Choosing the right materials to hang outdoor lighting can make all the difference in creating a beautiful and long-lasting outdoor lighting display. With the right hardware, you can safely and securely install lights that will withstand the elements while adding ambiance and flair to your outdoor space. This guide will walk you through the best options for hanging various types of outdoor lights.
Selecting Hardware for Hanging Outdoor Lights
When it comes to selecting hardware for hanging outdoor lighting, you have several good options:
Metal Hooks
Metal hooks that screw into wood trim or siding are a classic choice for hanging outdoor lights. Look for sturdy hooks made from galvanized steel or other weather-resistant metals. Make sure the hook is rated to hold the weight of the lighting you want to hang.
Metal hook installations involve screwing the hooks securely into the trim or siding of your home or structure. Position them where you want your lighting placed. You can then hang lights directly on the hooks.
Outdoor-Rated Cable
Plastic-coated steel cable made specifically for outdoor use is another excellent choice for hanging outdoor lights. Look for cable that has UV protection and weatherproof PVC coating.
With this method, you attach screw eyes into trim or siding, with turnbuckles on the end. String the cable between the screw eyes and use clip fasteners to attach lights. Cable allows for more flexible light placement.
Eye Bolts
Eye bolts offer a secure way to hang heavier outdoor lighting like porch swags, lanterns, or chandeliers. Use galvanized steel or stainless steel eye bolts screwed into a wood beam, post, or sturdy trim.
Position eye bolts where you want your lighting hung, then use chains, cables, or other non-corrosive hanging materials to attach the lighting. Eye bolts are great for heavier fixtures.
Picture Rail Molding
Picture rail molding is a decorative trim piece that runs along walls inside homes. Installing it on a covered porch or patio ceiling creates a perfect place to hang outdoor lighting fixtures with hooks.
Look for exterior-rated PVC picture rail. Install it across porches, patios, or pergolas for easy illuminated. Use metal swag hooks sized for the molding to hang lights anywhere along the rail.
Track Lighting
Outdoor-rated track lighting systems are extremely versatile for hanging lights outside. The track gets mounted to trim or ceilings. Lighting fixtures with adjustable slide connectors fit into the track.
With track lighting, you can move lights around to illuminate different spaces as needed. Track systems are great for patios, porches, pergolas, and more.
Hanging String Lights Outside
String lights add a magical touch to outdoor spaces. The right hardware makes it easy to hang them securely:
Eye Bolts
Eye bolts installed into wood trim, beams, or posts provide a strong hanging point for string light strands. Use weather-resistant materials like galvanized steel.
Feed the string light strands through the eye and attach them using a hook or clip. Position eye bolts wherever you want your string lights hung.
Screw Hooks
Like eye bolts, galvanized steel screw hooks screwed into trim or wood provide excellent string light hanging points. Look for big, sturdy hooks that can handle the weight.
Simply drape the string light strands over the hook to hang them. Position hooks where desired for hanging lights.
Cable
Plastic-coated steel cable is fantastic for hanging string lights across a space. Install galvanized screw eyes into wood or trim on both sides. String the cable between and use clip hooks to attach string light strands anywhere along the cable.
Picture Rail Molding
Picture rail is a great way to neatly hang string lights under a covered patio or porch. Install exterior PVC picture rail molding to the ceiling, then use special picture rail hooks to hang string light strands anywhere along the rail.
Hanging Porch Swags
Swag-style porch lighting can make a gorgeous statement. Here are some tips for hanging them:
Eye Bolts
Eye bolts provide excellent anchoring points for suspending porch swags. Install them into a ceiling beam, sturdy rafter tails, or wood trim. Position two eye bolts across from each other where you want the swag hung.
Run chain, cable, or rope between the eye bolts and attach the swag’s hanging mount in the center. This evenly distributes the weight.
Picture Molding
Picture rail is another great option for hanging swag lighting. Install exterior-rated PVC picture rail molding to a porch or patio ceiling. Utilize special picture rail hooks designed to hold the weight of lighting fixtures.
Space hooks evenly across the length of the rail. Drape the swag’s hanging mount over the hooks to securely suspend the light.
Track Lighting
Using an outdoor-rated track lighting system is a stylish way to hang a porch swag. Mount the track along the length of the ceiling where you want the swag positioned.
Attach adapters to the swag’s hanging mount so it fits and slides along the lighting track. This allows you to adjust the swag’s position anytime.
Hanging Outdoor Lanterns
Lanterns add charming ambiance to outdoor areas. Consider these tips for hanging them:
Eye Bolts
Eye bolts installed into wood trim, posts, or overhangs allow for secure lantern hanging. Use weather-resistant galvanized steel or stainless steel eye bolts.
Position two eye bolts where you want your lantern hung. Attach chains, cables, or non-corrosive hanging materials from the lantern’s hanging bail to the eye bolts.
Picture Rail Molding
Exterior picture rail is a decorative option for hanging outdoor lanterns. Install PVC picture rail molding to a porch or patio ceiling. Use strong picture rail hooks to hang lanterns anywhere along the length of the rail.
Evenly space hooks based on the number of lanterns you’re hanging for balanced weight distribution.
Shepherd’s Hooks
Shepherd’s hooks are classic arched garden hooks on a post for hanging lights. Install them in garden beds or flower pots and hang lanterns from the curved top to illuminate garden paths and accent landscaping.
Look for shepherd’s hooks with stable bases and made from weather-resistant materials like galvanized steel. Position them where desired and hang lanterns from the hooks using non-corrosive hanging materials.
Hanging Patio Lights
Ambient lighting is key for an enjoyable patio space. Here are some great options for hanging patio lights:
Cable
Plastic-coated steel cable is perfect for hanging lights across a patio space. Install screw eyes into trim or wood on both sides of the area you want lit.
String cable between them and use clip-on fasteners to hang pendant lights, lanterns, or bare bulb lighting anywhere along the length of the cable for customizable placement.
Track Lighting
Outdoor track lighting offers incredible versatility for hanging patio lights. Mount weatherproof track lighting right to trim or the patio covering. Install multiple tracks at different heights for layered lighting.
Use adjustable light heads that slide anywhere along the track. You can rearrange the lighting as needed for ambiance and illumination.
Picture Rail Molding
Picture rail molding creates a perfect place to hang pendant or other lights on a covered patio. Install exterior PVC picture rail and use special picture rail hooks to hang lights.
Space hooks evenly across the length of the rail to distribute weight. Hang lights on the hooks wherever you want them positioned. Rearrange anytime!
Tips for Hanging Outdoor Lights
Follow these tips when installing hardware and hanging lighting for an outdoor space:
- Always use weather-resistant, non-corrosive hardware like stainless steel or galvanized hooks, eye bolts, and screws. This prevents rust.
- Make sure hooks, eye bolts, anchors, and other hardware are rated to hold the weight of the lighting you want to hang.
- Follow manufacturer instructions carefully for safe installation of any lighting hardware or systems.
- Arrange hanging points evenly to distribute the weight of lighting and avoid sagging over time.
- Install lights safely away from combustible surfaces according to fixture guidelines to prevent fire risks.
- Consider adding a drip loop to hanging lights to prevent moisture from running down cords and wires into fixtures.
- Use plastic clips, zip ties, or insulated hardware to hang string lights to prevent wire damage.
- Check lighting hardware and connections regularly and replace anything that appears worn or damaged.
- Take lighting down during extreme weather or winter to avoid damage and extend its life.
With the right materials and careful installation, you can create a fabulous outdoor lighting display that will provide beauty and enjoyment for years to come!
Frequently Asked Questions About Hanging Outdoor Lights
What is the easiest way to hang outdoor lights?
For easy hanging, metal hook screws that install directly into wood trim or siding are a great option. Just screw them in wherever you want lights, then hang the fixtures directly on the hooks. Plastic-coated steel hanging cable with clip attachments is another user-friendly option.
What should I use to hang string lights outside?
Galvanized steel eye bolts, screw hooks, or plastic-coated steel cable work perfectly for hanging outdoor string lights. They allow you to securely attach strands anywhere along the length. Picture rail molding is also great for neatly lining up string light clips.
How do I hang outdoor lanterns?
Install galvanized steel eye bolts into wood surfaces or posts and hang lanterns from them using non-corrosive hanging materials. Exterior picture rail molding with special hooks is another option for spacing lanterns in a row. For gardens, shepherd’s hooks allow you to easily hang lanterns.
What is best for hanging patio lights?
Cable systems with clip attachments make it easy to customize the placement of pendant or other types of patio lights. Outdoor track lighting offers maximum versatility since you can move adjustable heads anywhere along the tracks. Picture rail molding also allows flexible placement using hooks.
How do I hang lights under a patio cover?
Installing exterior picture rail molding to a patio cover and using special picture rail hooks is an excellent way to neatly and easily hang pendant lights anywhere along the length of the rail. Outdoor track lighting mounted to the cover is another great option for adjustable pendant lights.
What kind of hooks should I use to hang outdoor lighting?
Choose non-corrosive hardware like galvanized steel or stainless steel hooks, eye bolts, and screw eyes to prevent rusting. Make sure hooks and eye bolts are properly rated for the weight of the lighting fixtures you plan to hang. Follow all manufacturer instructions.
Conclusion
Installing the right hardware makes displaying beautiful outdoor lights easy and safe. Metal hooks, eye bolts, cable systems, picture rail, and track lighting offer versatile, secure options for hanging string lights, lanterns, swags, and other patio and garden lighting. With weather-resistant, properly weighted materials and careful installation, you can create a stunning illuminated outdoor oasis for years of nighttime enjoyment.