How to Hang Outdoor String Lights on Concrete

Using string lights gives a beautiful aesthetic to an outdoor space and creates a wonderful ambience for sitting out after dark. Hanging string lights on structures like deck railings is simple, but if your only option is concrete, it’s essential to know how to attach them in the best way.

Thankfully, there are several different ways that you can hang string lights on concrete, and it doesn’t always mean you have to drill into the concrete. Here’s a quick lowdown on the best ways to hang outdoor string lights on concrete structures.

How to Hang String Lights on Concrete Wall

Follow these steps to ensure you can quickly and safely hang your string lights on concrete.

Step 1. Lights and Power

Before you start hanging things outside, it’s a good idea to think about the layout of your string lights and the products you will use. Of course, you should make sure that the lights you have chosen are suitable for outdoor weather conditions. Next, you should consider the power source, whether they are solar lights, battery lights, or mains connected, in which case you will need an electrical outlet socket. This either means feeding the light through from inside or having an external socket installed by an electrician.

Step 2. To Drill or Not to Drill?

Drilling into the concrete is one way to get your string lights in place; it should be relatively straightforward and by drilling into the concrete. You create some very strong hangers to ensure your lights stay in place. But of course, drilling makes permanent holes which could be a problem if you are a tenant or you decide to move the lights to a different location. You also need to make sure you’re not exposing the inside of any concrete structure to water damage, as this can compromise over time and create a real problem; you will be liable for damage, especially if you do not own the property.

A. Attaching String Lights to Concrete Using a Drill

If you own the property or have sought permission from your landlord, you may decide that drilling is the best way to attach your string lights, in which case you need to get the right tools. If you don’t own them, you can probably hire them. You will need a hammer drill and a masonry bit. Make sure the hardware that you purchased is suitable for concrete.

B. No Drill Methods of Hanging String Lights on Concrete

If you do not have the landlord's permission or would rather not drill into the concrete, there are plenty of other options for hanging your string lights outside, even on a concrete wall or balcony.

Adhesive Hooks

A very quick and efficient way to hang your string lights is to use adhesive hooks. You should be able to get them from home improvement and hardware stores and make sure that they are suitable for outdoor use. Provided they are fit for purpose, they will have a good grip on concrete walls. Generally, string lights don’t have much weight, so it’s just about ensuring a good connection between the hook and the light string, so it doesn’t blow off. Simply peel the backing off and stick it firmly against the wall. If you decide to move the night, she will need new sticky hooks as they are designed for single use only, but the good news is they do not leave a residue and are easy to remove.

Concrete Nail Hangers

Concrete nail hangers do go into the wall but do not require pre-drilling. Instead, you simply use a hammer to punch the nail into the wall. Again, it does leave damage but a much smaller hole than drilling. They are designed specifically for this purpose and only short, so do not go as far into the wall and, therefore, should not let any water in that can potentially damage the concrete.

Adhesive Tape

Another option would be to use double-sided adhesive tape, and this will only work if the string lights do not weigh a lot. However, it’s a very versatile solution for being able to move the lights on a whim whenever you fancy. The only downside to adhesive tape and sticky hooks that we mentioned before is that they are not as weatherproof as some methods. A long rainy season or a spell of high winds could mean that they come unstuck, and your lights fall off.

Glue Gun

Finally, you could use a glue gun to fix your lights into place. It would need to be a dry day, but you simply place a blob of glue over the string, attaching it to the wall. You don’t need to stand there until it dries, which can be a little frustrating. A glue gun could also damage the exterior surface of the concrete, especially if it is painted. Removing the glue would probably take the paint with it.

Step 3. Hang String Lights

Once you have decided on the method of attaching the string lights and get the tools prepared, you can start the job. Whether you hang the lights on a concrete wall with nail and hooks or by other methods, remember to check the bulbs before hanging them. For glass bulbs, we recommend that you hang the string first and then screw the bulbs into the sockets. If they are plastic bulbs, you can hang the lights directly.

How to Hang Lights on a Concrete Balcony

The process for hanging lights on a concrete balcony is very similar, so all the tips above apply. If you are hanging them inside the balcony, it should be straightforward. If you are planning to hang them outside of the balcony, care must be taken if you are working at a height. Ladders should be used with caution, especially if the person up the ladder intends to drill into the balcony. In this case, it could be worth hiring someone to fit them professionally.

Alternatives to Concrete Fixation

If none of these solutions seems appropriate, you could investigate hanging your outdoor string light from other existing structures:

• Gutters: You could look at hanging your string lights from gutter hooks, which quickly hook over the existing structure, and cause no damage.
• Trees: String lights could also be hung from the branches of a tree or strung between a couple of trees on opposite sides of the garden. Just be sure that they are high enough that people won’t walk into them.
• Railings: another option would be to hang your outdoor string lights from railings on your decking.