How to Hang String Lights on Deck

It is amazing to see how your outdoor space gets transformed with the addition of string lights. It immediately turns into a magic space!

This is the first Summer, after more than 10 years of living in this house, that we're going to enjoy our backyard! Ha it's about time, isn't it?

In the morning, this is my gardening space, every time I'm watering the flowers I find any excuse to come here and change things around. And at night, it's the kid's retreat, my son is already a master setting the fire-pit, and believe it or not, he has prepared dinner right here! I'm loving that. ;)

The deck was a big project conformed of many little projects that for the most part got lost, as it usually happens when something is done against time. 

However, today's post wasn't one of those forgotten projects thanks to Kate, a dear reader who wanted to know how those lights were attached, and well, here's the answer in case you'd also wondered about it.

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First, let me go back to the initial deck building plan. --->

That plan included a privacy screen and some high posts that I was going to use to decorate with lights, flower baskets, flags, etc.  Well, as I told you before, the HOA didn't approve that plan. I had to take plan B --> a simple railing around the deck. :/

At the time, I wasn't too happy with the change in plans, but now I think it was a good decision, those 4 x 4 posts were massive!

Time flew by and I found myself adding all the decor pieces and getting everything ready for the deck's final reveal - photoshoot, but something was missing... The lights!

Yes indeed, lighting is so important! I stopped everything, went to the Home Depot, and came back home with three electrical conduit metal poles like the one in the picture below.
As soon as I got back home I spray painted them black and gave them to Mr. RLC to install in the corners of the deck. I still had a gazillion things to do, and luckily he did a super job installing the lights. ;)

EMT Conduit - ¾in. x 10 ft.

The materials you will need:

• EMT Conduit - ¾in. x 10 ft.
• Metallic tube two-hole straps
• S Hooks
• Screw Eyes
• Black spray paint
• Outdoor String Lights
• Extension cord

Well, Mr. RLC takes his time when he's assigned a project like this. Precision is his main goal, even though he can't take good measurements. :D  

However, he's passionate about safety, if something calls for two screws, he drives four, just in case. ;) 

The picture above shows you how he secured the metal pole to the deck. Those metal straps were repurposed pieces from a trampoline we had disassembled. They were, in Mr. RLC's mind, stronger than these regular straps I'm recommending:

Metallic tube two-hole straps

I'm sure you already noticed my lousy paint job on those poles. :D

Screw eyes were added at the top of the pole to hold the S hooks on which the string lights hang from.

He drove two screw eyes to have two options for the height of the light.

Although, Imho, hanging the lights at the very top looks way better. ;)

| DIY - Outdoor Serving Cart | Nesting Tables |

It is a very easy and inexpensive way to add lights to your outdoor space and it's been functioning without any problems for a few years already.

And the poles are hardly noticeable from a distance.

The umbrella is the other source of lighting that I'm loving!

They truly create a magical atmosphere!

| Patio Set | Rug | Patio Umbrella |

For more DIY patio Ideas check these out:

The Patio Reveal

DIY - Floating Deck

Potting Bench Makeover

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