How to Make String Light Planters
How to make outdoor string light planters. After reading this blog you will know how to make string light planters. Adding these planters with solar power string lights enhanced the fire pit area that I put in last fall. This is my experience with making string light planters, my opinions, and all materials purchased 100% by me.
Why Add String Light Planters?
String lights offer a welcoming atmosphere and brighten up any space you put them. They help a space appear more inviting while offering ambiance. Personally, I love the look of string lights in gazebos, patios, pergolas, along fencing, she-sheds, and fire pits.
After putting in a fire pit with gravel seating area last fall, I knew the space needed something else. That something was lighting! The “thing” with string lights is 1. they need somewhere to hang from and 2. they need a power source. The fire pit is located at the very back of my yard without electricity; therefore, solar power lighting is a must have. However, I still needed a way to hang the lights: planters with posts!
These are easy to make and can be done in a weekend.
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Listed are the supplies needed for 5 string light planters. For reference my fire pit seating area is 22′ diameter with 6 chairs. I did not want a section of lights between the front two posts; personal preference.
Materials
- (5) Planters
- (5) 4x4x8′ pressure treated lumbar
- (10) 50 lb bags quikrete
- Water
- Scrap wood
- Solar power string lights (2 packages)
- L brackets (20)
- 2″ wood screws
- Stain
- Sealant
- River Rocks/ gravel
- Q hanger hooks
Tools
- Level
- Hand trowel
- Drill
- Ladder
1. Decide Planter Location
I recommend playing around with planter location before placing posts or concrete as they will become very heavy after completed (100+ pounds). Once you have them where you like, ensure the ground is level.
2. Sand, Stain, and Seal Posts
On a flat surface sand all sides of the posts, mine were pretty rough. Wipe clean with a rag and apply stain of choice. Here, a gel stain is used, then seal with an exterior sealant (left overs from a different project).
In a perfect world, it is much easier to sand, stain, and seal posts before securing them into the planters. However, I did this part out of order as my posts were wet when I got them. You will see that in the pictures, I have sanded and stained the posts after cementing them in place. It’s not impossible to do it this way, but you will definitely add more work for your self (think: many trips up and down a ladder).
3. Secure 4×4 Posts into Planters
After posts are dry, attach the L-brackets with screws to one end of each post on all 4 sides.
Then, center the end of the posts with the L-brackets into the planters. and secure into the bottom of the planter with screws.
At this point the posts are very *lightly* being held in place, these will note be super sturdy until the concrete is set. The bracket attachment is really to act as a second set of hands if working solo as I was. Be cautious that they could tip over, do not let kids or pets around them until concrete is poured and set.
4. Mix Concrete in Planters
Before starting to mix the concrete have scrap wood and screws handy to help keep posts level if needed while concrete is setting up.
Pour 2, 50 lb bags fast setting concrete into each planter (dry). Then add a few liters of water to it (this was not measured). Mix thoroughly with hand trowel (wear gloves, goggles, and mask) while supporting the post. Once concrete is mixed check the post is level on all 4 sides. If needed, add scrap wood braces to make level. Work quickly as qwikcrete sets fast in hot temperatures.
100lbs seems like overkill, but I promise it’s not. Initially I added only 1, 50 lb bag of concrete and the planter posts were not stable, I was worried they may tip over. To make things easy I added another 50 lb bag to each planter, now they feel stable.
5. Add Drainage Holes
Once concrete sets, remove scrap wood braces. Using a pilot drill bit drill a few holes in each planter at the top of each concrete line. I did this after a rain storm and saw exactly which areas needed holes the most.
6. Fill with Stones
Next, add gravel or river rock for drainage if adding flowers. Then fill the rest of the way with plants and top soil.
7. Attach Hooks and Lights
After planters are finished, its time to hang the lights. To do this, add Q hooks to one side of each post. No pre-drilling needed. I was able to hand screw in each of these Q hooks easily. Once the Q hooks are secure, string the string light through each one.
After lights are placed to your liking, secure solar panel to a side of the post that is not obvious, but still receives much sunlight. I feel as though the solar panels are well concealed and do not catch your eye.
It make take some fiddling with to get the placements of the lights the way you like them. Make small adjustments, stand back and see how everything looks from afar before adjusting again.
Enjoy the Ambient Lighting with Good Company and S’Mores.
I am so happy with how this turned out! I was able to do this solo over the course of 2 days. This project can easily be done in 1 day if working uninterrupted as the concrete cures very quickly! Let me know what you think of this project, is this something you would try at home?
Future Backyard Plans
I love how this easy weekend project upgraded the atmosphere of the backyard fire pit area. Some other things I have planned for this area include:
Barrel posts and string lights- Outdoor movie projector
- Landscaping with trees, shrubs, mulch, and flowers,
- Gazebo build
- Playhouse
- Shed
Other posts you may like: DIY A-Frame Garden Trellis | DIY Fire Pit