"How can I hang string bulbs above my deck with no posts?" "Ideas to hang string lights on a terrace without drilling?" "How would you hang heavy string lights?" Reddit's DIY and homeowner subreddits are full of the same problem: you've bought the lights, and there's nothing to attach them to.
Short answer: for a criss-cross or zigzag look, plan on a run every 4 feet across the space, add about 15% for the diagonals and 10% for sag. A 12 × 16 ft patio needs about 60 feet of lights. If you have no walls or posts on one side, use planter posts or freestanding poles with a tensioned guide wire carrying the lights.
How many feet do you need?
| Patio | Perimeter | Straight runs | Zigzag |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 × 10 ft | 44 ft | 33 ft | 38 ft |
| 12 × 16 ft | 62 ft | 53 ft | 61 ft |
| 15 × 20 ft | 77 ft | 88 ft | 101 ft |
All figures include 10% for sag. Our String Lights Calculator works it out for any size and layout, and the result is a good place to start shopping. Then check how many strands the lights let you connect end to end. Many outdoor sets cap out around 200–400 feet per outlet.
Five ways to hang them with nothing to attach to
1. Planter posts
The most popular DIY fix. Set a 4×4 post or a metal pole in a large planter or a bucket of concrete, then hide it with plants and gravel. They're movable and need no drilling, which makes them ideal for renters.
2. Freestanding light poles
Ready-made string light poles with a hook on top and a ground spike or weighted base. Spikes work in lawns and gardens. On decks and concrete, you want a weighted base.
3. Tension rods and clamps on a balcony
On a balcony with a roof above, a floor-to-ceiling tension pole in each corner gives you anchor points without a single screw. Railing clamps work for the lower side.
4. Gutter hooks and adhesive hooks
For the house side, plastic gutter hooks clip on and come off cleanly. Outdoor-rated adhesive hooks hold light strands on smooth surfaces. One r/DIY answer with 80+ replies simply said "command hooks," but use the outdoor version and keep them out of direct rain.
5. Magnets on metal
If your patio cover or railing is steel, strong hook magnets hold light strands well. Check with a fridge magnet first. Aluminum isn't magnetic.
Stop the sag: use a guide wire
This is the single biggest upgrade. Light cords aren't meant to be pulled tight, so long spans droop. Run a stainless steel guide wire between your anchor points, tension it with a turnbuckle, then clip or zip-tie the lights to the wire. Several Reddit commenters recommend the same: the wire carries the weight, and the lights just hang from it.
- For spans over about 15 feet, always use a guide wire.
- Leave a gentle 1–3 ft drape per run for the café look. A dead-straight line looks stiff.
- Hang bulbs at least 8 feet up so no one walks into them, higher over a dining table.
Picking a layout
- Perimeter: frames the space, best for long, narrow patios.
- Parallel runs: clean and modern, good over a dining area.
- Zigzag: most light coverage and the classic backyard look.
- Center canopy: all runs meet at a pole or tree in the middle, good for round seating areas.
A couple of safety notes
Use lights rated for outdoor use, plug into a GFCI outlet, and keep connections off the ground. LED bulbs use a fraction of the power and run cool, so you can link more strands.
Want to see the whole outdoor space finished before you buy furniture? Upload a photo to the AI room designer and try layouts, lighting and plants.
Frequently asked questions
How many feet of string lights do I need for a patio?
For a zigzag layout, plan a run every 4 feet across the patio, multiply by the length, then add about 25% for diagonals and sag. A 12 × 16 ft patio needs about 60 feet.
How do you hang string lights without posts?
Use planter posts, freestanding light poles with weighted bases, tension poles on a covered balcony, or gutter and adhesive hooks on the house side.
How do you keep patio string lights from sagging?
Run a tensioned stainless steel guide wire between anchor points and attach the lights to the wire instead of pulling the cord tight.
How high should patio string lights be?
At least 8 feet above the ground so people can walk under them, and a little higher over tables.