Create a staycation - worthy backyard by set up string light pole with this promiscuous outdoor project .
Al fresco dining andbonfireseason is made all the good with the warm glow of string lights . But if you do n’t have accessible backbone point — like terrace spot or trees — installingstring light poleswill help you suspend lightness anywhere with minimum movement .
Here , long vertical pole guarantee with concrete terms offer easy support for scintillate twine brightness . This tiro - levelDIY projectcan be done in one sidereal day and the poles are tough enough to stay up year - round ( or at least for the summer time of year ) . What ’s more , only some light carpentry oeuvre and a few introductory supplies are required . See how we did it below , and check out our expert advice to cling your drawing string igniter correctly the first time .
Credit: Adam Albright
What You’ll Need
Equipment / Tools
Materials
Instructions
Set Concrete for String Light Poles
apply concrete and PVC pipes to create a sturdy home for your string light rod supports by go down concrete forms at each end or corner of your patio or backyard region . The concrete forms need to be fix late enough to go below thefrostline , which varies by region . ( In the lower 48 states , it can vagabond from 0 to 8 foot , so search the profundity of your Robert Lee Frost line before you start out this task . ) Center a same - height piece of 1 - in - diameter polyvinyl chloride pipe inside and fill form around the pipe with concrete .
Cut Pipes for String Light Poles
Cut 3/4 - inch conduit to the height you want the lights , plus the tiptop of the PVC pipe that is already installed in the ground . you may cut the conduitusing a hacksaw . Do n’t abide the pipage up in the thermionic vacuum tube in the ground yet .
Drill Holes in Pipe
Screw a 3/4 - in cap onto the conduit end , and drill a trap 1 inch below . Feed a screw eye through the hole and secure it with a nut . The screw eye is what will defy the cosmic string spark .
Finish Poles for String Light
quality and paint the string light poleany color you ’d wish ( we pass withclassic black ) . Next , eat it into the PVC tube in the concrete . Before you do this , ensure the concrete has dried all the way through .
experimentation with pole tiptop and light draping style to produce the aura you ’re going after .
Hang Outdoor String Lights
Attachoutdoor lightsto the prison guard center using nothing sleeper . If necessary , spray - paint the vigor crosstie to equalize the color of the perch and claw . Remove the string tripping poles when not in use , and mow justly over the concrete base if needed .
To give the concrete mould turn up a net stopping point , brush the surface for grain , embed pebbles or crushed gemstone for a natural look , and seal or paint the concrete to protect it from the elements .
Frequently Asked Questions
The undercoat moves , seizes , and changes with the seasons , particularly when frost specify in . Concrete form placed above the hoar line are probable to be displace by seasonal changes . A form set below the Robert Lee Frost line will have a more solid footing .
First , discipline your local building computer code and ensure you are n’t digging near gas lines or bury electrical cables . Before you begin your project , call the national 811 number or the safe digging figure in your state for specific guidelines . Mark the diam of your hole and use a shovel or post hole digger to force out the soil as equally as possible .
Hang your lights 8 to 10 foot off the basis to allow ample clearance for walking , gaming , and other outdoor activity . add up extra clearance if you are usinglanternsor larger bulbs .
