Outdoor String Lights Project
This outdoor string lights project was a spontaneous DIY patio project that we tackled during Thanksgiving break. It was affordable, under $500, and not permanent so perfect for renters or short-term updates.
Our Current Backyard
Most of the reason why we bought this house was because of the yard. Large lot, mature landscape with trees that change with the seasons and remind me of my childhood in the midwest. We have big plans for the yard but we also have to take some time and save the money for the dream renovation. In the meantime, I wanted to update the patio area with some string lights to not only add some much-needed lighting but also make it cozier. So like all of my grand ideas, I headed to Lowes to tackle this outdoor string lights project.
Supplies Needed
You donāt need a lot for this DIY outdoor string light project and the most expensive item is going to be the string lights. Download the supply list for free on our site so you can bring it to your favorite hardware store.
How to hang outdoor string lights
Since this isnāt our forever patio, I didnāt want to create a permanent structure, which makes this outdoor string lights project perfect for people who are renting or not in a home long term.
- Measure your space both for the number of lights youāll need and the space you have for the planters that will hold the outdoor string lights pole.
- Head to Lowes and get the supplies.
- Sand, stain, and seal the poles.
- Attach the hooks ā make sure to do this at the same spot on each pole so that when you hang your outdoor string lights they are even.
- Set your planters in place ā itās easier to fill them where you want them vs trying to lug heavy pots into place.
- Mix the concrete ā I used a quick mix that didnāt need much stirring. Make sure to leave the room if you are planning to plant on the top.
- Set the poles in place and make sure they are level.
- Wait. Give the concrete a day to fully dry before you cover it or hang your lights.
- Cover it to give it a finished look. I drilled holes at the fill line, put in a layer of rocks, and filled it with soil.
- Hang your lights.
Mid-stain. I did a few coats of this gray color.
Ready to mix the concrete.
Concrete in and light pole level.
Drilled some drainage holes before I filled them with soil and plants.
Best outdoor string lights
Once you have your poles in place, there are a ton of options for the actual lights. Since we did this project on Thanksgiving weekend, I used some round colorful lights that we didnāt use on the house. Once the holidays are over, Iāll switch them out to white string lights. The outdoor string light options seem to be endless, LED, solar, Edison bulbs, or round. Here are a few of my favorites:
Portfolio 24-ft 12-Light Shade Plug-in Bulbs LED String Lights at Lowes.
Amazon Outdoor String Lights 25 Feet G40 Globe Patio Lights
Magictec LED Shatterproof String Lights Commercial Grade
Enbrighten Vintage Seasons LED Warm White & Color Changing CafƩ String Lights
Solar String Lights Outdoor 60 Led 35.6 Feet Crystal Globe Lights
Looking for more outdoor inspiration? Download our free garden plan or see our window transformation.
Resources for this project:
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Comments
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Looks great! I now have the Govee lights at home. The app is super flexible (and easy to get lost in!) but the lights are very light weight. Might be just the thing for some. I had XMCOSY+ on my deck ā(link) which are fantastic for output and easy on the app, but they failed after 6 mo, but the factory sent me a new set no questions asked. I'll probably use one set for my deck and another for the hot tub area.
Your place looks great! Here's my place at night
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Made several for others and myself. For my own home I found really tall planters (about 40ā tall but not real wide), more dressed up look. Most important step is do not forget to add drainage hole if you wish to plant flowers around pole. Learned the hard way after a rainy period and everything drowned
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$650?? Never buy supplies from a box store if you can find them online. How did it look lit up?