String lights are a popular way to add ambiance and a festive touch to any outdoor space. While there are many ways to hang string lights, using poles is one of the easiest and most effective methods. Poles provide both height and stability to properly display string lights overhead. This allows the lights to be highly visible and create maximum impact.
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Choosing the Right Poles
When using poles to hang string lights outside, you first need to select the right pole option. There are a few factors to consider when choosing poles:
- Height – Taller poles that extend high overhead will allow your lights to be seen from further away. Consider the height you want your lights displayed at when determining pole size.
- Strength and stability – Look for sturdy, durable poles that can securely stay upright with lights wrapped around them. Wobbly poles that sway are not a good option.
- Portability – Many pole options break down into smaller pieces or are collapsible, making them easy to transport and store when not in use.
- Appearance – Black metal poles tend to be subtle and blend in, while white poles stand out more. There are also decorative pole styles to complement the look you want.
- Permanence – Temporary poles allow flexibility in placing your lights. Permanent or installed poles provide long-lasting solutions.
Some of the most common poles used for hanging string lights include:
PVC Pipe
PVC pipes are inexpensive, come in varying heights and sizes, and connect together for adjustable lengths. They are also weather resistant. Best for temporary use.
Metal Poles
Metal poles made from iron, steel, or aluminum provide durable strength to securely hold lights. They come in fixed lengths or collapsible versions.
Bamboo Poles
For a natural look, bamboo poles offer flexibility and portability. Different bamboo stalks can be bound together for desired heights.
Telescoping Poles
Adjustable telescoping poles allow you to extend them to specific heights as needed. They collapse down for easy storage.
Tiki Torches
For tropical flair, sturdy tiki torch poles can accomodate string lights. Just remove the torch tops first.
Determining Pole Height and Location
Once you select the type of poles to use, the next important consideration is determining the height and location for them. Here are some tips:
- Measure the area where you want to hang lights and decide on placement for poles. Evenly spacing poles creates visual balance.
- Consider the optimal height for lights in each area to maximize visibility. Standard pole heights range from 6 to 20 feet tall.
- Taller poles work best in large open spaces, while shorter poles are ideal for small patios and pergolas.
- Use varying pole heights for visual interest and to highlight certain spaces.
- Place poles strategically in darker areas of the space to brighten them up.
- Make sure poles are spaced safely away from seating areas, entrances/exits, and walkways.
It often works well to install a mix of taller poles around the perimeter of the space and shorter poles towards the interior. This provides full coverage and an appealing look.
Installing and Securing Poles
Once pole type, height, and location is decided, the poles must be properly installed and secured in place. There are a few different methods for this:
Anchored in the Ground
For temporary use, PVC or bamboo poles can be inserted directly into dirt or grass. Combine with stakes or rebar rods hammered into the bottom for extra support. This option works well for occasional events.
Weighted Bases
Place poles into sturdy, weighted bases like buckets filled with concrete, sandbags, or metal stands. This allows the poles to be moved as needed but provides stability.
Mounted Brackets
Install permanent brackets into walls, ceilings, rafters, etc that allow poles to be inserted in and removed as desired. Great for pergolas and covered spaces.
In-Ground Mounts
For permanent placement, poles can be set into concrete within pre-dug holes and mounts. This creates the most secure base for poles.
Outdoor Floor Flanges
PVC poles can be attached to outdoor floor flanges that anchor into the ground or concrete. Allows poles to be switched out.
Hanging the String Lights
Once the poles are installed in place, the string lights themselves can be attached:
Pole Wrapping
Simply wrap the string light strands tightly around the poles in loops, securing with ties as needed. For the bottom and top loops, use plastic zip ties or weather resistant string/cord.
Pole Hooks
Hook individual string light strands over sturdy metal or plastic hooks that attach at intervals along the pole. Make sure hooks are spaced close enough to prevent light strands from sagging.
Eye Bolts
Screw eye bolts into the tops of wooden or metal poles. Use the eye bolt loops to hang string light strands directly from the tops of the poles.
Yard Stakes
Place wire yard stakes around shorter poles. Run string light strands from the top of the pole horizontally to each yard stake.
Extension Cords
Use outdoor extension cords split into multiple outlets to run power to poles spread out over a larger area.
Cabling Techniques
There are several cabling techniques that can be used to hang string lights from poles:
Zig Zag
Run strands back and forth diagonally between two poles to create a zig zag pattern.
Straight Lines
Simply run light strands directly from the top of one pole horizontally to another.
Diagonals
Crisscross light strands diagonally between 4 pole points to cover a larger grid space.
Wrapped Cord
Coil a thicker cord around the poles and attach lights directly to the cord for easier hanging.
Safety Tips
When installing poles and hanging string lights yourself, keep these safety guidelines in mind:
- Use poles long enough to keep lights well above head height. 8 feet or higher is ideal.
- Securely anchor poles according to weight bearing requirements.
- Check that poles are plumb and stable before attaching lights.
- Use work gloves when handling poles and attaching hardware.
- Use fiberglass or wood ladders for better electrical insulation when installing lights overhead.
- Plug hanging lights into GFCI protected outlets for electical safety.
- Do not overload cords with too many light strands.
- Never attempt to hang lights during wet, windy, or stormy weather.
Proper pole installation and light hanging takes a bit of planning, but is worth the effort to creat a dramatic look. Always focus first on safety and creating secure bases for poles to prevent accidents or collapse. With sturdy poles in place, the possibilities for draping beautiful string lights overhead are endless.
Conclusion
Hanging string lights with poles allows you to display lights overhead for maximum visibility and impact. Start by selecting appropriate pole height and type based on your space. Once securely installed, poles provide the perfect anchors for wrapping lights strands in straight lines, zig zags, diagonals, or other creative patterns. With some planning and safety precautions, installing poles for string lights creates stunning ambiance to enjoy all year long.