How to hang outdoor string lights | Backyard DIY Ideas

We spend so much time outside in the summer, I knew I wanted to make an outdoor retreat we could enjoy both day and night. Hanging outdoor string lights is something I have been wanting to do for a couple of years. I am going to show you how to hang outdoor string lights. It’s so easy and the best part is no poles are needed. Hanging lights can transform your backyard. The ambiance of lights creates such an inviting feeling.

LED Strings Lights

We used two sets of the vintage Edison bulb string lights. These lights are said to be the strongest weatherproof lights on the market. I will say they are very durable and very well made. The lights are bright which is why I highly suggest getting a light dimmer. You can lower the lights by 25%, 50% and even 75%. As the evening progresses, I like to lower the lights for a softer look around the fire. Trust me, it’s a must.

Supplies you will need:

Lights 

Light Dimmer

                                                                      3/16″x3 Screw Eye Hooks

 Ferrule & Stop Kit (we only used one of the kits)

1/16 inch Uncoated Wire Rope (steel cable)

Cable Ties 4in    10,16 cm

– Quick Links (We used 2)

– Bolt Cutters

Directions

1. We started by adding a 3-inch screw eye hook into the side of the house.
2. Next, we add two additional eye hooks to the remaining trees. The hooks were the same height at each location.
3. Thread the cable through a ferrule to create a loop. Use a pair of bolt cutters to crimp the ferrule. Connect the looped end to the Quick Link and then attach to the eye hook on the house.
4. Next, we ran the steel cable from the house to the first tree and attached it to the eye hook.
5. We then ran the steel cable to the 2nd tree and attached it to the eye hook.
6. From the second tree, we ran the steel wire cable back to the house, where we started. We stretched the wire tight and cut the wire with wire clippers, leaving about 6 inches extra to make another loop using the ferrule. We then simply connected it up with the hook on the house using a quick link.
7. Now it’s time to hang the lights. We used cable ties to secure the string lights onto the wire rope. Add more cable ties in between lights if desired.
8. Trim any cable ties that are too long.
9. Install light bulbs.

Here is how we attached the lights to the side of the house.

Use cable ties to secure the lights to the support wire.

The lights are now attached to the support cable wire.

The way you hang your lights will depend on your backyard. Because we had two trees close together our lights were hung in a triangle type look. You can see what I mean in the photo below.

I can’t even begin to tell you how much these outdoor string lights add to our outdoor oasis and how easy it was to hang them.

I replaced our wood burning fire pit with a gas fire pit. We sit by the fire several times a week so a gas fire pit is a little easier.

I also set up a fun S’mores bar using this neat bar cart. How is fun this?

Now it’s time to pour a glass of wine and sit by the fire. This is my new favorite place. This is my new favorite place. You will be able to find me here all summer and even in the fall.