Watch the video above for all of the details on how
to hang string lights around an open deck
I love the deck in our backyard. It’s right off our sunroom and kitchen where we spend most of our time at home. But it really lacked inspiring lighting.
Now, I’m a big fan of the cafe-style lights and wanted some for our deck. But since it’s an open deck (and not covered), there wasn’t a place to hang any string lights. Then one day I was walking up the deck steps, like I do when I come home everyday, and got the idea to use shepherd’s hooks to hold the lights!
To attach the hooks to my deck, I stained some 1x4s the same as my deck and screwed them into the 4×4 posts along my handrails. Then I spray painted 1/2″ conduit straps a glossy black to match the hooks and attached 2 of them to each post.
Before you can slide the shepherd’s hooks into the conduit straps, you have to cut off part of the stake. You can use a handsaw for this cut.
Above all (pardon the pun), you’ll need string lights! I went with these vintage-inspired lights from Moonrays Outdoor Living. I mean, the bulbs are plastic!? Which is especially great since I have littles and broken glass on our deck is a no go!
**This episode is sponsored by Moonrays. I only partner with brands I love. All opinions are honest and 100% my own.
Once the strands of lights were plugged together and hung on the hooks, I also added a little something extra to the bottom of our deck stairs.
These swirled glass globes are also from Moonrays. They’re solar-powered so I don’t have to have an extension cord running through the yard. But I still get a little color and fun when I’m coming and going!
There’s no doubt that lighting can make a big difference in the look and feel of any space, including the great outdoors! And now we’re set for cool nights of Fall with subtle ambiance from our string lights!
Do you have cafe-style lights at your house? Or have you ever used a shepherd’s hook for something other than a plant or bird feeder? Comment below to let me know!
Thanks for Checking In! ~Chelsea
Great idea and so simple and easy. Hoping hubby will be interested enough to watch.
How about an easy, simple potting bench? Organized our backyard shed this summer and thought on one side of the shed (outside) I’d put a potting bench. Looking for all the things I need to incorporate so it can be my handy dandy all in one answer, Thanks hopefully, Kris Crocker
Great Idea
Thanks, Jimmy! ~Chelsea
I love that this was easy enough for anyone to do, even Mary Helen. Ha, Ha,
It did look very nice and looking forward to doing this project with my two girls. They love doing projects together, especially if its fun and easy. Thank you so much for sharing. Can’t wait to see your next project.
P.S. We are decorating for fall now. If you have any simple and fun projects, I would love to see them. Thanks again. Teresa Brown
Awesome video! Great ideas š What a fun backyard project! Like the plastic LED concept too!
Yes we’re loving the plastic bulbs too! Thanks, Angie! ~Chelsea
It’s nice to see ideas around an open deck. I mostly see covered/the screen porch stuff.
Maybe shade ideas? I have umbrellas and have tried the triangle shades (tie-down spots weren’t where they were needed).
Chelsea! Love this idea…. super smart and it looks so clean and well done! We hung lights over our deck in a previous home and I always felt like it looked messy, and temporary (we attached them to whatever we could find — tree branches, gutter clip — lol).
Thanks, Lora! I love that I can hang plants on them too! š ~Chelsea
What size shepherds hooks did you use?
Hi Michelle! My hooks are 84″ tall. ~Chelsea
I was wondering if you have to predrill holes where the conduit screws go into the 1 x 4 or can u just screw them right in?
Dawn, It never hurts to pre-drill, especially if you’re attaching close to the edge or end of the board. ~Chelsea
how many shepherd hooks did you buy to attach to the deck. I have three corners to my desk which isn’t large. so I would need three hooks, then you cut a 4×4 piece of wood so the hook is as close to the deck as possible and used the ? Also when you screwed the lights to the house, do you have siding or wood and does it matter? I was hoping for a little swag rather than a straight line and would also use the conduit grip to the wood, but when you get to thhe house where do you attach the light to? I’m confused and I watched your video a few times, but sometimes you showed it from the opposite angle or your hands were in the way. I’m not criticizing I was just ho ping for more detailed information.
Hi Theresa! I used cup hooks on my vinyl soffit to hang the lights next to the house. It doesn’t matter if you have wood or vinyl. Then I used 4 shepherd hooks around my deck. There was plenty of room in between the hooks for the lights to swag. I used a 1×4 on my existing 4×4 posts to make them flush with my handrails on top. Then I attached the conduit straps to the 1×4 to hold the shepherd hooks in place. I hope that helps clarify any questions you have! ~Chelsea
Enjoyed your video on hanging string lights and tips on what to look for – loved that the lights were LED and plastic! By the way, I don;t own a miter saw but I know that I could premeasure the 1×4 lumber and have it cut at the Home Improvement store, which is what I often do when I have a project. Plus, if you don;t have a truck, it’s easier to carry in your car in the cut form. Now that I’ve said all that, please come to my house – SO Many Projects!
Love it and wish I could! Love other people’s projects more than my own!š ~Chelsea