10 Outdoor Patio String Lights That'll Get Your Backyard Ready for Summer (2024)

FAQs

How do you make string lights look good outside? ›

Camouflage the wooden pole that holds up your string lights with a pretty potted plant. The heavy base of the planter helps keep things stable, while your flowers and greenery will add some eye candy to this set up.

String Lights

(Don't forget to include enough to reach the outlet.) For columns or trees, measure once around and multiply that by how many times you'll wind your light around. Once you determine the total length, divide that by the length of a single strand for the quantity you'll need to purchase.

LED string lights are versatile and attractive for use during the festivities and wherever you decide to place them outdoors, they will work around the year though be aware of using specific Christmas shapes such as pinecones and stars.

In any application where heat might be an issue, consider LED light strings first.

If you live in an area with a lot of bad weather, wind, or trees that can damage your lights, consider shatterproof options first. Another safety consideration with outdoor patio lights is heat. Incandescent string light bulbs get hot to the touch within seconds. Most LED bulbs do not.

You can wrap them around poles or branches and/or use small hooks to secure along the way. Bolster with guy wire: If you're using heavier lights or draping them over a long distance, use guy wire and turnbuckle hooks. “This prevents your lights from sagging or falling over time,” says Lee.

Generally, though, it's good to have lights 8-10' off the ground at a minimum just so there's walking clearance. If you are using larger bulbs, you may want to consider raising the height of your display further, based on personal preference.

It really depends what kind you use, how many strings, and how many hours a day you run them. On the low energy side, you can find strings of 200 LED lights that only draw 12W. A string of 100 incandescent mini bulbs can be 40W. On the high side, a string of 25 incandescent C9 bulbs (the big ones) will take 175W.

For example, traditional incandescent lights usually have a lifespan of around four to six years, while newer LED lights often last anywhere from seven to ten years. Nonetheless, a variety of factors can determine whether you need to replace your lights sooner or can keep using them for several more years.

The lifespan of your outdoor lights will depend on how often you use them and whether they're properly maintained. In general, high-end LED string lights will last for around six to seven seasons—or two to three years if you use them year-round.

What is the lifespan of string lights? ›

The theoretical lifespan of an LED bulb is 10,000 to 25,000+ hours. However, in real-world conditions, LED Christmas light strings typically last for 6 to 7 seasons if they are properly cared for.

Outdoor lights should not be left on for prolonged periods of time or overnight. Even LED lights can overheat and cause a fire if exposed to dry leaves or flammable substances. When used properly, LED lights are safe and an energy-efficient way to add lighting outdoors while cutting costs.

LED lights may be left on all night without causing any safety risks, but doing so has certain advantages as well. For example, LED lights are perfect for use as nightlights since they emit a soft, calming glow that may help you safely explore your house at night.

Specialty parties or events use white wire as well because it is a softer color in the patio string light canopy. Black string light wire also blends in well given the setting so the use-case often comes down to color choice preference. It can be used in any setting for both residential or commercial applications.

Spray the paint in very light coats about 10" from the surface of the light string and in slow, steady motions. Once your strings have the coverage you want, let them dry for at least 30 minutes and then flip them over to paint the other side the same way.

The most benign malfunction would be for the lamp to simply stop working. However, there is a greater danger. A lamp or fixture listed for dry locations that is used outdoors can become a fire hazard.