After successfully hanging string lights in our backyard over our gravel fire pit area, I can attest to the simplicity and impact of this simple DIY project. This type of backyard lighting is one of the simplest ways to transform your backyard, patio or other outdoor space. So easy!
The twinkling glass bulbs bring a warm ambiance that can make your outdoor area feel like an extension of your home. So, if you’re looking for an (almost) effortless and affordable way to elevate your outdoor space, I am here to help with a step-by-step guide on how to hang outdoor string lights.
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How to hang outdoor string lights
Our backyard makeover began with rethinking the space where our trampoline had been. We planned to lay sod but changed our minds. The bare circle instantly sparked gravel fire pit ideas. Here are some before-and-after pictures to show how it started and how it’s going.
Even with the dramatic improvement of photo two, you can see how adding pretty planters and hanging lights took it to the next level. Are you feeling inspired to do something similar? Here are the three basic steps to hang outdoor lights to suit your space.
Step 1: Measure where you plan to hang your outdoor lights
Start with a rough sketch of your outdoor space. That will help you determine your overall design and where your lights will begin and end, plus any anchor points in between. Be sure to consider the power source for the lights. You will need a GCFI power outlet close to where you end.
Using a tape measure, note every expanse the lights will cover, starting from the first anchor point. Then measure from that point to the next, and so on.
Important: Add some length so you are sure you can plug in at the power outlet. Depending on its placement and how much extra wire is left at the end of your light strand, you may need an outdoor extension cord.
If you don’t have a tree to hang your lights, you might need to buy a string light post with a heavy base or DIY one!
Step 2: List and buy light strands and hardware
Outdoor hanging lights are sometimes called cafe lights, cafe lights, or bistro lights. There are so many different styles and lengths available, so you’ll have to decide which look and light bulb shapes and materials work best. Be certain they are rated for outdoor use.
If the total length you need requires connecting strands, pay close attention to the limit of how many strands the manufacturer specifies can be connected. Do not go above that.
For our project, we needed 75 feet total and used a combination of LED strands from the same manufacturer. We ordered a 50-foot strand and a 25-foot strand. If you must connect a strand of lights to another consider buying weatherproof connection covers.
A big takeaway: Buy a string light hanging kit. This is the outdoor light-hanging kit we ordered. While several kits are out there, we were pleased with this one. The manufacturer also offers helpful tutorials on Amazon. As you can see, it comes with wire, a dozen cable clamps, zip ties, four cup hooks, turnbuckles, brackets and carabiners – plus the screws for the brackets.
The string light kit relieves the tension on your wire, keeping your lights more stable and less likely to get destroyed in a storm. The turnbuckles allow them to be tightened just the right amount. I highly recommend this setup!
Last, buy an outdoor smart plug. I’m a huge fan of these. They allow you to dim the lights, and turn them on or off with a phone app and other virtual assistant technology. The smart plug we ordered is compatible with Alexa, Google Assistant and SmartThings. Love this!
Step 3: Hang your outdoor lights with a helper
While this is one of the easiest DIY projects, it’s a job best done with help, and here’s why: You will probably be using a ladder and need a spotter for safety. It’s also much easier to have a second person holding the light strings as you attach them to the guide wire.
With a helper, this step is so simple. First, you’ll use your guide wire kit’s hardware and wire to prepare the setup. Drill pilot holes with a small drill bit and affix the brackets to your starting, ending, and other anchor points.
In our case, we attached the brackets in three places – two at different places on the exterior of our home and another on a tree behind the firepit seating area.
Next, you attach the turnbuckle to one end of your guide wire and secure the loop with the provided screw clamp. Use the hook on the end of the turnbuckle to attach the wire to your first bracket. You then string the guidewire to your anchor point(s) and back to your ending bracket. You’ll loop and screw clamp your guide wire at the last bracket, and attach a carabiner clip.
The carabiner attaches to your ending bracket. Return to the turnbuckle at your starting point and turn it until the line is as taught as you want it to be. Last, string your lights onto the guidewire with zip ties, using a zip tie to attach each bulb snugly.
FAQs About How to Hang Outdoor String Lights
As popular as string lights have become, there are so many different ways you can use them to decorate outdoor spaces. Since everyone’s space and design goals are different, so are the types of challenges or questions that may come up with these projects. Here are a few common questions people ask that I didn’t cover in the basic steps above.
How far can you string lights without support?
For the most durable setup, use a guide-wire system. You may be fine not doing that for super short distances, but it’s essential for distances of more than 100 feet. Guide wires keep your lights from drooping and help prevent them from falling –saving a huge hassle down the road!
If you don’t have a tree to hang your lights, you might need to buy a string light post with a heavy base or DIY one!
How low should string lights hang?
This depends on what’s going to happen underneath them. To allow people to pass easily below them they should be at least eight to 10 feet overhead. Even with a guide wire, allow for a bit of slack in the line by hanging them about a foot higher than the lowest point you want them to be.
Can I hang string lights near my pool or hot tub?
From a safety standpoint, always go 10 feet or higher for string lights over or near water, like your pool or hot tub – or even water features in landscaping. In those cases, always use IP65-rated string lights.
Can you use nails to hang string lights?
In a few cases, like when hanging outdoor lights high along a fence or along the interior of a gazebo or pergola, for example … yes. If you know they’ll be up and out of the way, it can be the easiest way to hang outdoor lights. This can also work along the roof or ceiling line of a porch or covered patio,
Still, I am a bigger fan of screw hooks or cup hooks as the best way to hang string lights along fixed surfaces like this. They are a bit more expensive and yet worth it to prevent anyone snagging a nail. Plus, their design holds cords more securely in winds and storms. For maximum hold, go for the safety cup hooks with a small clip that closes them.
If you do go the nail route, just measure the spaces between each light and use a long finish nail at an upward angle at these intervals along the fence or other horizontal surfaces. Then, you just hang them using the hole above each light bulb.
I love the ambiance these string lights bring to our outdoor fire pit area. We use them every night by voice activating them with our Alexa app or device. It makes our backyard feel so cozy and like an extension of our home. I hope you find the perfect place to hang string lights in your yard, too!
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