Hanging string lights outside on your patio can completely transform the space, creating a magical, festive ambiance perfect for entertaining or relaxing. With the right string light setup, you can make your patio an enchanting oasis and extension of your living space.
Installing outdoor string lights properly ensures they will be functional, long-lasting and most importantly, safe. Follow this comprehensive guide to learn everything you need to know about how to hang string lights outside on a patio.
Choose the Right Type of Outdoor String Lights
When it comes to hanging patio string lights, you first need to select the right style and bulb type for your space and needs:
Incandescent vs LED
Incandescent lights are the traditional choice, providing a warm, cozy glow. However, they don’t last as long or save energy like LEDs.
LED string lights are the top choice for outdoor use as they are energy-efficient, long-lasting and durable. The light is bright and crisp. You can find LEDs in various colors from bright white to warm white.
Weatherproofing
Ensure any string lights you buy are rated for outdoor and wet use. They should have weatherproof casings to prevent moisture damage.
Bulb Shape
Round globes give off an understated and classic look.
Edison-style bulbs have a vintage aesthetic with visible filaments.
For a whimsical effect, opt for G40 shapes like mini lanterns or flame bulbs.
Cord Shape
Round cords have a sleeker profile and are easy to wrap around railings.
Flat cords are better for laying across surfaces without tangling.
Choose the Right Length and Amount
Measure the square footage of your patio to determine how many feet of lights you’ll need. As a general guideline:
- For a small patio (under 200 sq ft), buy 50-100 ft of string lights.
- For a medium patio (200-400 sq ft), get 100-200 ft.
- For a large patio (over 400 sq ft), use 200-500 ft of lights.
It’s better to have more than you need versus not enough. You can always wrap up excess cord.
Plan Your Layout
Decide exactly how you want to arrange the string lights on your patio before installing them. Here are some great options:
Perimeter Draping
Drape lights along the outer edges of the patio, wrapping around railings and beams. This defines the space beautifully.
Overhead Grid
Create an illuminated canopy by hanging string lights above in a criss-cross or diagonal grid pattern.
Focal Points
Illuminate specific areas like over seating areas, above a bar or on a pergola.
Trees and Plants
Wrap lights around tree trunks, branches or spiraled around potted plants.
Multiple Layers
Combine several layouts for depth and dimension like overhead and perimeter lights.
Make a quick sketch of your patio with measurements to visualize different layouts. This will ensure you buy enough string lights and can install them properly.
Choose Appropriate Hardware
To hang outdoor string lights securely, you need the right supportive mounting hardware:
Eye Screws
Screw eye hooks or eye screws into wood surfaces like railings, fascia boards, beams and posts. Opt for stainless steel over galvanized steel for strength.
Nails
Short galvanized nails also work for attaching lights to wood surfaces. Pre-drill holes first.
Zip Ties
Use sturdy UV-resistant zip ties to attach lights to railings, gutter downspouts, vinyl fencing, metal poles and PVC piping.
Clips
Special attachable clips are available to neatly fasten lights to gutters and roof edges.
Adhesives
Outdoor-rated adhesive cord clips stick onto most surfaces like stucco, concrete, stone and brick.
Choose mounting hardware suitable for each surface material on your patio. Mix and match as needed.
Calculate Spacing
When installing string lights, proper spacing between each bulb is key for both function and aesthetics. Follow these spacing guidelines:
- For incandescent bulbs, space about 12 inches apart.
- For LED bulbs, space 6-8 inches apart since they are brighter.
- For a more concentrated glow, space just 3-4 inches apart.
- For wrapping trees or spirals, place bulbs 2 inches apart.
Measure and use a tape marker to mark ideal spacing as you arrange the lights.
Accessorize Your String Lights
Certain accessories can enhance the look and function of your patio string lights:
- Timers – Set lights to turn on/off automatically at dusk/dawn.
- Dimmers – Adjust brightness as needed.
- Remote controls – Control lights from a distance.
- Solar lights – Absorb sun to power lights without wiring.
- Extensions cords – Connect multiple strings together.
- Diffusers – Soften and spread light evenly.
Shop for any accessories you think would be useful for your patio setup.
How to Install Outdoor String Lights on a Patio
Once you’ve selected your string lights and gotten all the necessary supplies, follow these steps to properly hang them:
1. Plan Your Lighting Layout
Have your lighting map handy and envision how you will layout the lights. Consider angles, elevation, symmetry, balance and the overall look.
2. Install Mounting Hardware
Pre-install any eye screws, nails, clips or adhesive cord holders in the planned locations. Space them based on your bulb spacing calculations.
3. Uncoil and Straighten the Cord
Unwrap the string light cord and lay it out on the ground to remove any kinks.
4. Attach Lights to Mounting Points
Begin attaching the cord to the mounts, spacing the bulbs evenly as you go. Leave slack rather than pulling cord tight.
5. Consider Cable Management
Use discreet clips or ties to neatly run and hide any excess cord, preventing trip hazards.
6. Replace Bulbs If Needed
For incandescent string lights, consider replacing old bulbs with new ones to maximize brightness.
7. Test the Lights
Plug in the lights and test that all bulbs illuminate and work properly before finishing. Replace any dead bulbs.
8. Adjust and Perfect Your Display
Step back and see if you want to move or add any lights to perfect the look. Re-space bulbs or mounts as needed.
When installed thoughtfully, outdoor string lights create a stunning effect on any patio, turning the space into a decorative feature of your home. Just be sure to use lighting rated and mounted for outdoor use. Now plug-in, sit back under the glow and enjoy your patio!
FAQs about Hanging Patio String Lights
Some common questions about properly installing outdoor string lights:
How high should I hang patio string lights?
Ideally, hang string lights 8-10 feet high for best illumination. Overhead lights can go 10-15 feet high if desired. The goal is lighting from above, not at eye level.
What is the best way to hang patio string lights?
Using evenly spaced eyebolts screwed into wood surfaces or adhesive cord holders on stucco/brick walls provides secure, adjustable hold. Zip ties on railings are also very stable.
How do I hang string lights on a covered patio?
Attach S-hooks to the wood beams, then clip string lights to the hooks. Space hooks every 12-15 inches for stability.
How do I hang string lights under a patio cover?
Running a wire or twine across the beams and using clips to attach the string lights every foot creates a nice overhead grid.
How do you hang patio string lights without nails?
Adhesive cord holders, zip ties, magnetic clips and hook-on strips allow hanging string lights on patios securely without nails or screws.
How do I permanently install outdoor string lights?
Hardwiring lights into an outdoor electrical system is the most permanent method. Hire an electrician to install outdoor receptacles and bury low-voltage wires for plug-in string lights.
Can you leave outdoor string lights up all year round?
It’s best to take string lights down during extreme weather to prevent damage. Use weatherproof, durable lights and allow slack for wind movement so lights last longer when up longer.
How do I make string lights stay on my patio?
Ensure you use adequate weather-resistant mounting hardware like eye screws, sturdy zip ties and adhesive cord holders spaced properly for your lights.
Conclusion
Installing string lights to illuminate your patio creates an absolutely magical ambiance outdoors. By following this guide, selecting durable patio-rated lights and hardware, properly spacing and securely mounting your lights, and accessorizing to supply power – you can create a foolproof string light setup. Get creative with your unique lighting layout and soon you’ll have an enchanting oasis to enjoy right outside your home.