Safe Front Porch Lighting: How to Make a Pool Noodle Solar Lamp Post

Theartge
by Theartge
5 Materials
$10
30 Minutes
Easy

The coolest way to light up your front porch is with a pool noodle!


In this DIY tutorial, I am going to show you how to create a charming and budget-friendly front porch lighting solution using a pool noodle, solar lights, broom handle, and a couple of wooden signs.


This post was transcribed by a member of the Hometalk editorial team from the original HometalkTV episode.

Not only will this DIY solar lamp post add a decorative touch to your porch, but it will also serve as an important warning sign for the presence of a step.


Let's get started!

Solar lamp post idea

Materials:


To complete this DIY garden post project, gather the following materials:


  • Solar lights
  • Pool noodle
  • Broom handle
  • Two wooden signs
  • Glue
  • Black spray paint
  • Script printout or vinyl letters
  • Transfer tape (if using a die cutting machine)
  • Sealant
  • Tape
Remove stickers from the pool noodle

1. Prepare the Pool Noodle and Broom Handle

I started this garden craft by removing any stickers from the pool noodle and ensuring a clean surface.

Straightening the pool noodle to ensure a snug fit on the broom handle

After the sticker was removed, I straightened the pool noodle slightly so that it would easily fit over the broom handle.

Pool noodle crafts

Decide whether to keep or remove the top of the broom handle. I ended up removing it from my DIY garden lamp post.  

Attaching the broom handle securely into the pool noodle for the solar lamp post.

2. Assemble the Lamp Post

Next, I Inserted the broom handle into the pool noodle, leaving the screw end slightly exposed.

Measuring the wooden signs for the DIY garden post.

Then I grabbed the wooden signs and decided which direction I wanted them to point and measured them to get the length and width for where the text would go. 

Cutting out the script for the sign

3. Apply Text to the Signs

I then printed out the desired script I wanted and using a Cricut cut it out on my vinyl. I decided to use red vinyl as it is a great "warning" color.


You could also just paint the text onto the sign if you do not have a die-cutting machine.

Adding decorative vinyl letters to the wooden sign

I used transfer tape to easily and accurately apply the letters to the clean signs.

Weather proofing the sign

No matter whether you choose to paint or use vinyl, make sure to seal the wood on both sides to prevent weathering. 

Spray paint the pool noodle

4. Paint the Pool Noodle

I then applied multiple coats of black spray paint to the pool noodle, ensuring even coverage. Make sure you allow the paint to dry between coats.


It's important to do this step outdoors or in a well-ventilated area and wear a mask to make sure you don't inhale the paint fumes.

Attaching the solar light to the DIY garden post

5. Attach the Solar Light

Once the pool noodle is fully dry, I applied glue to the bottom of the solar light and securely place it into the top of the pool noodle.


Hold it in place for a few seconds to ensure a strong bond.

Prepare a solar light sign for the ground

6. Prepare the Ground Light Sign

I used glue to firmly attach the sign to the solar light I would place on the ground, near the step, making sure it is visible.

Use tape to hold the light in place while the glue dries

I temporarily secured it with tape until it dried completely.

Adding the wooden "STEP" sign to the solar light

I looped the arrow sign over the solar light, facing backward, and twisted it to the front so the word "STEP" was facing forward.


Twisting the rope helps to make sure the sign is nicely secured to the solar light.

Installing the lamp post by inserting the broomstick into the ground

7. Install the Pool Noodle Solar Lamp

Finally, I dug a hole outside and inserted the screw end of the broomstick into the ground securely.

Installing the ground light near the step

I place the ground light next to the pole for enhanced visibility of the step.


More DIY Solar Light Project

Follow this energy-efficient Dollar store tutorial to construct a Cordless Solar Lamp for your patio.

DIY pool noodle solar lamp post

To ensure the longevity of your DIY garden post, consider the following weatherproofing tips:

  • Apply an additional layer of sealant to protect the materials from the elements effectively.
  • Regularly inspect and clean the solar light to maintain optimal performance.
Pool noodle lighting hack

This attractive and cost-effective solar lamp post not only illuminates my front porch beautifully during the day and night but also serves as a helpful warning sign for the presence of a step.


I would love to hear your thoughts on this project and if you have ever made something similar.


Happy Crafting!

Resources for this project:
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Frequently asked questions
Have a question about this project?
3 of 12 questions
  • JAMES CYRUS JAMES CYRUS on Oct 27, 2022

    How do I clean a wall hanging that's made from cotton & yarn?

  • Ste48697056 Ste48697056 on Oct 27, 2022

    Do you do book I love "HOMETALK' BUT

    I AM 77 AND CANT REMEBER SOME GREAT IDEAS YOU SHOW

  • Auntie Sharon Auntie Sharon on Nov 02, 2023

    Where do you find a Curciut cuter?

Comments
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2 of 27 comments
  • Mary Ann Mary Ann on Nov 01, 2023

    Cute, I love it…did anyone see the solar lights Dollar Tree had that you can put on each step front with command strips IF that area gets SUN????


    I love them!!!

  • Sally Gillies Sally Gillies on Nov 02, 2023

    Terrific idea, well executed in a great tutorial! Thanks!

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