Tools and Materials
Items may be Special Order in some stores. Product costs, availability and item numbers may vary online or by market. Paint colors may vary slightly from those shown. Availability varies by market for lumber species and sizes.
Don't have all the tools on hand? You can rent them from your local Lowe's.
Versatile Outdoor Lighting
Adding a string of lights to outdoor areas is one of the most flexible and customizable ways to illuminate your patio or deck. This simple and cost-efficient DIY project can be done over the weekend and easily adapted to fit any layout. Choose between plug-in, battery-powered or solar lights, depending on the most convenient setup for your home.
Preparation
This creative outdoor lighting project adds visual interest and can be customized to complement a variety of layouts. Jenna of Jenna Sue Design used her planters to frame and add mood lighting to an in-ground fire pit area as part of a major backyard renovation. Consider adding other elements to complement your new lighting such as patio furniture or an electric patio heater for a revamped outdoor experience.
Before beginning, check the layout. It’s a good idea to place the planters as close to where you want them as possible before installing the posts as they will be much heavier once filled with concrete. It’s also helpful to level the ground before placing the planters to ensure the posts don’t lean once installed. You can use sand or pea gravel under the planters to ensure you’re starting with a level work surface. You may choose to apply stain or finish to the wood posts before installation for a more distinct wood look.
Install String Light Planters
Here's how to build your own planter lights.
How Do I Light an Outdoor Area?
An outdoor area will look beautiful with a series of string lights, but that might not be enough to illuminate every part of your property. Consider installing additional light sources such as post lights and garden torches for more visibility. Choose a garden torch that runs independently from the rest of the home with a fuel source, or have a plug-in post light that's part of one easy electrical setup.
What Type of Lighting Is Best for Outdoors?
The best type of lighting to consider for outdoor areas is outdoor LED lighting. LED bulbs are designed to produce next to no heat, so they're completely safe to touch. LED lighting also uses very little energy, so they'll last a long time and save on utility costs. If you're searching for colored lights, LED has plenty to offer — whether you'd like a certain color or want to have the light go through the whole color spectrum.