Do you have an outdoor space, but no lighting to speak of? Are you short on outlets and power sources, but still want to change your whole lighting situation?
Don’t worry. TikTok user and DIYer @withinthegrove has you covered. Let’s make our own outdoor lighting!
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Buckle up, we’re going to need some supplies.
Hardware store, here we come. You’re going to need a pretty deep planter pot, some quick-set concrete, some C-hooks for the lights, and at least four pieces of 1×2 treated lumber.
Here’s your most important purchase, though:
Outdoor string lights. And not just any outdoor string lights: solar outdoor string lights. This is the key to the whole DIY! There are lots of really cool solar options out there, especially on Amazon!
Slowly mix your concrete in your planter.
I mean, you could do it in a separate bucket, but why do all that extra work? Mix in layers, slowly adding more powder and water until you’ve filled at least half of the planter. (Make sure the hole is plugged at the bottom!)
Place one of your pieces of lumber in the middle of the pot.
According to @withinthegrove, you have about 20 minutes of work time with the cement before it really sets in. Put your lumber in the middle, pushing hard to make sure it’s firmly against the bottom.
Helpers are ideal for this next step.
Use some spare lumber to get the post as level as possible, then weigh it all down with some stone. Use a level to make sure the post is perfect! Let it set overnight.
You’ll need a drill for the next day.
Once your concrete is set, use a drill to drill 4 holes around the planter, just above the concrete line. This will help with drainage when it rains!
Next, drill some small holes for your C-hooks.
Drill one on the “front” of each piece of wood. In the end, you’ll have four hooks to hang your lights on. Unpack your lights and string them up around your backyard!
All done!
Your concrete posts are now amazing display pieces for your lights. I would totally paint mine black to give them a little something-something, you know?
You can watch the whole TikTok here!
Check out @withinthegrove’s account for DIYs, home renovation tips, and clever outdoor lighting hacks! I would totally be trying this hack if I had a house, tbh. It looks fun!
