Outdoor hanging lights for backyard?

4,088 Views | 16 Replies | Last: 10 mo ago by bam02
Naveronski
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2:48p, 2/24/25
AG
We recently moved into a new house and are looking for some kind of outdoor lighting we can run from our back porch to the two pergolas when we're out back at night.

Something like this:


Not sure what brands/sources are good quality - it seems like HD/Lowes/Amazon have a million different options.
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KRamp90
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3:45p, 2/24/25
AG
Amazon. Cheap. You will be replacing them sooner than later. They get dirty, wind takes them down,etc. Trying to replace bulbs, or clean them is a fools game.
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El_Guero512
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3:48p, 2/24/25
Harbor Freight ones is what I use.
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normalhorn
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3:49p, 2/24/25
Costco has the bistro style LED lights made by Feit for a good pricier. I've had mine up for about 4 years without any problem.
Also, 1000bulbs.com is a source
...take it easy on me, I'm a normal horn
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Naveronski
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4:25p, 2/24/25
AG
Okay. Buy to replace, not buy it for life.

Any idea how long of a run I can do with just the lights, before I need to run a load bearing cable?
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Marvin_Zindler
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5:35p, 2/24/25
AG
I would suggest attaching them to thin aircraft cable.
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ABATTBQ11
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In reply to Marvin_Zindler • 5:46p, 2/24/25
AG
Marvin_Zindler said:
I would suggest attaching them to thin aircraft cable.


This. Don't hang them by the cord because that puts tension on the connections and wears them out much faster. If you end up needing to connect two strands, it also lets you make that connection without any tension on it. Use turn buckles at one end because the cables WILL start to slack and droop.

ETA I went with cable on relatively short runs, like 15'-20'. Mine have been up for 7-8 years and are still fine.
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ShinerBlonde
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1:22p, 3/5/25
AG
We bought a nice set of outdoor string lights at Costco. Then we picked up a kit from Home Depot that helps hang the lights including a wire. We also bought hooks that we screwed into the wood ceiling of our patio to hang the lights from on the patio so it would be easy to change them out for a different strand if we want to change the lights to a different type.
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Jason_Roofer
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1:52p, 3/5/25
Got one for our porches on Amazon. LED. They work great. I strung them as is on little eye hooks between posts. They've been hanging out for 6 years no problem.
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CapCity12thMan
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4:48p, 3/5/25
AG
I bought these in 2018 and they are still going: https://a.co/d/d3P4Omq

These border underneath a patio roof so they do not get wet, but I do take them down 1x per year and scrub then with soapy water since my grill dirties them up pretty good in one section. They also get the requisite moldy look in the humidity.
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62strat
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4:54p, 3/5/25
AG
got these in 2020, 100lf for $32.. (currently $40.. buy two single packs, cheaper than a double for whatever reason)

still on our back patio, never had an issue. They are stranded on small hooks near the ceiling though, not suspended from point to point.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B082K91PK3
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bam02
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5:40p, 3/5/25
AG
I disagree that you should plan to replace them. I've had mine up for 5 years and they're still great. I did replace all the bulbs eventually but that's to be expected. Mine weren't expensive though. Bought on Amazon. Definitely suspend them with steel cable and turnbuckles.
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Milwaukees Best Light
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5:44p, 3/5/25
AG
Edison bulbs are so 2019. Chili pepper lights are the new Edison bulbs.
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Nobody Knows My Name
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6:43a, 3/6/25
AG
I also have the Enbrighten lights. They are expensive, but also have a lifetime warranty.
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The Collective
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8:15a, 3/6/25
AG
Amazon.
I use these:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C6TC6BJR?ref_=ppx_hzsearch_conn_dt_b_fed_asin_title_10&th=1
with this outdoor wifi plug:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B091FXH2FR?ref_=ppx_hzsearch_conn_dt_b_fed_asin_title_1

Perfect combo.
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Naveronski
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10:13a, 3/6/25
AG
Thanks y'all, I appreciate all of the replies and suggestions. I haven't replied much but I read every reply as y'all post.

Lots of options and it seems from the reviews and some of y'all that as long as I run a cable to carry most of the weight to protect the plugs, most lights will have a decent lifespan.
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bam02
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In reply to Naveronski • 11:09a, 3/6/25
AG
I think that's a good summary
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