How to Hang String Lights Outdoor - Outdoor Cabinets

Hanging string lights outdoor can add a gorgeous, whimsical touch to any outdoor space. String lights are versatile, affordable, and easy to install, making them a popular choice for backyard decor. With the right lighting and installation techniques, you can create a stunning display that makes your outdoor area shine.

Choose the Right Bulb and String Light Set

The first step is selecting the perfect bulb and string light set for your needs. Here are some factors to consider:

Bulb Types

Incandescent – The traditional bulb option, incandescent lights emit a warm, yellowish glow. They are inexpensive but use more electricity.
LED – Modern LED bulb string lights are energy-efficient and long-lasting. They come in warm white as well as colorful options.
CFL – CFL bulbs are compact fluorescent lights. They are affordable and use less energy than incandescent.
Vintage – For a nostalgic look, consider larger filament style bulbs like Edison bulbs. These are incandescent bulbs designed to mimic older lighting.
Smart – Choose smart string lights for features like dimming, automatic scheduling, and voice controls. These integrate with smart home systems.

Light Color

Warm white – 2700K to 3000K – This gives off a traditional soft white or slightly yellow/amber glow. It’s a great choice for a cozy atmosphere.
Cool white – 3500K to 4100K – With a brighter, whiter light, this is better for illuminating larger areas.
Daylight – 5000K to 6500K – The closest to natural daylight, this very white light is excellent for tasks requiring high visibility.
Multicolor – Fun colored string light options include solid colors or color-changing RGB lights. These allow you to get creative!

String and Bulb Spacing

Bulb spacing refers to the distance between bulbs on the string. Options like 4, 6, or 8 inches are common. Closer bulb spacing creates more uniform light.
String length can vary as well, such as 25 ft, 50 ft, 66 ft. Measure your space to know how many strings you need.
For bulb size, mini lights are around 3mm wide while C7 and C9 bulbs are larger, around 25mm wide. Bigger bulbs emit more light.

Plan the Layout and Measure the Area

Take measurements of the outdoor area you want to decorate and make a plan for how the lights will be arranged before installing them. This will ensure you purchase enough string lights and have them optimally positioned.

For a professional look, use a tape measure for accuracy. Measure both width and height.
Sketch a layout of where the lights will be hung, noting measurements. Mark hanging points.
Factor where your power outlets are located. Plan how extension cords may be needed.
Purchase enough string light sets to fully cover your space at the desired density.
Allow extra string length on each run for adjusting during installation. You can neatly coil excess cord out of sight after.

Select Appropriate Mounting Surfaces

Your mounting surface material will dictate which installation methods work best. Here are some good surfaces for hanging string lights outdoors:

Wood – Porch ceilings, wood pergolas, fences. Screws or nails are generally used.
Vinyl – For soffits or vinyl siding/fencing, use hooks or plastic hangers. Avoid screws.
Brick or Stone – Hooks are anchored into mortar lines instead of the brick/stone. Adhesive hangers also work.
Stucco – Screws with anchors work for stucco walls. Adhesive hangers stick well too.
Metal – Magnets, hooked metal hangers, binder clips, or magnet nuts and bolts can attach lights to metal.

Avoid hanging string lights from gutters, as the weight can pull them down. Never drill into asbestos siding when hanging lights.

Purchase the Right Mounting Hardware

Once you know your surface material, select appropriate hardware and fasteners. Some good options:

Nails or Screws

Best for wood surfaces. Pre-drill pilot holes to prevent splitting wood.

Plastic Hooks

Easy to insert in vinyl, stucco, wood. Anchor high-quality hooks rated for weight of lights.

Adhesive Clips/Hangers

Attach easily to smooth surfaces like vinyl, stone, stucco. Hold less weight than hardware.

Magnetic Clips

For attaching to metal surfaces like rain gutters, sheds, iron fencing. Very easy to install.

Masonry Anchors

Special anchors insert into brick/stone mortar lines and hold screw hooks.

Octopus Hooks/Straps

Plastic multi-hook hangers that grip around posts or mount to overhangs. Great for pergolas.

Purchase enough mounting hardware so you can hang lights at optimal spacing.

Hang the String Lights Up High

Installing the string lights 8-12 feet high creates the best visual impact and provides clearance for people below. Use ladders, scaffolding, or lifts to safely access higher mounting points.

Install Along Roof Lines

The eave or edge of the roof is perfect for anchoring lights up high on the house, garage, or shed.

Utilize Tall Structures

Existing structures like pergolas, gazebos, covered porches provide ready-made high anchors for stringing lights.

On Fencing/Posts

High fencing and posts around a yard also make great supports for elevated light strings.

Tree Mounting

For a magical look, wrap string lights through tree branches using octopus hooks or plastic ties. Just take care not to damage trees.

Wall Mounting

With screws or adhesive hooks, string lights can be anchored high on exterior walls to rain down from above.

Run Wires and Cords Neatly

To maintain the beautiful look, take steps to neatly run wiring:

Keep extension cords tucked tightly along edges, under eaves, behind plants. Avoid crossing open areas.
Conceal wires behind architectural elements like beams, railings, rain gutters.
For a clean finish, wrap excess wire into neat coils rather than leaving extra length dangling.
Use plastic wire wrapping clips or insulated staples to gently attach wires against surfaces.
On wood surfaces, small finish nails can tack wires in place under eave lines or against trim boards.
Properly gauge extension cords for lighting power needs and distance from outlets.

Space Lights Properly

To cover an area evenly in light, space string lights optimally:

Most standard mini light strings space bulbs 2 to 4 inches apart. For uniform light, do not exceed 6 inch spacing.
With C7 and C9 larger bulb strings, keep 3 to 6 inches between bulbs. Dense spacing creates continuous light.
Install multiple strings in parallel rows about 1 to 3 feet apart. Light overlap fills gaps.
For trees, wrap light strings in spirals around branches to distribute bulbs well.
On fences or walls, hang light strings in straight, evenly spaced rows for full coverage.
Group or cluster extra strings closer together to accent focal points.

Angle Lights Effectively

The angle you hang the lights affects the light spread:

Straight down – Illuminates directly below for task lighting or highlighting accent points.
Angled down at around 45 degrees – Provides broader light coverage. Good for lighting seated areas.
Strung horizontally – Spreads light outwards to the sides rather than downwards. Better for ambient light.
Crisscrossing – Alternating light strings at different angles casts light in multiple directions.
Layering light strings at varying heights and angles creates visual depth and dimension.

Use Timers and Smart Technology

Adding timers or smart technology to your outdoor string lights unlocks convenience:

Plug-in timers – Set lights to turn on and off automatically at preset times each day. Especially handy for seasonal decor.
Smart plugs – Enable voice or app control of lights. Integration with smart home systems for automation and scheduling.
Smart bulbs – Bluetooth or WiFi smart bulbs allow dimming, color changing, remote on/off access, and programmable effects.
Dusk-to-dawn sensor lights – Turns on at night and off at daylight without programming. Activated by darkness.
Smart switches – For whole circuit control, install a smart light switch to operate string lights via an app, voice, or automatically.
Photocell sensors – Like dusk-to-dawn lights, photocell sensors switch lights on based on ambient light conditions for automated convenience.

Choose Safe Connectors and Cords

To keep your light installation safe and prevent fires, choose quality cords and connectors:

When connecting multiple strings, use polarized, grounded plug connectors rated for outdoor use.
Outdoor extension cords must be 3-prong grounded to properly handle outdoor lighting loads and conditions.
Inspect cords for damage before plugging in. Do not use frayed or cracked cords.
Ensure wires have no exposed metal or insulation damage which can short or spark.
Do not overload extension cords. Check recommended load capacity. Use properly rated cords.
Only use outdoor rated extension cords designed to withstand outdoor elements and wet weather.
Avoid plugging strings into each other to prevent overloading and fire hazards.

Test Lights Before Finishing

Before permanently securing all light strings:

Plug in and turn lights on to test illumination and coverage.
Adjust, add or move strings if needed to perfect the pattern and brightness.
Check for loose bulb connections causing dark spots and fix before finishing.
Once lighting effect is just right, mount strings permanently in place along their entire length.

Weatherproof Your Lights

For longevity outdoors, take steps to weatherproof your lighting:

For permanent installs, use outdoor-rated, waterproof string light sets designed to resist moisture.
For occasional use lights, apply outdoor-rated sealant spray to protect connection points.
Cover the power source and timers indoors or in weather-tight outdoor boxes or containers.
Use indoor/outdoor mounting tape to tightly secure cords against surfaces.
At the end of seasons, take lights down and store indoors if not rated for permanent outdoor use.

With the right techniques, you can install beautiful, luminous string lights to take your patio, pergola, deck or garden to the next level. Grab a tape measure, pick a design, and get ready to light up your outdoor space like never before!

Troubleshooting Guide

Having issues with your new outdoor string lights? Here are some troubleshooting tips:

Lights not turning on:

Check for loose plugs or faulty connections. Secure tightly.
Test for power with a voltage tester. Plug into working outlet.
Inspect cords for damage. Replace if cracked or wires are exposed.
For smart lights, ensure WiFi connection is operating.
Replace any burned out bulbs causing dark spots.

Lights turn off and on:

Make sure timers, photocells, and smart settings are correctly programmed.
Motion sensors may be triggering lights to activate. Adjust sensitivity.
Loose or faulty connections can intermittently cut power. Check ports.

Lights flickering:

Look for loose or improperly connected bulbs and tighten.
Flickering may indicate an overloaded extension cord. Use properly rated cord.
For older incandescent light strands, replace old bulbs causing flickering.

Only some lights working:

Check for broken bulbs causing partial light outages and replace bulbs.
With incandescent C7 and C9 lights, loose filaments cause individual bulbs to fail.
Series wired strings will go out if there is a faulty bulb or connection.

Lights won’t stay on:

If lights have a short timer, set timer mode to “on” for continuous operation.
Motion sensors may be cutting power after sensing movement. Adjust settings.
Make sure photocells or dusk-to-dawn sensors are working properly.

With these troubleshooting tips, you can quickly diagnose and fix any issues with your new outdoor string lights. Adjust hanging, spacing, angles or wiring as needed until your lighting display shines bright.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are answers to some common questions about hanging string lights outdoors:

How do I hang string lights on a porch?

Use small plastic hooks attached along the eave of the porch roof line. Space hooks 2-3 feet apart. Hang string light wires from hooks, keeping wires tight and close to surface.

What kind of nails or screws should I use?

Opt for stainless steel or coated deck screws and nails to prevent corrosion outdoors. Pre-drill holes with a 1/16” bit before inserting screws to prevent cracking or splitting wood.

How do I preventsagging string lights?

Sagging happens when wires are not tightly secured along their entire hanging length. Use enough mounting clips or hooks to keep wires snug. Hooks every 2-3 feet prevents sagging.

Can I hang lights from rain gutters?

It’s not recommended to hang string lights from gutters as it strains the gutter with extra weight. The hardware attaching lights could also loosen and damage gutters.

How do I hang string lights on a stucco wall?

Adhesive stucco clips securely adhere to stucco for hanging lights. You can also use screw-in plastic anchors rated for stucco that expand when inserted into pre-drilled holes.

How long do outdoor string lights last?

With proper weatherproofing and maintenance, outdoor LED string lights can last 8-10 years or longer. Incandescent strands last 2-4 years usually. Timers and smart control extend incandescent life.

How do I make string lights waterproof?

Apply a sealant spray made for outdoor lights to protect sockets and connections from moisture. Only use lights rated for outdoor/wet locations. Bring lights in when not in use.

What are the best lights for outdoors?

Outdoor-rated LED string lights are the best. They are energy efficient, long-lasting, and available in many colors and bulb sizes. Opt for durability against moisture, sun, wind, and weather.

How do I hang string lights in a tree?

Use tree-safe, adjustable octopus wire wraps that gripped around tree branches. Run light strands loosely around the branches, taking care not to strain or damage trees.

For any other string light questions, always inspect product manuals for installation guidance. And enjoy your beautifully illuminated outdoor living space!

Summary

Hanging string lights outside creates a gorgeous ambiance to enhance any outdoor area. To end up with professional, visually stunning results:

Select outdoor-safe string lights with suitable bulb types, brightness, colors and spacing for your needs.
Plan a layout with adequate string lengths, power access, and mounting points to cover the space.
Choose appropriate mounting hardware for different surface types like wood, vinyl, stucco, metal, etc.
Install lights up high for best visual impact and clearance using roof lines, tall structures, fences, and trees.
Neatly run any wires and extension cords to keep the look clean.
Space lights properly for full, even coverage – generally 2 to 6 inches apart.
Angle lights effectively depending on if you need task lighting or ambient illumination.
Add smart controls like timers and sensors for convenience and automation.
Only use outdoor rated, grounded extension cords and connections.
Test lights prior to permanent installation and make adjustments.
Weatherproof lights and connections for longevity outdoors if not rated for permanent exterior use.

With the right approach and some thoughtful planning, you can create breathtaking outdoor lighting for any space and enjoy ambient lighting day or night for lasting beauty and functionality. So grab your hanging supplies and let your string lights shine bright outdoors!