The title of this post comes from a former blogger who’s somewhat past their prime. Haha? Apologies. I took a little break from blogging, but I believe I have a solid tutorial to share with you! Who doesn’t appreciate outdoor lights, right?
After years of postponing, we finally installed some outdoor lights on our deck, and it is nothing short of amazing. Moreover, it’s quite simple and relatively affordable to achieve! Thus, I’m here to impart my outdoor lighting knowledge to you.
Materials required:
- A deck. This could also be a patio or a porch? A floor with one wall?
- String lights. I suggest something industrial for better durability.
- Fence posts (ours are 12 feet, trimmed down to 9 feet) I couldn’t locate the exact one online, but I provided a link to a shorter version of what we bought.
- Small carabiners for each attachment point on the house
- Eye hooks to drill into the wall
- S hooks for each pole
- Cordless Drill
- Hacksaw (if trimming your fence posts)
- Zip ties (of matching style) to correspond with your poles
Alright, let’s start with the basics. You need to decide on the arrangement of your lights. Zigzag, square around your area? The choice is yours! I’ll share some not-so-great photos of the exact materials I used.
There are certainly various methods for hanging the lights on the pole, but we chose to drill a small hole and insert the S Hook there. It seems to be holding (keep in mind, there’s significant tension once they’re set up), so I believe it’s effective!
After we drilled the holes into the poles and installed the S Hooks, we secured them to our deck railing. Since we have metal railings, we couldn’t drill into them. So, with a little faith, we decided to zip tie them to the railings. We used 18-inch industrial ties.
Once we snipped off the ends, they barely stand out on the railing. Totally worth it even if they are visible! 🙂
Next, use the eye hooks to drill into your house (it sounds scarier than it is!).
Attach the carabiner to the eye hook and then insert the light cord into the carabiner.
I recommend placing the hook quite high up. I’d say around 9 1/2 feet. This allows some room for the string lights to “swoop”, plus you want to avoid anyone bumping their heads.
Honestly, the most challenging part of this entire project is determining the light configuration. I only had to relocate one hook after drilling it into the wall, and I wasn’t too bothered by it. After all, who’s inspecting your house walls, anyway?
Here you can see the transition from late afternoon to evening, to night.
Ta-da!
I haven’t crafted a tutorial in about 712 days, so I apologize if I missed anything! Feel free to view the video version of this on Instagram, as I saved it to my stories. Good luck!
<!–
–>
**How to Set Up Outdoor Lighting: An Elaborate Instruction**
Outdoor lighting can elevate the aesthetic and safety of your residence. Whether your focus is on embellishment, security, or both, installing outdoor lights is a feasible DIY task. Here’s an all-encompassing guide to assist you in effectively setting up outdoor lighting.
### Step 1: Design Your Lighting Layout
1. **Evaluate Your Requirements**: Identify the objective of your outdoor lighting. Are you emphasizing style, security, or both?
2. **Draft a Layout**: Create a rough sketch of your outdoor area, indicating where you plan to position lights.
3. **Select Appropriate Fixtures**: Choose fixtures that meet your requirements, such as path lights, spotlights, or wall-mounted units.
### Step 2: Assemble Required Tools and Materials
– Outdoor lighting fixtures
– Low-voltage transformer (for low-voltage lights)
– Low-voltage cabling
– Wire connectors
– Drill with drill bits
– Screwdriver
– Shovel or trenching implement
– Voltage tester
– Weatherproof electrical boxes
### Step 3: Install the Transformer
1. **Determine a Location**: Position the transformer near an outdoor GFCI outlet.
2. **Secure the Transformer**: Attach the transformer to a wall or post using screws.
3. **Connect to Electricity**: Plug the transformer into the outlet, ensuring it’s protected from the elements.
### Step 4: Lay the Cable
1. **Outline the Route**: Arrange the cable according to your lighting design.
2. **Excavate Trenches**: Dig shallow trenches for the cable, keeping them a minimum of 6 inches deep.
3. **Position the Cable**: Lay the cable in the trenches, reserving extra length at each fixture site.
### Step 5: Install the Fixtures
1. **Place the Fixtures**: Position each fixture at its designated location.
2. **Connect Wires**: Utilize wire connectors to attach the fixture wires to the main cable. Make sure connections are tight and secure.
3. **Secure Fixtures**: Fix the fixtures in place using stakes or mounting brackets.
### Step 6: Test and Adjust
1. **Activate Power**: Turn on the transformer to check the lights.
2. **Verify Connections**: Employ a voltage tester to confirm that all connections are live.
3. **Adjust Position**: Modify the angle and position of lights for optimal brightness.
### Step 7: Bury the Cable
1. **Fill in the Trenches**: Once satisfied with the lighting setup, return the soil or mulch over the trenches.
2. **Secure Loose Ends**: Ensure all cables are buried and secured to avoid tripping risks.
### Step 8: Configure Timers and Controls
1. **Set the Transformer**: Program timers or utilize smart controls for your lighting schedule automation.
2. **Test the System**: Verify that lights operate on the programmed schedule.
### Safety Precautions
– Always disconnect the power at the breaker before handling electrical components.
– Use weatherproof fixtures and connectors to mitigate water damage.
– Consult a qualified electrician if there’s uncertainty regarding any electrical connections.
By adhering to these instructions, you can effectively install outdoor lighting that enhances your home’s visual appeal and security. Enjoy your beautifully lit outdoor environment!
