Home Improvement Ideas Lighting Outdoor Lighting How to Hang String Lights on Your Patio or Deck Create an inviting ambiance—even after dark—with these tips on how to hang outdoor string lights on your deck or covered patio. By Jessica Bennett Jessica Bennett Jessica Bennett is an editor, writer, and former digital assistant home editor at BHG. Learn about BHG's Editorial Process Updated on January 15, 2024 Photo: Edmund Barr Spend more time outdoors on your patio or deck by learning how to hang string lights for ambiance and outdoor lighting. String lights (similar to these Better Homes & Gardens Solar Powered LED String Lights, $39, Walmart) cast a soft, cozy glow that makes beautiful, warm nights spent outside even more enjoyable. Use our step-by-step instructions for how to hang string lights on your covered patio or deck. With this easy method, string lights remain firmly in place throughout the year, so you don't have to worry about plastic hooks and other temporary solutions that won't last after the season. We use screw eyes and carabiners to attach the lights, so they're just as easy to put up as they are to take down. Depending on your deck or patio size, you can expect to spend about an hour on this outdoor project. These 15 Outdoor TV Ideas Will Help You Create a Relaxing Backyard Living Room Edmund Barr What You'll Need Equipment / Tools Ladder Drill Pencil Wood-bearing drill bit slightly smaller than your screw eyes Materials String lights and bulbs Screw eyes Mini metal carabiners Outdoor extension cord Outlet timer, if desired Instructions How to Hang String Lights Outdoors Follow our step-by-step instructions for how to hang string lights along your deck, porch, or patio. Select Anchor Points Lay string lights around the perimeter of your deck. Visualize where you want each strand to hang, and adjust the lights until they're in the desired position. Make sure the plug is near a power outlet, or use an outdoor extension cord to extend the reach. Using a ladder and a pencil, mark the rough placement of each light on your deck's wood overhang. The Secrets to Fabulous Outdoor Lighting Install Screw Eyes Predrill holes into the wood structural supports in your marked locations. Twist a screw eye into each hole. Editor's tip How to hang string lights is determined by how you want them to hang. If you want the lights to stretch taut around the deck, install a screw eye for every light. If you like your lights to swag, install eyes for every other or every third light. Attach String Lights with Carabiners Use mini metal carabiners to attach the lights to the screw eyes. Simply thread the carabiner through the hole at the top of each light, then thread it through the eye of the screw. This installation makes it easy to install and take down or readjust the lights as desired. Install Light Bulbs Place one bulb in the socket of each light. Twist until the bulb is secure. Editor's Tip We used outdoor Edison-style lightbulbs, but you can use any desired string lights made for outdoor use. Keep in mind that LED bulbs can help save energy if you plan to use your lights frequently throughout the year. 24 Tips for Energy-Efficient Homes Attach String Lights to Power Attach the outlet on the string lights to an extension cord. Snake the cord down to your power source, and plug it in. Secure the cord to a wall or a post with cord clips. If desired, install an outlet timer so your lights automatically turn on and off. Adam Albright How to Hang String Lights from Poles in DIY Planters If you're considering how to hang string lights outdoors but don't have deck beams or a structure nearby, consider making string-light planters. This allows you to create a seating area anywhere in your yard while maintaining cozy evening lighting. Building these planters is an outdoor DIY project that requires just a few materials, including planters, treated lumber posts, and fast-drying concrete. Outdoor Projects for Your Yard or Patio 13 Best DIY Outdoor Furniture Ideas to Update Your Porch or Patio 21 Outdoor Patio Ideas for a Place You'll Never Want to Leave 18 Outdoor Storage Ideas to Organize All Your Backyard Essentials 20 DIY Outdoor Decorating Projects That Take 30 Minutes or Less The 10 Best Outdoor Ceiling Fans of 2024