String lights are all the rage today
One of the newest trends in decorative outdoor lighting is string lights (or bistro lighting), particularly for special events. We’ve installed more string lights in the past year than we have in the previous 10 years combined, so it’s clear that many people are recognizing that specialty lighting like this adds a wonderful festive atmosphere to any occasion. I’m sure you know the lighting that I’m talking about, it’s those fun strings of lights you see running overhead between structures or even in trees. Many examples of this type of outdoor entertainment lighting can be found on Pinterest, and it has become increasingly popular for weddings. They are actually quite nice if not overdone and installed correctly. Although generally considered to be temporary lighting, this type of outdoor lighting lends a unique magic to outdoor spaces and can be installed permanently as long as particular care is taken.
First let’s talk about the string lights themselves. There is a difference between holiday lighting and bistro lighting. Christmas lights are meant to be used as temporary lighting, not permanent lighting. The wire is very thin (usually 18 or 20 gauge) and so is the coating over it. It usually does have some UV protectant but not enough to really hold up for extended periods of sunlight. A Christmas season is usually about 6 weeks, so 30 weeks of use would equal about 5 years of life for a Christmas lighting product; you would be hard pressed to get that much life out of anything other than a commercial grade Christmas light string. Considering this limitation, traditional Christmas lights could be used for a defined event, but would be unsuitable for permanent application. Instead you should only use a commercial grade string featuring at least a 14 gauge wire and a good all-weather socket. You’ll generally notice that these heavier-duty strings are black instead of the green or white of Christmas light wire. The wire is noticeably thicker and the sockets will usually have mounting holes as well. Commercial bistro lights are normally spaced at 24” while Christmas lights are usually 12”. You can also get 15” spacing on the lights if you go with an intermediate base light wire, but that’s not my favorite lamp to use.
Now that we’ve covered the wire, let’s look at the lamps (light bulbs). Just like the wire, I shy away from using Christmas light bulbs for a permanent application. Although they can work and in some cases, and may outlive the Christmas light wire itself, Christmas light bulbs are usually smaller in size, even the large C-9 lights. And, of course, they have that teardrop shape that invokes the Christmas light look. This can be great if this is the atmosphere you are trying to create, but bistro lighting is usually achieved with larger, rounder lamps. I like a medium base lamp (like the regular light bulbs you use at home), not a small candelabra or intermediate type which is used for most Christmas lights. I also prefer a dimmable LED lamp. Yes, they are out there – and it sure is nice to be able to set the mood by being able to increase the light intensity when having a big party, or dimming it down to create a soft romantic atmosphere for dinner on the patio. These dimmable LED lamps are not cheap, but they are oh-so worth the extra money to have so many different light level options.
Next is the installation. Boy, have we seen some interesting installation techniques. for string lights! Questionable installation examples abound, unfortunately. The one that really makes me shake my head is the wrapping of the light string around a branch and tying it in a knot. Really? Or how about the staple at the end, thinking this will really hold the wire for any length of time at all. Even for a short time, this is risky. A permanent installation of quality string lights requires an anchor point every 20’ at least. This means that if the span is more than 20’, there must be a cable to hold the weight of the light string. Keep in mind that the wire in these light strings (even commercial grade) is for carrying the electrical current, not the weight of the wire, sockets and light bulbs. The cable supporting the light string must also be well attached at the ends, meaning the installation of eye bolts some times and proper hardware for connecting the cable. If one end of the cable is being attached to a tree, stainless steel hardware should always be used so the tree isn’t poisoned by the metal. Attaching to trees may also require more slack in the wire and cables, and maybe even some springs at the end of the cables to allow the tree to move to avoid a break the cable and then the light string. The load must be calculated correctly to be certain not to overload the electrical circuit operating the lights. We like to have an electrician install a GFCI circuit or outlet for added safety. Of course, we also want that electrician to install a dimmer switch for the lights to set that mood that we talked about earlier.
Finally let’s talk about design, please. The last thing you probably want is these lights running straight across the space in boring rows. With a charming and festive atmosphere in mind, you can live a little! How about an interesting crossing or zigzag pattern instead? Create a little artistic excitement! I also like a star type pattern that brings several strands of lights together at a center point to create a kind of canopy, so-to-speak. Of course, this design would require four sides, or at least corners to attach to.
Bistro lights can be a beautiful permanent addition to your outdoor living space if done well. Use good products, and make sure they are installed properly by professionals who know what they are doing to avoid mishaps or tree damage. Remember that you are dealing with electrical lines above your head, so safety must be the top priority. We would love to show you what we can do in your central Texas outdoor living space. If you are located in our service area of Austin, Spicewood, Lakeway, Bee Cave, Horseshoe Bay, Georgetown or pretty much anywhere in the Texas hill country, please contact us here to set up an appointment.
