A cup of coffee in the backyard, relaxed afternoons in a garden, and barbecues over the weekend… are all reasons we all want to spend more time outside now that the weather is warming up.
To make these moments enjoyable, you need to light up the whole of your backyard but you don`t have trees around so you are wondering how to hang string lights in backyard without trees.
In this post, we are going to discuss string lights, the process of hanging them in your backyard without a single tree, and how you can wire your own.
What is string light?
When it comes to holiday decorations, nothing beats string lights, usually referred to as “decorative lights” or “fairy lights.” Originally, string lights were utilized mostly during the Christmas season, which is why they are referred to as “Christmas lights”.
During its early days, it was first called (candlelight). String lights are now widely accepted as a versatile ornamental object that can be used to create a warm atmosphere in any room of the house, office, or outdoor space.
Increasing numbers of people are using these lights today for other purposes than merely adorning the Christmas tree, and producers are capitalizing on this new trend by creating more diverse and intriguing lights.
Types of String Lights
If you’ve been thinking about getting some but aren’t sure which ones to choose, consider these common types –
- Vintage lights
- Lantern lights
- Wire rope lights
- Jar lights
- Rope lights
- Colored lights
- Fairy lights
- Globe lights
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Different Ways of How to Hang String Lights in Backyard Without Trees
Here are four (4) methods that you can find appealing for your garden design.
Required Tools:
Not only does having the right equipment and supplies make the task go quickly and smoothly, but they also help to keep workers safe.
For each approach, you’ll require the following items – Pencil, tape measure, hammer & nails, drill & screws, metal hooks, pots, buckets, wire cable, turnbuckles, spring snaps, rope loops, cable clamps, zip ties, ladder, paint, concrete, stir stick, level, gravel, potting soil, outdoor string lights.
OK, let`s get started with the first method
Method 1: Create a DIY Post
Step #1 – Spray-paint the planters and the posts
Use a moist towel clean the planters and let them dry. Spray paint both the outside and interior of the rim completely. At the point where the colors meet, place a hook in the middle of each post.
Step #2 – Pour concrete into the planter
Distribute the dry concrete mixture among the planters in an even layer. Make sure you use a stick to mix the water into each planter. Your post can be held in place with painter’s tape.
Step #3 – Put Up the Post and Lights
Arrange the planters so that they create a rectangle (based on how you want to set your lights). Connect the light string to a cup hook by attaching an end of the cord to the cup hook.
Make a border of your pots using the lights. Begin to zigzag the string lights in an alternating pattern from side to side, spacing them apart.
And then secure the opposite end of the hook in the same way you did with the light string’s first spool.
Now, it`s time to plug in your outdoor extension cord and enjoy your backyard.
Method 2: Make Use of Your Fence
You’re in luck if your backyard is in a fence. With your fence, you can light up your backyard, which requires only a few simple steps.
Step #1 – Set Up the Lights String
Your lights’ power supply location and whether an external extension cord is required. Determine the length of your string lights and where you’ll need support posts by laying them along the fence.
A friend or any family member could hold either end while you grip the other for support. You’ll be able to see exactly how they’ll look when they’re all up.
Step #2 – Use Wooden Poles
Your string lights type you have will determine whether you need to use a wooden post to hold them up and shield them from the elements. Additionally, they should all be the same in terms of dimensions.
Step #3 – Mounting Hooks should be attached
Mounting hooks are essential for keeping your string lights in place. Screw the anchoring of the hooks into the post and make sure they’re firmly seated.
Step #4 – Installed the Posts
Attach the fence’s wooden posts firmly using a hammer and nails. To ensure that your lights are hung evenly, use a measuring tape to measure the height of your posts.
As long as the posts are spaced far enough apart to sustain the lights, they will appear excellent.
Step #5 – Place the Lights on the Strings
Plug the lights into an outlet or an outside extension cord before hanging them. Get a feel for the spacing by attaching the first bulb or light to the mounting hardware.
All of your remaining string lights should be unplugged and attached to each support.
Method 3 – Make Use of a Metal Pole
Comparable to the first method, this one necessitates some effort but is well worth the effort.
Step #1 – Set a Foundation
Install light supports and string lights in the backyard by sinking concrete forms in the corners.
Make certain that the shapes are buried to a depth underneath the frost line. Fill in the concrete around a 1-inch PVC pipe in the center.
Step #2 – Cut the Pipes
You can use a hacksaw and cut 3/4′′ of the tube to the height you’ll like your lights and the height of your PVC pipe that is in the ground.
Step #3 – Drilling holes
Make sure the end that has the conduit has a 3/4′′ cap attached. In the bottom of the hole, put a screw eye.
Install your string lights there. Make sure to tighten the nut when you’re done. After that, prime your pole and paint it in the color you choose.
Step #4 – Incorporating LEDs
Your string lights can now be attached after completing the previous stages. Attach the lights with a zip tie. Spray paint the zip tie to suit the color(s) of both your hook and pole to make it less obvious.
Method 4 – Utilize the Patio’s Ceiling
It’s not just a decoration for a backyard wedding to string lights across the ceiling. It’s easy to add string lights to the patio ceiling, and the results are stunning.
Step #1 – Look for Pre-existing Supports
Alternatively, you can designate a central location from which various light strands will emerge from your patio and attach to additional supports.
Take note of any natural patterns in your lawn as well. Attach your lights, look for existing portions of your patio roof that are stable enough to do so.
Next, check for places where you’ll be able to connect your patio ceiling lights. Make sure the strands can easily travel from one spot to another.
Lights can be mounted in a few places, although there may be a few gaps where they aren’t. In this instance, all you need to do is build your light fixtures.
The spots where you’ll be building your supports should be marked with tape.
Step #2 – Hang the Lights from Poles
If you’re going to use hanging lights, you’ll want to find poles that are high enough so that everyone can walk or sit comfortably beneath them.
You can go with a metal pole if you prefer a sturdier option. For those who don’t like the look of metal, wooden posts are an excellent alternative.
Step #3 – Support the Post with a Bucket and Gravel
You can make your supports out of poles and buckets or planters. Heavy gravel can be used instead of concrete if you don’t want to deal with making it yourself.
Consider your post-placement carefully before adding gravel to prevent having to move the heavy planters that typically accompany gravel installations.
Lighting should be added to the post only after everything else has been put in place.
Step #4 – Install hooks and light fixtures
Using the same poles or posts you found earlier, attach hooks to the current supports. Use zip ties to secure lights to the post if hooks are not an option.
Before hanging your lights, plan out where you want to hang them to help the process go more smoothly. Then, connect your lights to the poles or supports that were already in place.
Make sure your lights are hanging loosely enough to allow for some wiggle room. Whichever way your backyard layout is, one of the above methods will fit very well and you will enjoy your outdoor event.
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How to Wire String Lights?
Wiring your string lights take time, but it is typically cheaper than buying them. Follow the steps below and you have your string lights.
Step #1
Set a length for your string lights and the number of bulbs you’ll be using before you begin.
Using a tape measure, measure the distance, and divide the length by the number of lamps you intend to use.
A bulb per six inches is required if your string lights are gonna be six feet long and include 12 bulbs.
Step #2
You should check the power supply’s voltage. The voltage of your bulbs is determined by this. So, for example, to utilize 12-volt light bulbs with an old automobile battery, you must use 12-volt bulbs.
Step #3
Double the length of the 16-gauge dual AWG wire that you originally cut. To connect your power source, you’ll have enough wiring.
Using a ruler and a pen, make a mark at frequent intervals across the wire with the help of the ruler. Make certain that the final 2 feet of wire are not included, as you will need them to link to your batteries.
Step #4
Cut the dual cable where you’ve marked it with a tiny knife. A one-inch-wide incision is usually sufficient for each bulb.
Step #5
Wire strippers or a tiny knife can be used to remove about 14-inch of plastic from the two ends of the twin wires. Removing the plastic from the core of each of the double wires that are split is essential.
Then, using a knife, cut the 14-inch of plastic around each wire, allowing you to slide it off and expose the bare wire.
Precautions: Do not cut the metal wire, as it is best to keep it intact! If you accidentally cut the wire, simply twist the two metal strands together.
Step #6
Use a lightbulb holder to connect the two wires at the end of the string. The cables on the other end of the additional two-foot length are these.
A little screwdriver is all that is needed to loosen and fasten the screws that are on the holder terminal of your lightbulb.
Step #7
All of the light holder termination screws should be loosened. When you get to the point where you divided the dual cable and removed the 14-inch of plastic to uncover the bare wire, keep going until you get to that point.
To secure the two metal wires, tighten the screws on the lightbulb holder terminals.
Step #8
Until the final lightbulb holder is attached to the wire, go back and attach each bulb holder one at a time along the wire. Each holder should have a light inside of it.
Step #9
The battery’s terminals accept the final two wires. The terminals don’t care which wire is attached to them. A short piece of insulating tape will hold each cable in place if the battery is equipped with terminal clamps.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best hook used to hold string lights up?
The best hook to securely hang string lights varies. You can choose from C hooks or cup hooks, J hooks, Q hooks, Coaxial staples, and Cable clamps.
How best can you hang string lights?
Hanging string lights relies on where you want them. Have trees? Then it’s easy to place cup hooks and wrap lights around them with zip ties, or just weave them across the branches without anchoring them.
Your home, fences, pergolas, or pavilions can also be lit with string lights. To hang heavy lights, use a guidewire.
How can you hang patio string lights without nails?
String lights are usually hung with nails, but you can use these few alternatives. Staples are safer than tape and less noticeable than nails.
So, you don’t need nails to secure gutter hooks to your house. Adhesive hooks attach to the house, though not as strong as a wall-mounted hook.
And if you are worried about damaging your walls? You can use tape but it is the weakest secure alternative.
Conclusion
You can’t dispute the effect that string lighting can have on the atmosphere in your backyard. The correct equipment and materials, as well as a few mins of your time, make it simple to string lights even without trees.
With all the above-illustrated methods, you should know how to hang string lights in backyard without trees and any doubts. But which outdoor light model do you prefer?