Outdoor extension cords are incredibly handy for powering appliances and tools outside of your home. However, they can also be an eyesore in your yard or garden if not concealed properly. With some clever solutions, you can effectively hide extension cords outside to maintain your landscape’s aesthetic appeal. This comprehensive guide will provide tips and techniques to conceal outdoor extension cords in various settings around your property.
Why Hide Extension Cords Outside
There are several good reasons to hide extension cords outside:
Improve Curb Appeal
Exposed extension cords along walkways, patios, or trailing across your yard look messy and cluttered. Hiding cords keeps your outdoor living space looking neat and tidy for better curb appeal.
Reduce Tripping Hazards
Loose extension cords on the ground can cause people to trip and fall, leading to injuries. Concealing cords reduces this risk and creates a safer outdoor environment.
Protect Cords from Damage
When extension cords are hidden away rather than left exposed, they are less likely to get accidentally damaged by lawn mowers, pets, kids playing, and other hazards. This helps prevent costly cord replacements.
Avoid Code Violations
In some areas, building codes prohibit having loose, uncovered extension cords outside for safety reasons. Discreetly running cords in approved ways can avoid citations.
Increase Electrical Safety
Carefully hiding cords reduces risks like water exposure, damage from lawn tools, and more. This results in safer, more reliable outdoor power supply.
How to Hide Cords on a Deck
Decks provide ideal spaces for concealment techniques:
Under Deck Lattice
Lattice screening underneath decks creates an enclosed channel to neatly run extension cords out of sight. Use plastic clips to attach cords to the framing.
Behind Planter Boxes
Situate planter boxes around the edges of decks to act as barriers for hiding cords behind them. Ensure cords do not contact standing water.
Under Deck Skirting
Skirting around decks can conceal cords running from point A to B. Use insulated staples to secure extension cords to deck frame joists.
Through Conduit
For a super sleek look, mount PVC conduit along deck railings and stairs to encase extension cord runs. Paint it to match the deck.
Underneath Mats
In a pinch, extension cords can be tucked under outdoor door mats between power source and appliance. Check that mats lie flat.
Through Deck Boards
You can drill holes in deck boards to drop cords through. Install cord grommets to protect the wire insulation from damage.
Ways to Hide Cords in the Yard
For concealing extension cords across yards, gardens, and paths, consider these techniques:
Bury Underground
Where allowed, burying extension cords just beneath the surface hides them completely. Use exterior-rated, direct burial cords.
Cover with Mulch
Mulch is an easy way to cover over and hide cords running through garden beds or across the yard. Ensure proper cord ratings.
Hide with Grass
In the lawn, use sod staples to secure extension cord runs that blend into the grass for concealment. Don’t mow over cords.
Route Through Plants
Thread cords through shrubs, bushes, or flower gardens to help camouflage. Avoid moisture-sensitive equipment.
Under Stepping Stones
Flat stepping stones can be placed over sections of cord to hide it underneath. This creates a tidy appearance.
Disguise with Garden Hose
Bundling extension cords with a garden hose using zip ties masks cords really well from view in the yard.
Clever Ways to Hide Cords on Patios
Patios present their own challenges for hiding extension cords. Get creative with these tips:
Under Furniture
Raise patio chairs, chaises, and tables on risers to run cords underneath inconspicuously across the space.
Inside Decor Pots
For short runs, thread cords through decorative planters and pots on stands near power outlets.
Through Umbrella Hole
On umbrella tables, securely feed cord down through the umbrella hole to appliances below.
Along Edging
Low borders, fences, and garden edging around patios can obscure extension cords running behind them.
Under Door Mats
As on decks, door mats can temporarily mask sections of cord in a pinch on patios, walkways, etc.
Under Stones
Natural looking flat stones placed at intervals along a cord route will hide it effectively from view.
Tips for Concealing Cords by the House
There are also plenty of ways to conceal extension cords around the exterior of your home:
Through Windows
In a window box or bay window, cords can be hidden from view. Use grommets to prevent damage.
Behind Rain Gutters
Gutters provide shadow and cover to run extension cords out of sight up against the house.
Through Siding
Some siding can be drilled to accommodate cord entry into the home without exposure. Use grommets to protect the hole edges.
Paint to Match
Use spray paint on white extension cords to match house paint for camouflaging against the exterior.
Route Under Eaves
Tuck cords up high under roof eaves and overhangs to keep concealed from view from the ground level.
Hide at Night
Use nighttime lighting conditions to mask cords when fewer people are around to notice them.
FAQs About Hiding Outdoor Extension Cords
Some common questions on concealing outdoor power cords include:
Is it safe to bury extension cords outside?
When buried less than 18 inches underground, outdoor-rated extension cords are generally safe, per code. Ensure proper GFCI protection and avoid burial under gardens.
How long can an outdoor extension cord be?
The maximum recommended length for a heavy-duty outdoor extension cord is 100 feet to avoid power loss and overheating. Exceeding this length risks fire or electrocution.
Can I run extension cords through a window?
Yes, extension cords can safely pass through exterior windows by using window grommets to protect the insulation. Keep cords clear of water exposure.
Should I use tape to attach extension cords?
Taping cords against surfaces can lead to overheating. Use insulated staples, clips, conduits, or channels to securely fasten extension cords instead.
Can extension cords be outside permanently?
It is not recommended to leave extension cords outdoors permanently. Use the shortest cord length needed temporarily, and unplug, drain, and store cords when not in use.
Is outdoor extension cord safe for snowblower?
Yes, an outdoor-rated extension cord of proper gauge thickness is safe for snowblower use and winter conditions. Inspect often for damage.
Key Takeaways
- Concealing extension cords keeps your yard looking neat while reducing safety risks.
- Decks, patios, gardens, and home exteriors provide ample hiding spots such as under furniture, mulch, garden hoses, stones, conduits, etc.
- When routing cords, mind code requirements, GFCI protection, cord length limits, winter conditions, and avoidance of standing water.
- Proper concealment helps protect extension cords against weather damage, accidents, and tampering for safer operation.
- There are endless creative ways to discreetly and safely run outdoor power cords out of sight using common household items and landscaping.
Hiding outdoor extension cords properly helps reduce risks while maintaining the beauty of your exterior living space and landscape. Using the techniques outlined, you can keep appliances powered while cords blend seamlessly into surroundings. With smart planning and innovative hiding tactics, your garden can keep its visual appeal without sacrificing functionality.