How to Hang Outdoor Lights - Outdoor Cabinets

Installing outdoor lighting can make your home more attractive and functional. With the right lighting, you can enhance the architecture, landscape, and security of your property. Following some simple steps will help you hang outdoor lights properly and safely.

Choose the Right Lighting

The first step is to decide what type of outdoor lighting you need. Consider the size of the area you want to illuminate and the purpose of the lighting.

Area Lighting

For lighting a large area like your front or backyard, floodlights or spotlights mounted under eaves work well. Opt for energy-efficient LED or solar-powered lights.

Accent Lighting

To highlight architectural features or landscaping, choose path lights or step lights. Go for small, low-voltage fixtures to minimize glare.

Security Lighting

Motion-activated security lights help deter intruders and illuminate walkways at night. Place them near entrances and vulnerable areas.

Ambient Lighting

For a cozy atmosphere on a patio or deck, string lights, lanterns, or low-level lights are ideal. Select lights with warm hues.

Consider Sustainability

Look for solar, LED, or low-voltage lighting to reduce energy costs and environmental impact. Use timers, sensors, and dimmers to control brightness.

Pick the Right Location

Proper placement is key to maximizing light effectiveness.

Mount floodlights and security lights high on walls or eaves to achieve the broadest coverage.
Place path lights along walkways, steps, and driveways to illuminate the way.
Position step lights on stairs for visibility and safety.
Install ambient lighting in trees and overhead structures to create a relaxed mood.
Spotlight architectural details and plants from a distance for dramatic accents.

Gather the Right Supplies

You’ll need a few basic supplies for hanging most outdoor lights:

Light fixtures
Power drill and screwdrivers
Appropriate drill bits and screws
Wire strippers/cutters
Voltmeter
Exterior-rated wire connectors or soldering iron
Electrical tape
Anchors or mounting hardware (for concrete, stucco, or brick)
Weatherproof junction boxes and covers (for hardwired lights)
Ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) outlets
Extensions cords or low-voltage landscape wire
Personal protective equipment like goggles, gloves, and ladder

For safety, be sure to use components rated for outdoor use.

Follow Safe Installation Techniques

Use common sense and safe practices when installing outdoor lighting:

Turn off power at the breaker before wiring lights.
Use a sturdy, dry ladder to reach mounting locations.
Keep electrical connections dry and detached from the ground.
Use weather-sealed junction boxes for wired connections.
Ensure wires are properly secured away from sharp edges.
Call electrician for help with complex or high-voltage wiring.
Use ground fault interrupter (GFCI) outlets near water sources.
Avoid overloading circuits by balancing load across multiple circuits.
Test lights during day to identify any adjustments needed.
Point lights down to reduce glare and light pollution.

Working carefully will help avoid electrical hazards and ensure the lights function properly.

Install Path Lights

Path lights illuminate walkways with gentle, directed light. To install them:

Mark light locations with spray paint. Space them about 5-10 feet apart along path edges.
Dig holes 6-12 inches deep and at least 6 inches in diameter using a narrow shovel or post hole digger.
Place a small amount of gravel in each hole to improve drainage.
Insert path light fixture and use landscape mounting stake to secure in place, keeping base of light slightly above grade.
Run low-voltage landscape wire between lights, leaving excess to connect to power source.
Strip 1/4 inch of insulation from ends of wire using wire strippers.
Make watertight connections by inserting stripped wire ends into connectors and twisting clockwise. Use gel-filled splice capsules for added protection.
Turn on lights to test. Adjust aiming angle if needed. Fill in holes with dirt gently packed around fixtures.

Hang String Lights

String lights add twinkling ambiance to porches, patios, and trees. Follow these tips for hanging:

Decide on location and spacing for lights. Measure total length needed.
To hang lights overhead between two points, use insulated plastic hooks, cup hooks, or metal hooks. Screw hooks into wood beams, eaves, walls.
For suspending from trees, use adjustable hanging straps or insulated staples. Take care not to damage tree bark.
Unroll string light strands and attach to hooks, spacing hooks equal distances apart.
To hang vertically, use toggle bolts for bricks/concrete or eye screws for wood. Space hooks every 12-18 inches.
Fasten plug end and any loose connections with electrical tape to prevent moisture damage.
Consider using a timer so you don’t have to manually turn the lights on/off daily.

With the right placement and hardware, you can safely illuminate your outdoor space with string lights.

Light Up Steps and Paths

Step lights provide visibility and accent lighting for exterior stairs, pathways, and decks at night. Follow these guidelines when installing:

Choose small, low-voltage fixtures rated for outdoor use. Select metal or durable plastic housings.
Decide on lighting locations under handrails, steps, or overhangs. Mark with painter’s tape.
Drill holes slightly larger than fixture mounts using a masonry bit for concrete or tile. For wood, use standard drill bit.
Insert fixture stems into holes. For masonry, apply silicone sealant around edges for waterproofing.
Run low-voltage wires to each light through conduits or hidden under siding. Connect to transformer.
Anchor wires with insulated staples. Avoid putting wires across walking areas. Keep connections raised off the ground.
Activate lights to test positioning. Adjust angles if needed to direct light downward and avoid glare.

Proper step light placement will make stairs safer and accentuate architecture. Take time to highlight changes in elevation around yards.

Illuminate Trees and Landscaping

Carefully positioned landscape lighting can make plants and trees look spectacular at night. Here are some tips:

Use floodlights or spotlights at a distance to graze large trees with light from top branches to bottom. For soft light, opt for wide flood beams.
Uplights placed in ground and aimed up can dramatize thick foliage and backlight trees beautifully.
For decorative trees, silhouetting the shape with downlighting from above creates intriguing shadows.
Hide small, low-voltage fixtures in shrubs and groundcover to illuminate the plants from inside the greenery.
Use tree-mounted fixtures designed not to damage bark to add uplighting in branches.
For flower beds, use very low-voltage lights on stakes pushed into the ground within arrangements.

Take time to experiment with lighting angles for the best effects. The results can make your landscaping truly magical after dark.

Hang Outdoor Floodlights

Floodlights are versatile and bright. Follow these tips for mounting:

Determine desired light coverage. Floodlights should be centered over the area to be illuminated.
Measure height of installation area and use appropriate ladder or scaffolding during mounting.
For soffit mounting under eaves, use mounting brackets designed for recessed lights. Attach to wooden support beams using screws.
For wall mounting, identify stud locations and use anchors rated for light weight and outdoor use.
Place lights high enough to provide broad coverage and avoid glare. Most floodlights should be mounted 8-12 feet above the ground.
Use weatherproof junction boxes to connect wiring and protect connections from moisture. Run wires through exterior-rated conduit.
Follow all local electrical codes and use junction boxes, GFCI outlets, and circuits rated for outdoor use. Aim floodlight heads and test light coverage at night before completing installation.

With sturdy mounting and strategic placement, floodlights can cast ample illumination for security, task lighting, and aesthetics.

Create Ambience With Garden Lights

Garden lights like torches, lanterns, and mini lamp posts add warmth and flair to landscapes. Follow these tips for installing:

Select gentle, low-level lighting fixtures so the glow remains subtle and inviting.
Place fixtures along pathways, near seating areas, or among flower beds to accent these features.
For freestanding fixtures, prepare holes 12-18 inches deep and 6-8 inches wide using a post hole digger or shovel.
Add gravel to holes for drainage before setting in place. Use sturdy support posts or stakes to keep lights upright and steady.
Forhanging fixtures from trees and structures, use hooks, chains, or adjustable straps. Take care not to damage plants and trees.
Run low-voltage landscape wiring underground and connect to transformers to power multiple lights together. Make watertight connections.

With strategic placement and calming light levels, you can design an outdoor ambience made for relaxing evenings.

Accent Architecture

Outdoor lighting positioned to highlight features like entries, arches, and columns adds dramatic nighttime allure. Consider these tips:

Spotlights angled upward from ground can accent textures and details. Use narrow focused beams for bold shadows.
Cylinder lights or tall lamp posts placed on each side of an entryway frame the space beautifully when lit.
Uplights installed under rooflines shine light upwards to accent gables, dormers, cupolas.
Floodlights mounted above garage doors, porches, and patios wash vertical surfaces with soft, even light.
Sconces and wall lanterns placed by doors provide directed light for visibility and create a welcoming glow.

Take time to identify your home’s best architectural elements and use accent lighting to showcase the features. The character of your home will really stand out.

Minimize Light Pollution

When installing outdoor lighting, it’s important to minimize light pollution:

Use fully shielded fixtures that point light downward. Choose floodlights with adjustable heads.
Mount lights at appropriate heights. Keep security lights closer to the ground to reduce glare.
Avoid over-lighting. Use the minimum amount of light needed for the purpose.
Use warm color temperature bulbs like amber or yellow instead of blue-toned white light. Limit bright whites.
Place and angle fixtures carefully. Direct lighting only to required areas.
Use motion sensors and timers so lights turn on only when needed.
Close curtains and blinds at night to prevent indoor light escaping outside.

With conscientious installation, you can install attractive and functional outdoor lighting that won’t disrupt neighbors or pollute the night sky.

Maintain Outdoor Lights

To keep your outdoor lights looking and performing their best:

Use pre-treatments and clear coatings design for plastic and metal fixtures to help prevent corrosion, chipping, and weathering over time.
Inspect lighting often and replace any cracked sockets, frayed cords, or broken fixtures. Ensure connections stay intact.
Clean fixtures with mild soap and water to improve light output. Avoid harsh cleaners.
For landscaping lights, trim back any excessive plant growth blocking light output. Adjust aiming if needed.
Consider bringing string lights indoors during windy or icy weather to prevent damage.
Test lights periodically at night and replace any burned out bulbs promptly for optimal illumination.

With regular care and replacement of malfunctioning lights, your outdoor lighting system will provide many years of enjoyable service.

Conclusion

Outdoor lighting not only increases the beauty and function of your home, but adds value as well. By selecting durable, energy-efficient fixtures tailored to your needs and properly installing them, you can create attractive, long-lasting lighting displays. Pay attention to safety, light pollution prevention, and visual appeal. With creativity and care, you can use lighting to enhance the character of your home and transform your outdoor areas into inviting nighttime spaces.