How to Make DIY String Light Metal Posts
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.
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.
Materials (per Light Post):
- 3/4″ x 10ft galvanized pipe
- 3/4″ flange x 2 per post
- 3/4″ nipple
- 3/4″ cap
- Carabiner
- Scrap wood
- Quikrete
- Similar Planter
- Solar String Lights
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.
I attached the flange on the bottom to a scrap piece of wood with deck screws and set it in the planter.
I added a 50 lb bag of Quikrete to each planter and added a gallon of water to each one.
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.
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.
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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Comments
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By far one of my favorite, clean, easy, well written instructions post I’ve seen on here. Well done!!!💯
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Thank you so much for the kind words! I appreciate it!
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Thank you for your experience on using wood to make this. That was my plan too until I saw this and like it SO MUCH BETTER!!!
What size planter did you use to hold 50lbs of quickcrete? I plan to make this to use this fall 😊
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We live in rural Michigan where we get a lot of wind and they've held up beautifully!
Frequently asked questions
Have a question about this project?
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!
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!
How deep are the pots? I was thinking of using a large resin whiskey barrel from Lowes.