Summer evenings are upon us, and if you’re looking for ways to maximise the time you have outside, our garden light selection will give you an ideal burst of inspiration. However, some garden lights can be fiddly; if you’ve not hung them before, you risk getting tangled up in wires.
Imagine unwinding in the garden after a long day or hosting a summer BBQ in your outdoor space. Our outdoor summer lights can transform these dreams into reality, creating an inviting ambience that will leave your guests in awe. With the help of this guide, you’ll learn how to hang garden lights for a seamless installation and a stunning effect.
Table of contents:
- What IP rating do I need for outdoor lights?
- How to decorate outdoor trees with lights
- How to hang outdoor string lights
- How to attach outdoor lights to brick
- Top tips for hanging outdoor lights
What IP rating do I need for outdoor lights?
Before you purchase your garden lights, you need to consider the IP (Ingress Protection) rating to ensure they are suitable for the environmental conditions of your garden and what you intend to use them for.
The IP rating system classifies the degree of protection provided by the enclosure of the electrical equipment against solid objects, dust and water. Here is what you should look for when choosing your garden light IP rating.
The minimum IP rating requirement for outdoor lighting is IP44. This will protect the light against solid objects larger than 1mm and water splashes.
However, if you live in an area with more severe weather conditions, you can get higher-rated garden lights. For example, IP65 is good for areas exposed to heavy rain or jets of water. You also get complete protection from dust and water jets. These are great for garden lights near the ground.
IP66-rated garden lights are best for areas exposed to powerful water jets or heavy rainstorms, providing robust protection against dust and water.
If you want lights that you will be temporarily submerged in water (up to 1 meter for 30 minutes) near swimming pools or fountains, IP67-rated garden lights are best.
And for lights that you intend to continuously submerge in water, such as ponds or underwater fountains, IP68 offers the highest level of protection.
The appropriate IP rating depends on the specific conditions of your garden and what you want to use them for. IP44 is sufficient for general outdoor use, but consider higher ratings like IP65, IP66, IP67 and IP68 for more demanding environments.
Once you have the appropriate garden lights, it’s time to install them to create your dream garden lightscape. Follow our top tips below on how to hang outdoor lights from string to festoon lights on trees, fences and walls for the smoothest installation.
How to decorate outdoor trees with lights
If you have beautiful trees in your garden, decorating them with lights isn’t just for Christmas. Outdoor tree lights can create a cosy summer feel that subtly illuminates your garden and highlights your landscape. Here are our top tips for decorating your trees with garden lights effectively and safely.
You will need:
- Outdoor-rated string lights
- An outdoor-rated extension cord
- Ladder (if needed)
- Zip ties or twist ties
We recommend choosing LED lights as these are the most energy-efficient, long-lasting and cool to touch. Mini strip lights or C7/C9 bulbs are popular for outdoor trees.
Steps:
- Plan your design. Decide where you want to wrap your strip lights: the trunk, the branches or both. Make sure you have enough for your plan. Measure the tree’s height and width to determine how many strip lights you need. A good rule of thumb is 100 lights per vertical foot.
- Test the lights. Plug in the lights before hanging them to ensure they work.
- Start with the trunk. Begin wrapping the lights around the trunk from the base upwards. Secure the lights every few loops with zip or twist ties, ensuring not to tie them too tight to avoid damaging the tree. Use the ladder to reach the higher trunk area.
- Move to the branches. Extend the lights along the branches after you’re happy with the trunk. Focus on the main branches for larger trees, then move on to smaller ones if you have enough lights. Take a few steps back occasionally to assess the distribution of lights and make adjustments as necessary for a balanced look.
- Use the extension cord. Use an outdoor-rated extension cord to connect the lights to a power source. Ensure the connection is secure and elevated off the ground to avoid water contact.
- Secure the end. Once you’ve reached the end of the light strip, secure it with a zip or twist tie.
Creative ideas:
- Add other decorations to your illuminated tree, like ribbons, ornaments or themed embellishments for a magical effect or to complement a party theme.
- Use different colours to create different lighting effects or for different seasons.
- Choose string lights with twinkle effects or a flash setting for added sparkle. Combine with other lights, like hanging solar lanterns on the branches, to enhance your lightscape.
How to hang outdoor string lights
If you don’t have any trees in your garden, you can still use string lights to create a gorgeous and welcoming lightscape. Here are our top tips on hanging outdoor string lights in your garden.
You will need:
- Outdoor string lights
- An outdoor extension cord
- Hooks, wall anchors or nails for securing the lights
- Zip ties, twist ties or clips for additional securing
- Ladder if necessary
- Measuring tape
Steps:
- Plan your layout: First, decide where you want your string lights to hang. There are multiple options, for example, along your fence, a canopy, or between trees or plants. Do you want them in straight lines, zigzags, V-pattern or canopy style? Every garden is different, so this is your opportunity to get creative.
- Measuring. Once you’ve decided, measure the area to determine how many strip lights you need.
- Test your lights. Always test your lights before you set them up to ensure they work and avoid disappointment.
- Install anchor points. Identify where you will attach the lights, for example, walls, trees, poles or fence posts. Install the hooks, wall anchors or nails at these points, ensuring they are strong enough to hold the weight of the lights.
- String the lights. Begin at the power source and work around so you don’t run out of lights before reaching the power outlet. Attach the lights to the hooks or anchors. Use zip or twist ties to secure the lights for added stability.
- Adjust and secure. Adjust the lights so they are evenly spaced. Secure loose sections with additional ties or clips to prevent sagging.
- Connect the power. Use your outdoor-rated extension cord to connect the lights to your power source and ensure it is elevated off the ground to avoid water contact.
Creative hanging light ideas:
You can hang string lights in your garden in many ways to create a cosy, inviting space. Here are some ways you can transform your garden with string lights.
- Suspend lights along your fence. Attach lights along the top of your fence for a cosy glow around your garden perimeter.
- Wrap around tree branches. Read the section above to discover how to make a whimsical effect using string lights on your trees.
- Suspend lights on your patio cover. Hang string lights from a pergola or patio cover and get overhead lighting to brighten any evening in your garden.
Use DIY poles. Create DYI poles using sturdy wood or metal to suspend your lights. Set the poles in cement-filled buckets for portable lighting poles. Alternatively, you can buy shepherd crooks to hang your garden lights from.
How to attach outdoor lights to brick
If you don’t have many outdoor anchor points in your garden, you can use your house’s exterior wall as an anchor point. However, it can create a more permanent solution to hanging string lights by drilling into the brick, so bear this in mind.
Attaching outdoor lights to brick can be challenging. But with the right tools and technique, you can securely suspend your lights without damaging the brick.
You will need:
- Outdoor string lights or any other outdoor lights you can hang
- Masonry screws or anchors
- Drill with a masonry bit
- Hammer drill
- Measuring tape
- Hooks or clips designed for brick
- Screwdriver or drill driver
- Marker or pencil
- Outdoor extension cord
- Ladder if needed
Steps:
- Plan your layout. If you want to use your wall as an anchor point, plan where you want to attach the lights.
- Mark the attachment points. Use a marker or pencil to make where you will attach the hook or clip.
- Drill holes. Attach the masonry bit to your drill. For hard bricks, we recommend using a hammer drill. Drill the marked holes. The depth of the holes should match the length of your masonry screws or anchors.
- Insert anchors (if using). If you’re using wall anchors, insert them into the drilled holes and gently tap them with a hammer to ensure they are flush with the brick surface.
- Install hooks and clips. Screw in the hooks or clips using masonry screws or into the anchors. Ensure they are securely fastened.
- Hang your lights. Start at the power source and hang the lights on your installed hooks or clips. Work around the garden incorporating your brick hooks, ensuring the lights are evenly spaced. If you need extra security, use zip ties or additional clips.
- Connect the power. Use your outdoor-rated extension cord to connect the lights to the power source. Elevate any connections off the ground to avoid contact with water.
- Test the lights. Plug in the lights to ensure they work, and make adjustments as necessary to create the look you want.
Alternatively, you can use adhesive-backed hooks or clips for lightweight string lights for outdoor use or heavy-duty ones if you want a more temporary set-up. Ensure that the surface is clean and dry before you apply them.
You can also use brick clips that clip onto the brick without drilling a hole. They work well for bricks that protrude slightly from the mortar.
For heavier lights or permanent installation, use masonry screws and anchors.
Top tips for hanging outdoor lights
- Safety should be your primary concern when hanging lights high up in trees or on fences. Always use a sturdy ladder or have someone assist you if possible. For very high trees, consider using a tree harness.
- Avoid overloading the extension cord. Do not connect more than three strings of lights end-to-end unless specified by the manufacturer.
- Ensure all your lights, extension cords, and connections are weather-resistant and rated for outdoor use.
- Use LED lights to save energy costs and for long-erlasting illumination.
String lights at Castlegate Lights
Now that you know how to create the perfect ambience in your garden this summer using string lights. Whether you prefer fairy lights or festoons, create the perfect backdrop to relax or host guests in your garden this summer.
Shop our range of string lights at Castelgate Lights for the perfect way to enhance your garden and create an enchanting outdoor space this summer.
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