How to Hang Patio String Lights Outdoors- The Ultimate Setup Guide

When the summer months hit and the weather is warm, it’s lovely to be able to sit outside and entertain or relax on your own. Hanging patio string lights is a great and easy way to achieve a cozy and pretty atmosphere outside that you can enjoy, and they come in all different colors and styles, so you can choose what you like the best and what fits with your outside space. If you want to do this, our step by step guide will walk you through the ultimate setup process for hanging patio string lights, with and without tree support.

Photo from shutterstock

You will need:

• Patio lights
• Outdoor extension cord
• Electric drill
• Cup hooks
• Tape measure
• Marker
• Hammer
• Zip ties
• Ladder
• Cable clips

The Setup Guide

Step one: plan your layout

The first thing you need to consider is where you want to put your lights up, and where is most feasible to do so. Take into account the length of the lights you have too and the area that they can cover.

Photo from blueistyleblog

After this, make a note of the best hanging points in your chosen area. This could be nearby objects like trees, walls, fencing, pergolas etc. Anything that you can easily hook your lights into.

Based on the style and length of your lights, mark out where you are going to hang them, considering hanging style and what it will look like overall.

Step two: Mount cup hooks

Using an electric drill, install cup hooks on the desired hanging points

Ensure the hooks are stable before you hang the lights to make sure they don’t fall off

Photo from Pinterest

Step three: Secure the lights

Before you hang the lights, plug them into the power source and check that they turn on and work.

Keeping the plug end near the power source, begin to hang the lights using zip ties to securely connect them.

Photo from grayhousestudio

Step four: hide the cords

Extension cords, if needed, can be hidden along the edges of the patio to avoid tripping/having to look at them. Use cable ties to hold them in place.

Photo from amazon

Step five: light them up!

Plug the lights in and turn them on! You can make adjustments to brightness or set a timer depending on what you prefer.

Finally: enjoy!

There is nothing else to do now except enjoy your beautifully lit patio.

How to hang patio lights with no trees?

If you don’t have trees for support to hang patio lights, there are ways and means around it so you can still enjoy lights. Take a look if any of the following options will help you.

Photo from shutterstock

Set up support on the ground

Metal posts can be bought that are directly inserted into the ground and used as light support.

Photo from shutterstock

Use pergolas or fencing

Support structures can also be added onto a pergola if needed. These will be strong enough to act as light supports, and if a fence isn’t tall enough you can buy wooden stakes and fix them on instead.

Photo from uglyducklinghouse

Patio, Desks and other hard surfaces

You can use flower pots or concrete-filled barrels to hold wooden stakes with a height of 2.4m-3m that can act as support for outdoor patio lights. These are strong and moveable and an alternative to using trees.

Photo from shutterstock

It couldn't be easier to set up lovely patio lights in your outside space and bring a warmth and coziness to spending evenings out. There is no one set rule, so be creative with the lights you choose- Ollny’s patio lights are excellent string lights to use, hang them up and enjoy designing and spending time in your outside space.

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