You will need to install supports roughly 8–10 feet (2. 4–3. 0 m) apart to hold up your string lights. Have another person help you hold the lights up above your deck. Be sure to leave a little slack in your string lights so they have a little give when you hang them. Make sure the plug is near a power outlet.

You can find furring posts and other wooden posts at your local hardware or home improvement store.

Be sure to use paint or stain that is rated for outdoor use! If your posts are already stained or painted but you want to change it, you can remove the paint and then restain or repaint them!

Choose cup hooks that also complement your deck. There are gold, silver, and other color options to choose from. You can find them at your local hardware store.

If you’re using furring strips, be sure to attach them gently. They can be fragile enough to crack under the strain of a hammer or drill.

Keep the lights unplugged while you attach them. [6] X Research source

You can find heavy planters at home improvement stores like Home Depot or Lowe’s. You can also repaint your planters to match your deck.

You can place your planters at the corners of your deck or space them out every 10 feet (3. 0 m) or so. Planters are both heavy and can be chipped, so try not to move them too much so you don’t risk damaging them.

You can also paint or stain your posts.

Make sure the hooks are securely attached.

For a strong hold, fill the bottom of the planter with wet cement, insert the post in the center, and allow the cement to fully dry.

If you’re not using wooden posts or cup hooks, you can use zip ties to attach the lights to the supports.

For a more “relaxed” hang in your lights, mark every 8–10 feet (2. 4–3. 0 m) so the lights can hang a little bit. If you want the lights to stay snug against the deck, you can mark every 3-5 feet. You may not want much slack in your lights when attaching them directly to your deck.

Use cup hooks with colors that either blend in with or complement your deck!

Make sure the lights are not plugged in while you attach them!