How to Hang String Lights on a Covered Patio

Last Updated: September 16, 2021 References

String lights are a fun, simple way to bright up just about any space. If you’re thinking about adding string lights to your covered patio or deck, it’s important to know exactly how many strands you’ll need. Start by plotting the path you want your lights to follow and measuring the total length of the area in feet. After picking up enough lights to cover your path, fasten them to the edges of your overhanging structure using a staple. You can also simply run your lights between a series of screw hooks if you’re in a hurry to get them up.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Determining the Number of Lights You Need

1
Plot out the path you want your lights to follow. For square and rectangular spaces, the most straightforward configuration is to simply string up the lights along each of the patio’s 4 sides. If the structure overhanging your patio has exposed rafters, you might decide to wind the lights back and forth along the beams to provide even more illumination.^{[1]
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- Of course, these aren’t your only options—you could also zig-zag your lights from corner to corner, or run them on just 2-3 sides of the patio. The way you arrange your string lights is ultimately up to you.^{[2]
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  Christopher Lanier
  Handyman
  Expert Interview. 25 August 2020.}
2
Measure the projected path of your lights in feet. Climb a ladder and stretch a tape measure along each section of the overhanging structure where you plan on hanging lights. Round up the number you get to the nearest ¹⁄₂ ft (0.15 m) and write it down on a pad of paper. Then, add each of the individual measurements together. This will tell you the total distance you’ll need to cover.
- Use caution when scaling and perching on the ladder. Make sure the legs are all resting on a stable surface, and, if possible, have someone else steady it for you while you focus on taking your measurements.^{[3]
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- String lights are most often sold in strands of a certain number of feet.^{[4]
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  Expert Source
  
  Christopher Lanier
  Handyman
  Expert Interview. 25 August 2020.} Calculating the length of your path will help you determine exactly how many boxes of lights you’ll need to buy, effectively eliminating any guesswork.
- Don’t forget to account for the extra few feet it will take to run the lead end to the nearest wall outlet. Using an old outdoor extension cord could keep you from having to spring for an extra box of lights.^{[5]
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3
Decide what kind of lights you want to use. String lights come in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, and bulb styles. The most common types are LED and CFL (compact fluorescent lamp) lights, which give off bright, cool light, and traditional incandescent bulbs, which radiate a warm, soft glow. Go with the style that you think will be best create the atmosphere you envision for your patio.^{[6]
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- LED and CFL bulbs are far more energy-efficient than incandescent bulbs, which means they won’t take as much of a toll on your utility bill.^{[7]
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- Spherical globe lights are a popular choice for outdoor spaces. These bulbs are most often incandescent, and range in size from less than 1 inch (2.5 cm) in diameter (G20) to 2 inches (5.1 cm) (G50).
Tip: You have lots of options when it comes to buying string lights—there are waterproof lights, remote-operated lights, and even lights that can be programmed to change colors at regular intervals.
4
Purchase enough lights to cover the path you’ve mapped out. Once you’ve decided on a layout for your string lights, head down to the store and pick up as many boxes as you need to get the job done. Remember to round up your measurements to the nearest ¹⁄₂ ft (0.15 m). Otherwise, you may come up short just as you’re nearing the end of your project.^{[8]
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- You can find string lights at any hardware shop, gardening center, or home improvement superstore.
- If you want to run lights around a patio with a perimeter that measures 40 feet (12 m) and the lights you’ve selected come 10 feet (3.0 m) to a box, you’d need a total of 4 boxes.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Running and Attaching the Lights

1
Test your lights before you begin putting them up. As soon as you take your new string lights out of the box, plug them into a nearby outlet to confirm that they’re working properly. The last thing you want is to go to the trouble of hanging multiple strands of lights just to discover that one or more bulbs have a short in them.^{[9]
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- If your lights feature multiple modes or settings, make sure you test each of them separately to avoid any disappointing surprises later on.
- If you end up with a faulty set of lights, return them to the store you bought them from for a refund or exchange.
2
Plug the lights into the nearest power source. This will make it much easier to ensure that the lead end has enough length to reach the outlet than if you wait until they’re already in place to connect them. Once you’ve inserted the lead end into the outlet, switch the lights to the “Off” position.^{[10]
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- If the lights you’re using don’t have separate “On” and “Off” settings, place the lead end on the ground in front of the outlet but don’t plug them in until you’ve finished running them.
- You may not need to plug in your lights if they’re battery-operated.
3
Begin stringing the lights in the desired configuration. Take the section of the strand next to your power source and run it up the closest wall or post toward the overhanging structure. Start at the outer perimeter and work your way around, or guide the lights back and forth across the rafters if you want them to run through the center of the patio.
- You’ll have the easiest time working in 3–5 ft (0.91–1.52 m), or roughly arm’s length.
4
Staple the lights to the overhanging structure in regular intervals. Use a staple gun loaded with ¹⁄₄ in (0.64 cm) staples to secure the cord to your patio cover. If you want your lights to have a tight, cinched-down look, place a staple at the midpoint between every bulb. If you’d prefer them to hang down a little looser, try spacing out your staples every 2-3 bulbs.^{[11]
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- Be sure to staple the cord just above the outlet, as well. You could also use cord clips if you don’t want to put holes in the wall or vertical support post.^{[12]
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- Take the time to line your staples up over the center of the cord to avoid damaging the wiring components. Doing so could create a fire hazard.
Tip: Attempting to handle a strand of lights and a staple gun at the same time can be tricky. It may help to have someone else hold a section in place while you staple it down.
5
Hook up additional strands as needed as you go. When you reach the end of your first strand of lights, grab a second strand and connect the ends. Continue joining and stapling in this way until you’ve covered every last foot of the path you outlined earlier. When you’re finished, flip on your new lights and watch them shine!^{[13]
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- Check the manufacturer’s instructions included with your lights to find out the maximum recommended number of couplings per outlet. If you connect too many strands, it could result in a short.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Putting up String Lights Quickly

1
Measure and mark where you want to anchor your lights. Eyeball the structure overhanging your patio and decide how you’d like your lights to hang. When you’ve settled on a layout, draw a small dot or line on the surface of the structure in pencil to indicate each point of attachment. Use a tape measure to ensure that the distance between each point is consistent.^{[14]
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- Try to devise a simple hanging pattern that’s the same on each side of your patio.^{[15]
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  Christopher Lanier
  Handyman
  Expert Interview. 25 August 2020.} For rectangular patios, make sure the opposing sides mirror one another.^{[16]
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- If each side of your patio is 12 feet (3.7 m) long, for example, you might place an anchor every 4–6 feet (1.2–1.8 m).
Tip: For a fast, fuss-free solution, just put an anchor on the inside of each corner and call it a day. You can adjust the tautness of the light strands later to get them hanging just right.
2
Pre-drill pilot holes for your wall anchors. Guide the drill roughly 1 inch (2.5 cm) into the vertical edge of your overhanging structure at a 90-degree angle. Be sure to equip a bit that matches the width of the thread pattern of your anchors. Drill a hole for each anchor you plan on installing.
- A standard #8 screw hook has a diameter of 3.95 millimetres (0.156 in). You should be able to find the dimensions of the anchors you’re using listed somewhere on the packaging.
3
Insert screw hooks into each of your pilot holes.^{[17]
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Expert Source

Christopher Lanier
Handyman
Expert Interview. 25 August 2020.} Place the tapered end of the hook into the hole, then rotate the hook clockwise to sink it. Continue twisting the hook until the threads are no longer visible. Make sure each hook is pointed upwards so that it will cradle your light strands.
- You can speed up the process by fitting an eye bit into your drill, looping it over the end of the hook, and pulling the trigger in bursts until the anchor is seated snugly.^{[18]
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- Consider filling in the space around the edges of the holes with silicone caulk to form a tighter seal around the hooks. This will prevent them from becoming larger with time and constant pressure.
4
Thread your light strands through the anchor hooks. Now all that’s left to do is hang the lights. Plug your first strand into the nearest available power source and begin running the cord from one anchor to the next in the desired configuration.^{[19]
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Christopher Lanier
Handyman
Expert Interview. 25 August 2020.} Connect additional strands as needed until you’ve covered your chosen path.^{[20]
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- One cool thing about using screw hooks is that you can experiment with multiple hanging patterns using a handful of anchors. You can also change up the configuration as often as you like, since the cords aren't actually fastened down.^{[21]
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- If you want to be certain that your lights stay put, attach mini carabiners to the holes at the top of each bulb socket, then clip them to the hooks. The weight will help hold the strands in place.
- As an added benefit, carabiners also make it easier to keep several connected strands in one piece, which is useful if you think you might take your lights down at any point.

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Christopher Lanier
Handyman
Christopher Lanier is a handyman and the owner and operator of Watson & Company Handiworks, a handyman business in Austin, Texas. With over three years of experience, Christopher specializes in outdoor light installation, furniture assembly, TV mounting, and window treatment installation. Christopher holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Texas at Austin. Watson & Company Handiworks is rated as a Top Pro by Thumbtack.

Christopher Lanier

Handyman

Expert Answer

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That depends on your setup, what your deck looks like, and whether you want the lights to be semi-permanent or permanent. If you're doing longer runs, meaning 10 to 20 feet, it's really helpful to use eye hooks or screw eye hooks. This hardware makes it easier to mount the lights from one point to another.