We’ve been wanting to hang string lights around our fire pit for months, but just never got around to it. So recently, we came up with a plan and decided to use a couple of planters and four-by-fours to build four posts that we could hang the string lights on.

In this video, we’ll show you step-by-step how to build these posts and how to mount your string lights.

[Overview of the steps to hang string lights]

- Stain the posts with an outdoor wood sealer (we stained them towards the end of the build process but it’s better to it before you attach the braces and eye hooks)
- Attach two braces to the end of each post.
- Mark the drill holes on the bottom of the container in preparation for attaching the post.
- Drill the holes and attach the post in the middle of the container using lag screws.
- Drill a hole in one end of the post, about a half of an inch from the top, and insert the eye hook and clip to attach the lights.
- Drill a hole in the lower part of the bucket that’s closest to the power outlet to get the power cable in.
- Add bricks (we had some old bricks from a previous home improvement job), large rocks or other heavy objects to make sure the bucket is stable, then add potting soil to plant flowers. You can also pour concrete but we opted to use bricks instead.
- Attach the string lights to the eye hooks on each post.
- Run an extension cord through the drill hole in the container that’s closest to the power outlet.
- Connect the string lights to an extension cord and plug the extension cord into the power outlet.
- Attach a cord protector and staple the cords to the post.
- Screw in your post caps so they don’t take off in a storm.

[List of Materials]

- Veranda 4 in. x 4 in. 3 Lumens Aged Bronze Plated Plastic Solar Post Cap
- Everbilt 1/2 in. x 2-1/2 in. Zinc Hex Bolt (25-Pack)
- Four Vigoro 25.98 in. Dia x 16.54 in. H Round Wooden Barrel Planters
- Everbilt 1/2 in.-13 Zinc Plated Hex Nut (50-Pack)
- Two Everbilt 3/4 in. x 3 in. Zinc-Plated Screw Eye (2-Pack)
- Four Unbranded 4 in. x 4 in. x 8 ft. #2 Ground Contact Pressure-Treated Southern Yellow Pine Timber
- Everbilt 1/2 in. Zinc Flat Washer (50-Pack)
- Husky 12 ft. 16/2 Indoor/Outdoor Extension Cord, Black
- Eight Simpson Strong-Tie RPBZ ZMAX Galvanized Retrofit Post Base for Double 2x4 Nominal Lumber
- Four Everbilt 5/16 in. Stainless Steel Quick Link
- Twist and Seal Cord Protect (2 Pack) - Outdoor Extension Cord Protection (Black)
- Potting soil and flowers (if you want to plant flowers around the posts)
- Thompson's WaterSeal Pre-Tinted Walnut Semi-Transparent Exterior Wood Stain and Sealer (1-Gallon)

[Required Tools]

- Power drill, drill bits and nut driver.
- Two wrenches (adjustable or ratcheting).
- 2-inch spade bit.
- Paintbrush (if you want to stain the lumber).

[Chapter Markers]

0:00 - Intro
0:44 - Overview of Our Process
2:57 - Step-By-Step Instructions
3:24 - Preparing the Container
4:37 - Attaching the Post
4:59 - Adding an Eye Hook to Hang Lights
6:08 - Drilling Holes for Our Power Plug
7:18 - Filling Up Buckets with Bricks for Stability
7:54 - Planting Flowers in Our Bucket
10:24 - The Finished Result

To follow along with us as we learn the ropes of beekeeping and suburban homestead living, check out our Instagram account (@kummerhomestead), where we share the useful tips and tricks we discover.

[Music Credit]
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