String lights are an incredibly versatile and cost-effective way to decorate your patio and add ambiance and festivity to outdoor gatherings. As the weather begins to warm up and you begin planning outdoor gatherings with family and friends, thoughtfully placed string lights will add sparkle, summer style and adequate lighting for outdoor dining to your patio. Read on to familiarize yourself with expert advice and safety tips for hanging string lights for your patio, plus a guide for what you need to buy.
Shop this article: Solar String Lights, Brightown Outdoor String Lights Patio Lights and Hanging kit
Always carefully inspect the specifications of any lighting to ensure it’s safe for your intended use. Only use lights rated for outdoor use on your patio. These lights are approved for use outdoors because they can withstand exposure to elements like snow and rain without compromising their electrical connections or creating a safety hazard.
There are a variety of string light styles and features to choose from. Here’s a summary of the most important considerations when choosing string lights for your patio.
When choosing what bulb style to use for patio string lights, consider choosing a standard bulb style and size will allow you to purchase replacement bulbs easily. Bulbs come in a range of sizes. Generally, the higher you intend to hang your lights, the larger the bulb you select should be.
Brightown Outdoor String Lights Patio Lights
A standard length for a strand of string lights is about 60 to 80 feet. If you’re covering a large area, you may want to opt for a more extended option, such as this 100-foot strand.
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The easiest way to select a strand length is to measure the area you wish for the strand to cover using string or twine. Be sure to account for your desired slackness or curve by draping the string to match the desired curvature of the strand of string lights.
String lights are typically plug-in, battery-powered or solar-powered.
Waterproof Outdoor String Lights
For plug-in lights, you’ll likely want to purchase an outdoor-rated extension cord to stretch from your patio to an outlet in the garage, shed or house. Battery-operated lights are convenient because they don’t require a plug and can be used on a patio regardless of the availability of an outlet. Solar-powered lights are powered via a solar sensor and also don’t require an extension cord or outlet.
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String lights are available in a range of prices. A single strand will cost $8-$85 depending on bulb type, strand length and power source.
A simple option for hanging string lights on your patio is to wrap the lights around your patio’s railing or a post. To drape string lights, you’ll need a string light hanging kit. The kit includes hooks and a steel cord that support the weight of your string lights.
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It’s a good idea to sketch your desired string light pattern. You can hang your lights in zig-zag patterns, for example, or in equally spaced single strands to create a neat, symmetrical design.
To reduce the chance of fire, always use a ground circuit interrupter outlet (GFCI). The GFCI will turn off the lights if the outlet is overloaded.
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BN-LINK Outdoor 24-Hour Timer With Photocell Light Sensor
This waterproof, 24-hour timer will automatically turn your patio string lights on and off according to your chosen schedule, which will allow you to avoid accidentally leaving your string lights on for too long.
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