The soft glow of string lights above the patio turns the backyard into a magical, inviting place. The patio area at once transforms when darkness sets in and the lights automatically switch on. Here’s how homeowners can beautifully illuminate their outdoor patio with string lights.
What are string lights?
Overhead lights hung outdoors go by many names. Some people call them fiesta lights, festoon lights, or party lights. They are also commonly known as string lights. The literal string of bulbs erases the darkness, allowing homeowners to entertain friends and family long into the night.
String lights come in a robust variety of options. Traditional string lights are manually turned on but smart options are also available. Smart options can be scheduled to automatically turn on at a set time. Solar powered lights, too, have recently made their way into the market.
What are various options for string lights?
LED café lights offer bulbs with an inset of air bubbles, which contribute to their attractive look and feel. Twenty string lights can be linked to achieve a length of about 750 feet. A traditional style can be achieved by selecting bulbs that are frosted white when turned off.
Solar string lights are pricy at about $6 per bulb. These lights operate with a dusk-to-dawn sensor. Or, the solar string lights can be turned on via a manual override. Another option, smart lights are activated by phone and come with pre-set scenes ranging from active lighting to calmer ambiances.
Color-changing bulbs are a hit with homeowners who favor mood lighting. The colors are controlled via a remote control included with the string light set. Also be aware that string lights come in varying levels of brightness. Pick the option best suited for the patio space.
How are string lights hung on the patio?
Measure the patio space to obtain its dimensions. This step makes it easier to purchase the right length of string lights. In order to ensure sufficient length, add 2 to 6 feet to the measurements. This accounts for the natural curve in the string lights.
Determine the pattern in which the string lights will be hung. Options include hanging them in the shape of a square, a zig zag design for a fun look or a horizon point. A maypole pattern requires a spoke at a central point from which the strings extend.
String lights can be hung from trees if they grow at both ends of the patio. Alternately, the string lights might outline a gazebo or pergola. If the deck has supports, extend the string lights across them. Deck railings can also be fitting places to hang the string lights.
Choose string lights with bulbs that can be removed in the event replacements or changing colors become necessary. Shatterproof glass bulbs are recommended over glass in locations with volatile weather. LED bulbs last longer than incandescent bulbs when used outdoors on the patio.
When installing string lights on the deck railing, make sure they are close to an outlet. Start with the string lights nearest to the power supply and use a staple gun (or exterior tape) to fasten them under the railing. Move on to the next section of lights, pulling them taut.
Outdoor string lights can also be hung on stucco, wood, or other materials. Wall anchors are used for this option to secure the hooks in place. Hang the string lighting overhead with a combination of hooks and staples—which enhance stability.
If the patio area does not offer a place to hang the string lights, consider inserting 8-foot long, pressure treated posts into heavy planters. Screw hooks into the posts, fill the planters with concrete and attach the string lights to the hooks.
A backyard with trees on either end offers natural supports for the string lighting. Drill holes in the trees and place bicycle hooks into them. Traditional cable clamps may also work. Hang the string lights from the hooks. Check that the string lights turn on properly.
The best way to hang string lights over the patio, however, is with a light suspension kit. A kit offers coated wires to be attached to the home or backyard trees. The lights come with hanging hooks through which the wire can be threaded—this removes tension off the wire.
The bulbs in outdoor string lights may need replacing over time. Incandescent bulbs have a shorter lifespan than LED bulbs. Generally, LED bulbs have a lifespan of about 20 years. If the string lights contain advanced features, replacing the bulbs may not be doable.
Hanging string lights is a better choice than placing lanterns on a patio chair, for instance. Homeowners have plenty of options when it comes to illuminating their backyard space. One of these recommended options is Pavestone Brick Paving, Inc, a landscaping contactor experienced in installing outdoor lighting.
We offer homeowners an extensive range of outdoor lighting styles for their brick paver patio. Our landscape lighting includes silhouette lighting where trees or sculptures are backlit, spotlighting to accentuate backyard features and ambient lighting to create a tranquil patio space. Decorative lighting and colored lighting are also available.
If your home doesn’t currently feature a patio but you’d like one built, Pavestone will install a gorgeous natural stone patio or one made of durable brick. We handle every phase of the patio installation process, from incorporating your feedback on the design to the final quality installation.
Homeowners who already have a functional patio and want to maintain it can do so with the help of Pavestone. Our crews are available to repair, reset, or relevel the patio. We can sealcoat and power wash the patio to restore the surface color and appearance.
Residential homeowners who aim to upgrade their patio experience find top-quality services from Pavestone Brick Paving, Inc. We serve Des Plaines, Illinois, and the surrounding suburbs. Make the leap to a beautifully lit backyard patio by calling us today at 847-895-7004 and scheduling an onsite visit.
