How To Hang Outdoor String Lights
Mia Lopez
Published Apr 05, 2026
Introduction
String lights let you add a warm and inviting ambiance to patios and decks, while still respecting wildlife and your neighbor's appreciation for dark skies.
They come in many shapes and sizes. We chose Edison-style LED bulbs with three-foot spacing. This particular string is 48 feet long, the perfect length to cover the bottom edge of our deck and illuminate the first-floor patio.
We also installed them so they can be taken down quickly for storage, while leaving the hardware in place. Let's see how!
Tools Required
Materials Required
- 1/4-inch stainless steel or other coated metal cup hooks (at least one hook per six feet)
- Extension cord suitable for outdoor use
- String lights
- Zip ties (optional and/or dependent on string light model)