How to Hang String Lights on Aluminum Patio Cover?

Springtime is finally in the air. For many, it means going outside to enjoy a warm summer evening enjoying some time with friends and family.

Hanging string lights on the patio cover is a great way to set the mood for your outdoor gathering or dinner party.

String lights are versatile and can be hung above dining tables or around lounge chairs while you sit underneath the stars.

However, these types of lights are often tricky to install without them falling, especially when they’re long enough to hang from a patio like this one.

Here’s how to hang string lights on aluminum patio cover without breaking their fragile connection.

how to hang string lights on aluminum patio cover

What you will need

The following items will be needed for this project:

  • A ladder
  • A length of wire, about 3 feet long
  • Wire cutters
  • String lights with a plug on the end (optional)
  • Electrical tape
  • Sticky pads
  • Clear packing tape
  • Hand saws or ratchet saw
  • Drill with a screwdriver bit (optional)

Set up the string lights

1. Hang the string lights from your patio cover.

2. Thread one end of the long cord through the hole where the bulb connects to the light fixture and tie it to a stake or nail in your patio cover.

3. Feed the other end of the string lights cord through another ground-level hole and attach it to a stake or nail in your patio cover.

4. Follow this pattern for all bulbs, using stakes or nails in each corner of your patio cover as connectors for hanging string lights from fabric, metal, or wood structures.

5. Position the shade canopies on top of each light and tighten screws on each manifold to ensure that the shades will not slide off during windy weather conditions.

Hanging the string lights

If your patio cover is not already treated with a plastic coating, use some clear silicone caulk to ensure the lights stay in place. The silicone will keep the wires from slipping out of the holes and the string lights falling.

Next, cut your lighting cords to be about 3 feet long and tie them in a knot on one end of the cord, then form a loop and tie it off on the other end.

Pull these loops through the holes in your patio cover until you can hang up your string lights.

Now it’s time to create an anchor for each light strand by using some sturdy rope or string to attach each light strand to either side of your patio cover.

Make sure that you’re tying this rope or string tightly to avoid coming loose when someone walks by.

Once all strands are tied off, situate them evenly on one side of your canopy, then pull them tight so you can lace them together on that side as well. On this side, tie off each strand into another knot before lacing them together.

Keep doing this until all strands are tightly laced together.

Now go ahead and tighten all of these knots around their anchor ropes (the ropes or strings attached to either side) before hanging up your lights for good.

Conclusion

String lights make outdoor living much more enjoyable. These outdoor hanging string lights are a great way to create a space for outdoor gatherings and make it a little more special.

With the tips and tricks in this article, you can be sure that you are installing your string lights properly and enjoying your space for years to come.