What can I use for string light posts?

String lights are a popular decorative lighting option to create a cozy, festive, or romantic ambiance both indoors and outdoors. When using string lights outdoors, you need posts or structures to wrap the lights around to elevate them and create the desired look. There are many creative options for string light posts that can work for a variety of spaces and décor styles.

Wooden Posts

Wooden posts are a classic choice for string light displays. They have a timeless look and can blend in with natural environments or complement rustic, farmhouse, or boho-chic themes. Here are some wooden post options:

• Bamboo stakes – Bamboo is inexpensive and has a thin profile that won’t block too much light. Look for bamboo plant stakes or bamboo rods used for garden supports and cut them to the desired height.
• Dowel rods – Wooden dowels come in varying diameters, allowing you to choose slim posts or thicker posts depending on the look you want. Paint or stain them to match your décor.
• Tree branches – Use branches pruned from trees in your yard. Opt for straighter branches or remove secondary branches to create tall posts. Sand and seal the cut ends.
• Wooden poles – Purchase wooden poles, stakes, or rod blanks from craft stores, hardware stores, or wood shops to cut down to custom heights. Unvarnished cedar and redwood have a nice natural look.

Look for untreated, rot-resistant woods like cedar, cypress, or redwood to use outdoors. You can also opt for pressure-treated lumber posts for long-lasting strength. Depending on the weight of the string lights, wooden posts will need to be secured in the ground with stakes or set in a buried concrete base.

PVC Pipe

Using PVC pipe allows you to make tall, sturdy posts in whatever height you need. PVC is relatively inexpensive and is easy to work with. Here’s how to make PVC string light posts:

1. Purchase the appropriate diameter and length of PVC pipe for your needs from a hardware store. Standard diameters are 1/2 inch, 3/4 inch, and 1 inch.
2. Cut the pipe to your desired height using a PVC pipe cutter or small hacksaw.
3. Add decor elements like paint, tape, or spray adhesive and glitter to jazz up plain white PVC posts.
4. Install a fixture like a PVC cap, post base, or ground stake to the bottom of the posts to secure them in the ground.
5. Sink the PVC posts into the ground or use cement to set them in place at the desired positions.

PVC is weather resistant and durable for long lasting string light displays. Using PVC posts with conduit fitting connections also allows you to take down and store the posts easily after each use.

Metal Poles

Metal poles provide an industrial vibe and come in various forms, including:

• Conduit – Use galvanized steel conduit piping which can be found pre-cut and threaded at hardware stores. Connect lengths with conduit fittings.
• Fence posts – Recycle tall metal fence posts or t-posts from farm fencing by sinking them into the ground and stringing lights through holes drilled through them.
• Electrical conduit – Use galvanized electrical conduit piping, available in 10 ft lengths from electrical supply stores. Join pieces with couplings.
• Steel poles – Purchase steel poles designed for flags, signs, or umbrellas that screw into a permanent in-ground base.

Metal poles should be installed following all electrical and building codes for proper grounding and safety. Make sure to use corrosion resistant metals rated for outdoor use.

Plastic Poles

For a cost effective option, plastic poles can make convenient string light posts. Options include:

• PVC pipe – As mentioned above, white PVC can be decorated or spray painted any color.
• Vinyl fence posts – Recycle or upcycle vinyl fence posts and fittings from old fences or salvage yards.
• Polycarbonate tubing – Available at home improvement stores, polycarbonate tubing is durable and transparent for an unobtrusive look.
• Plastic broom handles/dowels – Trim plastic broom or mop handles to the heights you need.
• Plastic piping – Use drain pipe, sewer/septic safe piping, pool piping, or rigid acrylic tubing, which come in long lengths to cut down.

Be sure to use UV-resistant plastic made for outdoor use. Anchor plastic pipes and posts securely into the ground to keep them from blowing over.

Everyday Items

With creativity and imagination, you can turn all kinds of ordinary items into customized string light posts, like:

• Ladder – String lights up a lightweight extension ladder propped into place.
• Rocks – Stack rocks or stones and drape lights over for a natural vibe.
• Flower pots – Use tall ceramic or plastic flower pots upside down.
• Metal buckets – Anchor large buckets or pails and use as posts.
• Bird houses – Affix bird houses to wood posts for whimsy.
• Crates – Turn vintage wooden crates on their sides and string lights through holes.

Make sure everyday items used as posts are sturdy enough for the job. Weigh them down or stake lightweight items into the ground to keep them secure.

Posts for Specialty Situations

Certain settings and string light configurations may call for specific types of posts, like:

• Cafe lights – Iron pipe fittings screwed together make chic posts for overhead cafe light strands.
• Field or yard – Tall metal or fiberglass poles on anchor bases to suspend string lights over a wide area.
• Roof/eave mounting – Attach corner brackets to wrap roof lines.
• Covered patio – Hollow aluminum poles that fit over wood posts and allow running string light wires through the inside.
• Stair railings – Simple clamp on fittings that grip railings without damaging them.
• Gates – Small hooks screwed into the gate frame top to hang lights from.

Measure the space and acquire poles designed for your specific needs. Follow manufacturer instructions for proper and safe installation.

Height

Determining the appropriate height for string light posts depends on a few considerations:

• How high you want the lights suspended – Make posts tall enough to elevate lights to the desired hanging height.
• Use of space underneath – The area underneath the lights should have adequate head room clear of the lights.
• Pole proportions – Scale pole heights to match the size of the space. Longer poles for larger areas and shorter posts for smaller spaces.
• Visual impact – Pole height impacts the view of the lights. Taller poles spread lights out more. Shorter height offers a concentrated glow.

Standard string light post heights range from 6 to 20 feet, but any height that fits your space and preference will work. Make posts taller than needed so lights can be strung from the top and adjusted lower as desired.

Installation Tips

Proper installation of string light posts provides stability, safety, and security:

• Choose locations clear of utility lines, branches, or obstructions overhead.
• Mark locations with spray paint or stakes before digging holes.
• Dig holes 12-18 inches deep and 6-12 inches wide, deeper in loose soil.
• Pour concrete into the bottom of holes for permanent installs to anchor posts.
• Slide posts into holes and backfill dirt around them, tamping down firmly.
• Use metal or wooden stakes driven diagonally through the sides of the hole to secureposts.
• Use bracing bars attached with bolts between two posts to increase stability if needed.
• Refer to building codes for electrical wiring and grounding standards.

Periodically check posts for plumb and re-secure ones that become loose. Also check string lights for damage, replacing any cracked or frayed cords to prevent hazards.

Lighting Up Your Space

Your string lighting can make a dramatic statement or create a cozy ambiance. Whatever vibe you want, use these creative post ideas to light up your patio, pergola, garden, walkway, or outdoor living space in style.

Experiment with different materials and looks until you find the posts that complement your décor and give your string lights the perfect platform to shine.