How to Make DIY String Light Metal Posts

8 Materials
$65
2 Hours
Easy
DIY Poles to hang String Lights

At our last house, we had a great poured patio that needed some lighting.


So, I grabbed some 4×4 posts, quikcrete post mix, some cup hooks, string lights and resin planters from the local hardware store.

Wooden String Light Poles
The patio lit up with string lights

They worked well for years, but over time the posts started to warp and twist. We ended up leaving them at our old house when we moved.


We are still building and working on our new yard, but I couldn’t resist my first outdoor DIY…lighting!


This time I decided to use galvanized pipes for a sleeker look and no warping.

Supplies for string light poles

Materials (per Light Post):


Directions:

To get started, I screwed a flange to the each end of the pipe.


On the end where the lights will attach, I screwed the cap to the nipple and then screwed it into one of the flanges. I added a carabiner through one of the flange holes.

Top of the pole assembled

I attached the flange on the bottom to a scrap piece of wood with deck screws and set it in the planter.

Scrap wood helps to stabilize the poles before the Quikrete is added

I added a 50 lb bag of Quikrete to each planter and added a gallon of water to each one.

Light Pole ready to go

I made sure the poles were plumb as they set. Once the concrete was set, I gave the poles two light coats of spray paint.


Hanging the lights was as simple as threading the lights through the carabiner.

Finished String Light Post with Planter

We opted for solar lights since the area these are going doesn’t have power, but plug in lights would work great too. We currently have the solar panels on the pipe but can also attach them to the flange at the top.

It is still cold in Michigan, but flowers will be planted in the planters

There is room in the planters to add rocks and then soil for plants. You could also add small solar ground lights too.

I hope you enjoy this project! Follow my blog for more projects! New patio area coming soon!

Resources for this project:
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Becky | Boxwood Design Co
Want more details about this and other DIY projects? Check out my blog post!
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Frequently asked questions
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3 of 4 questions
  • Shuganne Shuganne on May 17, 2022

    Ooh, you have them so close to the overhead door. I'd worry about someone (me!) backing up onto them. Is that a functional door, and is that a concern for you?


    It's too gorgeous of a project to leave vulnerable!

  • Gar68770602 Gar68770602 on Jul 30, 2022

    Can you explain how you put the nipple on the pipe? The pipe looks like it is threaded on the outside so I am not sure. Can not wait to tackle this project!

  • Gar68770602 Gar68770602 on Jul 30, 2022

    How deep are the pots? I was thinking of using a large resin whiskey barrel from Lowes.

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