10 Best Ways to Hang Outdoor String Lights

Backyards in many homes are brightened up by hanging string lights. Outdoor string lights can be hung temporarily during events such as weddings or permanently to enhance the backyard patio. Regardless of the events, there are numerous ideas on how to hang the string lights to create that cozy ambiance that will have you enjoy your nights.

String lights bring out an inviting and soft glow in your backyard or the entire homestead. When properly fixed, they will transform your backyard into an attractive spot, where you can host friends and cheer up as you enjoy your night.

Some backyards have trees and other objects while others lack a backyard. Therefore, before you decide on the best way to hand your outdoor string lights, you should take time to assess your backyard.

Outdoor street lights should be able to withstand harsh temperatures, wind, and rain. Therefore, the quality of the lights and the hanging style are crucial.

However, to achieve that inviting illumination in your backyard, you need to hang the lights in the right way to achieve the best illumination pattern. Therefore, you should learn the best ways to hang the outdoor string lights in your homestead.

That said, here are the best ways to hang your outdoor string lights to beautify and brighten up the space.

How to hang string lights in the backyard without trees?

It is a common thing to hang outdoor string lights on trees in the backyard. However, if your backyard has no trees, then you will need to look for alternative ways on how to hang string lights in the backyard without trees.

Here are some tips on how to hang string lights in the backyard without trees.

Use 4X4 posts

The first way is adding posts in your backyard on the areas you want to hang your lights. However, in case you have a deck that comes off the door, you can add just two posts instead of four.

The number of posts to be added depends on your choice of lighting pattern. You may choose to include the house or just the area outside the house. If the house is not involved, then you will need additional posts.

You can fix the lights in the hooks on top of the poles using a ladder. Once they are fixed, you should plan how to connect them to an electrical outlet.

Use PVC and Metal Pole

You can use metal poles if you want a less intrusive method. Drive the PVC into the ground by hitting it. Then insert the poles into the PVC pipe and string the lights on the poles.

Use the fence

Fence lighting is another solution if your backyard has no trees. You will just put the string lights along the fence.

Use decks

Deck lighting is less costly as you will just put your string lights along the deck. You will just need mounting clips to hold the strings on the deck in place.

Gazebo lighting

You can string the lights around your gazebo.

Planters lighting

Another idea to hang string lights in your backyard is to use the planters. You may add concrete or more soil in the planters’ bottom to make them sturdy enough to hold the extra weight.

The main disadvantage of this method is that the planters are filled with concrete which is heavy. Therefore, the buckets can tip over if you string the lights over a large patio because the lights will pull the supports.

EMT poles

You can string the lights over a lawn using simple electrical metal tubing (EMT) poles that are fixed on the ground.  Then you will string up the lights on the poles.

How to hang string lights in the backyard with trees?

If your backyard has trees, then you will easily string the lights on the trees to achieve that cozy ambiance you need in your homestead.

You can install cup hooks on the trees and fix the string lights on them. However, you can still string up the lights around the tree branches without the hooks.

How to Hang String Lights on a Covered Patio?

If your background patio is covered, you can string the lights by criss-crossing or hanging them from the roof. You can also string the lights by following the roof lines.

How to hang string lights without backyards?

Some homesteads do not have backyards. Therefore, if your homestead does not have one, then you need to learn how to hang string lights without backyards. There are several ways to light up your homestead regardless of the backyard. Lack of a backyard should not hinder you from illuminating your house.

Walls

First, you can hang the string lights on the walls of your house. You will have to use nails, wall hooks, or thumb tacks to secure the string lights to the wall.

You can secure the lights to the top edges and the side of the entire walls of the house. It is recommended that the bottom edge near the floor be left empty. This setup is best for string lights that are connected to an outlet.

Gutters

Additionally, you can string up the lights along the gutters on the roof edges. You will string them up along the entire gutter length following your desired patterns. You may use gutter hooks to secure the string lights in place. However, you can still fasten them along the gutters without the hooks as well.

Windows and doors

You can string up the lights along the frames of the windows or doors using any desired pattern.

Choosing the right brand

After learning the best ways to hang string light bulbs, you will need to choose the right brand for your house. Some brands are appropriate for temporal hanging during events while others are appropriate for permanent fixing. Therefore, you should purchase the best string lights that fit your needs.

The most common string light brands are:

1. Bistro lights

These lights consist of glass bulbs that give off a yellow glow. They are ideal for outdoor lighting. They are ideal ambiance lights that offer a pleasing night experience with warm overhead light.

2. Twinkle lights

They are available in both plastic and glass bulbs which is efficient in energy production; although, they give off cool blue light.

3. Edison bulbs

They are a pseudo-vintage type of string bulbs that are of higher end. They have an orange filament that gives out a warm glow with a timely ambiance. However, they are expensive to replace.

String lights layout

The layout plan depends on the space available as well as your preferences. The source of power will also influence how you will lay the lights.

If you are to fix them on them, you should identify an accessible area that is close to a power outlet. If the lights are to be fixed on a tree, you should look for the best branch to hang the lights.

The most common layout patterns include:

V pattern

You can easily achieve this pattern by fixing the string lights to form a V-shape. You do not need to maintain equal string lengths. However, the pinnacle point of the pattern should be firmly fixed to support the added pressure.

Zig Zag pattern

This pattern is suitable when you want to achieve full illumination in the entire space, although this requires an interesting design. You can use one long string or multiple strings that are connected at the ends to achieve this pattern

X pattern

This design is ideal in wide spaces or square-shaped areas. You can create several X patterns in rows to achieve a more interesting diamond pattern. The pattern appears intricate, however, it can be achieved easily.

Maypole or tent pattern

In this design, multiple strings are fixed in a poke or wheel arrangement around a central point. The central pole should be sturdy to support the weight of the string lights. This pattern is complicated, and it may require the assistance of a professional.

Horizon point pattern

This design is similar to the V pattern because the light strings fan out from a central point, but it requires additional hangings that are directly opposite the central point. This pattern is ideal for outdoor illumination in restaurants or during major events. However, with proper design and planning, you can achieve this pattern in your homestead.

Grid or Square Pattern

The strings are well designed to achieve a grid pattern across the entire space.  String lights are fixed along the perimeter of the illumination space.

Conclusion

Whether your homestead has a backyard or not, there are always ways to brighten it up with string lights. The list is not exhaustive as there are many ways of illuminating your homestead. You should take your time to learn how to hang string lights without backyards and how to hang string lights in the backyard without trees. With enough knowledge on how to install string lights, you can come up with new ways to illuminate your home. You should not be afraid to try new ideas.