20160722

Putting up the Costco Patio Lights

They're beautiful, they're heavy-duty old-fashioned looking lights at a super price from Costco. They look best when they're kind of randomly strung. I was going to hang them along the eaves, like you do Christmas lights, but it just doesn't have that same effect. But our deck has no pillars, there's nothing to string them TO. The trees aren't yet big enough/strong enough for the pull that would be exerted.



Feit 48 ft Outdoor String Lights FROM COSTCO. (And there are colored replacement bulbs, for Christmas)

Reading up on how to string them, best advice is, run a guy wire, then clip them to the wire, which will bear the weight and put less stress on the electrical wires. Several bloggers have shown different ways they've created the necessary posts - some by embedding them in concrete in planters, allowing space for plantings as well. These have the benefit of being portable. These guys ◼ DIY Outdoor Lights installed electrical conduit as poles, embedding sleeves in the ground, and so they are also removable. ◼ THE BEST OUTDOOR LIGHTS

Like everything else, the idea of 'putting up lights' is easy. The actuality is a little more complicated. Where's the plug in? Do you need an extension cord? Where are you going to anchor it? House? Poles? Trees?

Let's say you are anchoring it to the facia, can you loop it back, to create a fan effect? But that puts extra pull on the anchor... so you may need bolts that go all the way through.

Still figuring it out, because my layout is not conducive to the kind of look I am after.

Meanwhile, the solar lights look great.

Solar pathway lights, some from Harbor Freight and some from Costco are installed on the white house trim boards, and on fenceposts. The ones on the greenhouse (from Harbor Freight) have been there for 5 years and still light up every night. The newer ones I just got at Costco, and I hope they last as long. I put them about 11.5" down the trim board, and at night the white trim lights up. It's a great look.

I also have some solar fencepost caps from Target (Smith&Hawken) - they've been going for a few years, too. Should have bought more.

The dollar store mini outdoor lights lasted for a year plus a little, but aren't lighting up anymore. They served their purpose, but they've been replaced by a nice big set from Costco that look fantastic at night, like a hotel/resort. Right now they're just tucked around, gradually being moved into place as each area is restored.

SaveSave

No comments:

More: