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Home » DIY

How to Set Up Outdoor String Lights with Copper Pipes

By Debbiedoo's Team Published: Jun 19, 2023

Outdoor string lights are a fantastic way to transform a garden or patio into an enchanting retreat for friends and family. This article shows you how to create a charming ambiance with outdoor string lights using copper pipes and Edison string lights.

outdoor string lights

1. Gather your supplies

  • 4 ¾ inch x 5 feet copper pipes
  • 3 packages of Edison string lights
  • Electrical wire
  • Friction tape
  • 2 ¾ inch copper push elbows
  • 2 ¾ inch copper push tee
  • 1 inch 2-hole EMT straps
  • Small metal and plastic splices
  • Plastic electrical tape

2. Set up the copper pipes

To begin, attach the push elbows to the ends of copper pipes. Make sure the angles of the elbows match the corners of the area where you’ll hang the lights. For a secure setup, confirm the elbows are tightly fitted to the pipes.

3. Mount the copper pipes to the deck

It’s best to place the copper pipes on the back side of the upper rails to provide the best lighting. Use friction tape on the bottom of each tube to improve the grip and secure the copper pipes firmly. The pipes must be safely and securely mounted to prevent any accidents.

4. Prepare the Edison string lights

Snip the ends of all string lights and splice them together with electrical wire. Then protect the splices with shrink tubing and plastic electrical tape to ensure the longevity of your outdoor string lights and protect against potential electrical issues.

5. Connect the string lights through the copper elbows

Thread the string lights through the copper elbows, ensuring a seamless flow of lights around the area. Be patient during this step to prevent any damage to the lights.

6. Check your work

Before you flick the switch to check your new illuminated space, it’s important to double-check your work. Make sure all connections are secure, and all splices are well-protected with shrink tubing and tape. Once you can confirm all of this, plug in your lights and enjoy the results.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Shannon

    June 29, 2016 at 8:19 pm

    This looks fab guys! I love the copper pipe. It’s going to patina up so awesome.
    Great night shot. I bet it looks wonderful from inside the house too.

    Reply
  2. Lora Cutlip

    June 29, 2016 at 9:16 pm

    Love it!!

    Reply
  3. Nancie

    June 30, 2016 at 8:32 am

    I so love it ,Debbie! Wish my hub could do this. He’s dangerous with tools! I’m jealous! Love the night picture! You won’t be afraid anymore! Enjoy your new lighting!

    Reply
  4. Rhonda @ The Messy Roost

    June 30, 2016 at 8:34 am

    That is so cool.

    Reply
  5. Vonda

    June 30, 2016 at 8:37 am

    Love it! Great job as usual!!

    Reply
  6. Allie

    June 30, 2016 at 10:21 am

    I love this! Having a blond moment right now, wondering how you strung that size light all the way around using the elbows on the pipe? I understand getting the wire through, but how did you get the lights through?

    Reply
    • debbiedoo's

      June 30, 2016 at 1:23 pm

      My husband cut the strands and spliced them together at the end. No lights went through the pipes.:)

      Reply
  7. Donna Thomas

    June 30, 2016 at 10:25 am

    I just love it. Great idea. I recently saw on pinterest where they put the cord and connections of their Christmas light in a plastic container (such as glad container for leftovers) to keep it dry. Just an idea. I will put this on my to do list as I live in the woods too but I am afraid to step on a snake.
    thank you for all you share.
    donna

    Reply
  8. Pat

    June 30, 2016 at 10:57 am

    Love the lights!!! Great job!
    I would love those around my pergola!!!!

    Reply
  9. Kathleen Hornbecker

    June 30, 2016 at 11:11 am

    Perfect timing for this post! Wanting to add some lights that weekend given to me. I have some pvc pipes that I can paint and adapt your idea. Thanks as always for your sharing! Happy 4th of July!

    Reply
  10. Carolyn Penney

    June 30, 2016 at 11:18 am

    This is beautiful. Our daughter and son-in-law have a deck. This may be a housewarming gift Dad can do for them.

    Reply
  11. Treva

    June 30, 2016 at 11:31 am

    Great idea! Looks beautiful at night.

    Reply
  12. bj

    June 30, 2016 at 11:38 am

    they look great…I am going to buy solar string lights for our new pergola..hope to get them today..I was wondering if I would like the Edison lites…your;s look fantastic

    Reply
  13. Jewell Martin

    June 30, 2016 at 5:26 pm

    There was only one item in the materials list that I had ever held in my hands before–electrical tape. I use colored electrical tape to mark my luggage when traveling. But as a read your step-by-step directions, I realized this project is possible, even by me. I believe I could do all of the stringing, connecting, and splicing while sitting in the yard, with a little help. PVC or something else lightweight would please me, and I might even paint them to blend with the greenery. The copper hardware would still be pleasing, or maybe galvanized, but I would probably avoid more plastic. The Edison bulbs are perfect. I would need help placing the poles in the yard, but I would keep my placement flexible so I could change bulbs, lighting strings, and even the position of the lines when I wanted to. This is an excellent article with helpful, appropriate photos. Thank you!

    Reply
  14. Jeanie

    June 30, 2016 at 9:20 pm

    It looks fantastic. Good job Mike!!

    Reply
  15. Anne

    June 30, 2016 at 9:58 pm

    Looks fabulous!

    Reply
  16. Char Fisher

    July 01, 2016 at 7:25 am

    Fantabulous Debbie! Love the copper and the lights are so pretty! Kudos to Mike….he did an excellent job!

    Reply
  17. Doris Raab

    July 01, 2016 at 10:28 am

    Love it!

    Reply
  18. Linda

    July 01, 2016 at 12:39 pm

    Leave it to Mike to figure out how to do this it looks wonderful ???

    Reply
    • debbiedoo's

      July 02, 2016 at 9:40 am

      Thanks Mom:)

      Reply
  19. LuAnn Meyer

    July 01, 2016 at 4:53 pm

    I love these lights! I bought a pack at BB&B, for my hubby. They were pricey. They looked nice in the original spot, on the fence in the garden near our pond. But, he moved them to the eave on his barn shed. They still look nice but you just don’t enjoy the details.
    Yours look very nice! Enjoy the holiday!

    Reply
    • debbiedoo's

      July 02, 2016 at 9:40 am

      Thanks LuAnn! You too.

      Reply
  20. carol bittner

    July 01, 2016 at 11:09 pm

    Your lights are wonderful; and ‘no more spooky’ is a great thing. You two work together so well to come up with such exciting end results. You should be so proud!! Just one more time I’ve gotta say I LOVE IT. Happy 4th!!!

    Reply
    • debbiedoo's

      July 02, 2016 at 9:39 am

      Thank you Carol! Happy 4th to you as well!

      Reply
  21. Kim

    July 03, 2016 at 8:45 pm

    That looks so good. We love our outdoor lights. Now, if it would just cool down out there!

    Reply
    • debbiedoo's

      July 03, 2016 at 9:48 pm

      We were out there tonight. Thank God for the slight breeze!

      Reply
  22. EllieandElizabeth

    July 04, 2016 at 12:07 pm

    I LOVE this!!! It makes the outdoors soo romantic! Will have to get my hubby to work!! Thanks for the idea!

    Reply

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