What Do You Use to Hang Outdoor String Lights A Complete Guide

To hang outdoor string lights securely and stylishly, use durable mounting hardware like screw-in hooks, adhesive clips, or tension wire systems—designed to withstand weather and weight. Always choose anchors suited to your surface, such as masonry screws for brick or zip ties for pergolas, to prevent sagging or damage. For a polished look, plan spacing and height carefully, blending functionality with ambiance.

Key Takeaways

• Choose weather-resistant hooks: Use stainless steel or coated hooks to prevent rust and ensure durability.
• Measure spacing first: Plan light placement to avoid overstretching and ensure even illumination.
• Use adhesive clips: Opt for removable clips on smooth surfaces to avoid drilling holes.
• Anchor to trees safely: Wrap lights around trunks or use tree-friendly straps to prevent damage.
• Install guide wires: Add tension wires for long spans to support heavy string lights.
• Check weight limits: Ensure mounting hardware matches the lights’ weight to prevent sagging or falls.

Why Hanging Outdoor String Lights Is Easier Than You Think

There’s something magical about the soft glow of outdoor string lights. Whether it’s a cozy backyard dinner, a summer evening on the porch, or a holiday gathering, those twinkling bulbs instantly transform any space into a warm, inviting retreat. I remember the first time I tried to hang them—my husband and I spent an hour debating where to start, what to use, and whether we’d end up with a tangled mess or a fire hazard. (Spoiler: We did *not* want the fire hazard.)

But here’s the good news: what do you use to hang outdoor string lights isn’t as complicated as it seems. With the right tools, a little planning, and some practical know-how, you can create a stunning ambiance that lasts all year. Whether you’re stringing lights across a patio, wrapping them around trees, or draping them over a pergola, the key is choosing the right hardware and method for your space. In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know—from hardware options to creative ideas—so you can hang your lights with confidence and style.

Understanding Your Space and Light Type

Before you grab your toolbox, take a step back and assess your outdoor area. The what do you use to hang outdoor string lights answer depends heavily on your environment, the type of lights you have, and how permanent you want the setup to be. Let’s break it down.

Assess Your Layout and Obstacles

Start by mapping out where you want the lights. Are you:

• Spanning a wide patio with no overhead support?
• Hanging lights between two trees in your yard?
• Adding ambiance to a pergola or covered deck?
• Wrapping lights around columns or railings?

Each scenario calls for different hardware. For example, if you’re hanging lights between two trees, you might use tree hooks or zip ties. But if you’re spanning a large open space with no natural anchor points, you’ll need something more robust—like tension cables or freestanding poles.

Pro tip: Use painter’s tape to mark light positions on the ground or walls. This helps you visualize spacing and avoid over- or under-hanging.

Know Your Light Type and Weight

Not all string lights are created equal. Some are lightweight fairy lights, while others are heavy-duty Edison bulbs with thick cords. The weight of your lights determines the strength of the hardware you’ll need.

• Lightweight LED fairy lights: Can be hung with adhesive hooks, zip ties, or small nails.
• Medium-weight Edison or vintage-style lights: Need stronger support like S-hooks, eye screws, or cable clamps.
• Heavy-duty commercial-grade lights: May require metal cable systems or structural mounting points.

Check the packaging for weight recommendations. Most standard outdoor string lights weigh between 1–5 pounds per 25-foot strand. If you’re combining multiple strands, add up the total weight. A 100-foot run could weigh 10–20 pounds—definitely not something you want to hang with flimsy adhesive hooks!

Consider Weather and Longevity

Outdoor lights face wind, rain, snow, and UV exposure. If you plan to leave them up year-round, you’ll need weather-resistant hardware. For temporary setups (like holiday lights), you can use lighter-duty options. But even seasonal lights benefit from durable mounting—wind can easily rip poorly secured lights down in a storm.

Example: A friend of mine used cheap plastic hooks for her Christmas lights. One windy night, the entire strand came crashing down, pulling part of her gutter with it. Not ideal. After that, she switched to stainless steel eye screws and never had a problem again.

Essential Hardware for Hanging Outdoor String Lights

Now that you understand your space, let’s dive into the actual tools and hardware. The what do you use to hang outdoor string lights question has multiple answers—here are the most common and effective options.

Eye Screws (Lag Hooks)

Best for: Wooden surfaces like decks, pergolas, eaves, and fence posts.

Eye screws are small metal hooks with a threaded shaft that screws directly into wood. They’re affordable, durable, and easy to install with a screwdriver or drill. Look for stainless steel or galvanized versions to resist rust.

• Pros: Secure, low-profile, reusable.
• Cons: Not suitable for brick, stucco, or metal surfaces without special anchors.

Installation tip: Pre-drill a small pilot hole to prevent wood from splitting. Screw the eye hook in until the loop is flush with the surface—don’t overtighten, or the hook can snap.

Adhesive Hooks and Mounting Tape

Best for: Smooth, non-porous surfaces like glass, metal, vinyl siding, or painted walls.

These are great for renters or temporary setups. Brands like Command™ make outdoor-rated adhesive hooks that hold up to 5 pounds. For heavier lights, use outdoor mounting tape (like 3M VHB tape).

• Pros: No drilling, removable, clean look.
• Cons: Can fail in extreme heat, cold, or moisture. Not for heavy loads.

Pro tip: Clean the surface with rubbing alcohol before applying adhesive. Let it cure for 24 hours before hanging lights.

Zip Ties and Cable Clips

Best for: Trees, railings, fences, and temporary installations.

Zip ties are quick and easy—just loop them around a branch or railing and pull tight. Use UV-resistant outdoor zip ties to prevent brittleness in the sun. For railings, try plastic cable clips that snap onto the edge.

• Pros: Fast, inexpensive, no tools needed.
• Cons: Can damage trees over time. Not ideal for long-term use.

Caution: Avoid wrapping zip ties too tightly around trees. As the tree grows, the tie can cut into the bark and harm the tree. Use tree-friendly methods like tree straps or leave a small gap.

Tension Cables and Wire Systems

Best for: Large open spaces, patios without overhead support, or creating a “canopy” effect.

This is the gold standard for professional-looking installations. A tension cable is a thin, strong steel wire stretched between two anchor points (like posts, walls, or poles). You attach your string lights to the cable using S-hooks, carabiners, or cable clips.

• Pros: Supports heavy loads, creates a clean, uniform line, ideal for long spans.
• Cons: Requires sturdy anchor points, more complex setup.

How to install: Use turnbuckles to tighten the cable—this keeps it taut and prevents sagging. Attach lights every 6–8 inches for even spacing. A 50-foot cable can hold multiple strands of heavy lights without drooping.

Freestanding Poles and Light Stands

Best for: Renters, renters, or areas with no natural anchor points.

These are metal or fiberglass poles that stand on the ground and have hooks or arms for hanging lights. Some even come with weighted bases for stability.

• Pros: Portable, no drilling, great for events.
• Cons: Can tip over in wind, less permanent.

Example: I used freestanding poles for a wedding in a park with no trees. We anchored them with sandbags and had a beautiful overhead canopy. The couple loved it, and we packed everything up the next day.

Creative and Safe Installation Techniques

Now that you have the hardware, let’s talk about *how* to use it. Safety and aesthetics go hand in hand when hanging outdoor lights.

Spacing and Symmetry Matter

Uneven spacing makes lights look messy. Aim for:

• Between anchor points: 6–10 feet apart for standard lights, 4–6 feet for heavier strands.
• From the ground: 7–8 feet high so people don’t hit their heads.
• From walls: 6–12 inches to avoid shadows and allow airflow.

Use a measuring tape and chalk line to mark anchor points. For curves or waves, mark every 12 inches to keep the line smooth.

Use S-Hooks for Easy Adjustments

S-hooks are small metal hooks shaped like the letter “S.” They’re perfect for connecting light strands to eye screws, cables, or poles.

• Open one end and hook it to the anchor point.
• Hook the other end to the light strand’s hanging loop or cord.
• You can easily add or remove strands without untying knots.

Bonus: Use different colored S-hooks to identify different light zones (e.g., red for dining, blue for lounge).

Protect Cords and Prevent Tripping Hazards

Exposed cords are a tripping hazard and can be damaged by foot traffic or pets. Here’s how to keep them safe:

• Use cord clips or raceways to run cords along walls or railings.
• For ground-level cords, use cord covers or bury them in shallow trenches (with outdoor-rated cord).
• Never run cords across walkways without protection.

Safety note: Always use outdoor-rated extension cords and GFCI outlets. Test the GFCI monthly to ensure it works.

Weatherproof Your Connections

Moisture is the enemy of outdoor lights. To prevent short circuits:

• Use waterproof electrical tape on plug connections.
• Elevate plugs off the ground using a plastic container or cord organizer.
• Install a weatherproof outlet cover if your outlet is exposed.

I once left my lights up during a rainy season without sealing the plugs. The next day, the breaker tripped, and I had to replace half the bulbs. Lesson learned!

Special Considerations for Different Surfaces

Not every surface is wood or metal. Let’s cover how to hang lights on tricky materials.

Brick, Stucco, and Concrete

These surfaces require special anchors. Use:

• Concrete screws or masonry anchors: For permanent installations. Drill a pilot hole with a masonry bit.
• Adhesive hooks with outdoor tape: For lighter loads. Clean the surface thoroughly.
• Magnetic hooks: Only work if the surface has metal behind it (rare).

Tip: For stucco, avoid drilling into the textured surface—it can crack. Instead, anchor into the wood or metal lath beneath.

Metal Surfaces (Fences, Gutters, Railings)

Metal is strong but slippery. Use:

• Magnetic hooks: For temporary setups on steel surfaces.
• Clamp-on hooks: For gutters or railings. No drilling needed.
• Zip ties or cable clips: For fences with horizontal rails.

Warning: Don’t hang lights on gutters if they’re already weak or sagging. The added weight can pull them down.

Glass (Windows, Patio Doors)

For a festive look, hang lights on glass. Use:

• Suction cup hooks: With strong outdoor-rated suction. Clean the glass first.
• Adhesive hooks: On the frame, not the glass itself.

Never use nails or screws on glass—it can shatter.

Data Table: Recommended Hardware by Surface and Weight

Surface Type	Light Weight	Recommended Hardware	Installation Notes
Wood (deck, pergola)	1–10 lbs	Eye screws, S-hooks	Pre-drill holes; use stainless steel
Brick/Concrete	1–5 lbs	Masonry anchors, adhesive hooks	Use masonry bit; clean surface
Metal (fence, railing)	1–8 lbs	Clamp hooks, zip ties, magnetic hooks	Check for rust; avoid sharp edges
Trees	1–3 lbs	Zip ties (loose), tree straps	Leave room for growth; use UV-resistant ties
Open space (no anchors)	5–20 lbs	Tension cable + poles	Use turnbuckles; anchor poles securely
Glass (windows)	1–2 lbs	Suction cup hooks, adhesive hooks	Clean glass; avoid extreme temps

Final Tips for a Professional-Looking Setup

You’ve got the hardware, the plan, and the lights. Now let’s make it look amazing.

Test Before You Commit

Hang a short strand first. Step back and look at it from different angles. Does it sag? Are the bulbs evenly spaced? Adjust as needed before installing the full setup.

Use a Level or Laser Guide

Even a slight tilt can make lights look crooked. Use a small level on your anchor points or a laser level for long runs.

Layer Your Lights

For depth, hang multiple layers:

• Top layer: Overhead string lights (8–10 ft high)
• Middle layer: Wrap lights around columns or railings (4–6 ft)
• Bottom layer: Path lights or fairy lights on the ground

This creates a 3D effect that’s far more inviting than a single strand.

Maintain and Store Properly

At the end of the season, take your lights down and store them in a cool, dry place. Wrap them around a cardboard tube or cord reel to prevent tangles. Clean the bulbs with a soft cloth to remove dust and moisture.

Remember: The what do you use to hang outdoor string lights answer isn’t one-size-fits-all. It’s about matching the right tool to your space, lights, and goals. With a little patience and the right gear, you’ll have a beautiful, safe, and long-lasting display that makes every evening feel like a celebration.

Frequently Asked Questions

What do you use to hang outdoor string lights on different surfaces?

For wood, use cup hooks or screw-in eyelets; for masonry, anchor screws with wall plugs; and for vinyl siding, opt for removable adhesive hooks. Always check the weight of your lights to ensure the hardware can support them safely.

Can I hang outdoor string lights without nails or screws?

Yes, use damage-free solutions like outdoor-rated adhesive hooks, tension rods, or zip ties attached to railings or fences. These work well for renters or temporary setups, but ensure they’re rated for outdoor use and weather resistance.

What tools are needed to hang outdoor string lights securely?

Common tools include a ladder, measuring tape, drill, and a level to ensure even spacing. For wire-based installations, a wire tensioner or turnbuckle helps keep the lights taut and professional-looking.

How do I hang outdoor string lights on a patio with no ceiling or roof?

Use freestanding poles, shepherd’s hooks, or attach lights to nearby trees or pergolas. For open spaces, install ground-mounted poles or use weighted bases to create anchor points for a custom setup.

What do you use to hang outdoor string lights over long distances?

For spans over 10 feet, use a support wire or cable with turnbuckles for tension. Attach lights to the wire with zip ties or S-hooks, ensuring the cable is tight to prevent sagging in the middle.

Are there weatherproof options for hanging outdoor string lights?

Yes, use rust-resistant hardware like stainless steel hooks, brass eyelets, or plastic clips designed for outdoor use. Always verify that your lights and hanging materials are rated for wet or damp conditions.