the glass to crack or shatter. Also, ensure that the bulbs are screwed in firmly enough to prevent them from coming loose but not so tight that they are difficult to remove in case of replacement or maintenance.

Step 5: Hang the string lights.

 

man hanging a string light

 

For ease of handling, it's recommended that you hook the strands in place before screwing in the glass bulbs, especially if you're working with bulkier globe- or Edison-style bulbs. This approach not only makes maneuvering the strands easier but also reduces the likelihood of bulb breakage..

To ensure that you have enough length in the cord to reach the electrical outlet, it's a good idea to have a helper hold the plug end of the first set of lights or extension cord close to the outlet that will power it. Starting at the hook nearest to the outlet, feed the string lights through each cup hook while standing on a ladder. For extra stability, consider using zip ties to secure the string lights around the hooks. Once you have all the strings suspended, carefully screw in the bulbs one by one to ensure that they are securely in place. If you're using larger bulbs, it's recommended to screw them in after the strings are hung to avoid accidentally breaking them while hanging the lights.

Step 6: Power on the outdoor string lights and enjoy your illuminated space.

After securely hanging the string lights, plug them in and power them on to bask in the warm glow of your new outdoor oasis. Enjoy the ambiance and the added charm the string lights bring to your outdoor living area.

 

Conclusion

In summary, hanging outdoor string lights can add a touch of magic to any outdoor space. With the right tools and materials, it can be a simple DIY project to create an inviting and cozy ambiance. To make the process even easier, we recommend Leonlite's Outdoor String Lights. With its 65.6FT length and 200 multi-color LED bulbs, it provides ample coverage for your patio or deck. It's also solar-powered, making it an energy-efficient option.

 

Q&A

Are you looking to enhance the ambiance of your outdoor living space with string lights? Although the process of hanging outdoor string lights is not complicated, there are a few things to consider before starting the project. In this Q&A section, we'll provide you with additional information and tips on how to hang outdoor string lights, so you can create a cozy and inviting atmosphere in your backyard, patio, or balcony.

 

Q. How many Leonlite Outdoor String Lights do I need for my patio?

A. The number of Leonlite Outdoor String Lights needed for your patio will depend on the size of your outdoor space and the desired lighting coverage. Each string light unit is 65.6ft in length and has 200 LED bulbs. To determine how many sets you need, measure the length and width of your patio and multiply the total square footage by the number of sets needed per square foot. It's recommended to add an extra set for backup and additional lighting.

Q. How do you hang Leonlite Outdoor String Lights outside without trees?

A. If you don't have trees, there are several alternatives for hanging Leonlite Outdoor String Lights outside. You can use cup hooks, poles, or tension wires to hang the lights from your house, fence, or other structure. A string light suspension kit is also available for those who want to create a sleek, modern look.

Q. How do you hang Leonlite Outdoor String Lights without nails?
A. Cup hooks or adhesive clips are a great alternative to nails when hanging Leonlite Outdoor String Lights. Adhesive clips can be easily attached to surfaces without causing any damage. It's important to check the weight limit of the adhesive clips or hooks to ensure they can hold the weight of the string lights.

Q. What kind of pole do you use for Leonlite Outdoor String Lights?
A. The type of pole to use for Leonlite Outdoor String Lights will depend on personal preference and the size of the outdoor space. Wooden or metal poles that are 8-10ft tall are ideal for suspending the string lights above the outdoor area. Alternatively, you can use tension wires or a string light suspension kit to achieve a more modern look.

Q. Where do you plug in Leonlite Outdoor String Lights?
A. Leonlite Outdoor String Lights are powered by a solar panel and do not require an electrical outlet. The solar panel should be placed in a location that receives direct sunlight for maximum efficiency. Once the solar panel is fully charged, the string lights will automatically turn on at night and turn off during the day.