How to hang festoon lights using a timber fence?

[k31453]

Hi,

i got following diagram and I would like to put festoon lights in backyard

so I got length of over 16m from House to wooden fence. The wooden fence is not in good shape.

how to hang the festoon lights?

 

 

 

[EricL]

Hello @k31453 

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. It's sensational to have you join us, and thanks for sharing your question about festoon lights.

I suggest having a quick look at this guide - How to install outdoor string lighting by @Adam_W. There are some very good suggestions on what you need to take into consideration in regards to designing your festoon light layout. It's also important to take into consideration the type of festoon light you'll be installing. For example, the  Lytworx 50 Warm White Connectable Aspen Festoon Lights is 15 meters long and can be interconnected with the same set which technically doubles its length. However, you are limited to two sets and it's always important to keep in mind where the power point is.

Solar units are also something to keep in mind as they don't need to be connected to your mains and gather power during the day. However, some units will only illuminate for a certain number of hours. 

Here are some discussions regarding festoon lighting:

• How to hang festoon lights along the verandah by @amiraljaberi 
• Backyard festoon party lights by @weekenddiyer 
• Backyard fairy lights in zig-zag pattern by @sper 

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

[k31453]

Hi,

Thank you for reply. I would like to run festoon lights from fence to house gutter. It is almost 16m. The problem is how and what would I install on fence side.

Options are pole, 90 x 45mm Outdoor Framing , Timber Ezy Pegs 450mm

- Please advise how and what should be ideal choice? 

Example below is Timber Ezy Pegs 450mm but  can It hold the weight if I go zig zag pattern for over 16m?

[MitchellMc]

Hi @k31453,

The Timber Ezy pegs should be strong enough to bear the weight of your festoon lighting, provided they are attached with at least two 75mm screws into the posts. If you were to go up to 70 x 35mm timber, it would be all the stronger.

Mitchell

[k31453]

HI Thank you for prompt reply. 

So the fence vertical pillar is 13 cm wide and 7.5cm depth. 

 

My plan is to stick timber frame in front of existing fence vertical post without digging hole. I just want to know how would I stick it and what size. I need about 2.6m or more timber height. 

What would the right timber frame I can use to stick in front of the vertical frame pillar to support the festoon lights?

Also how do I screw the timber framing to the fence timber. Only screws or do I need clamp or something?

Below image how I will be putting festoon lights in.

  

 

[JacobZ]

Hi @k31453,

Considering the height, you'd have to use the larger 70 x 35 H3 that @MitchellMc mentioned. You can use the same 75mm screws that he mentioned as well. 

There's no need for a clamp; you'll just have to predrill pilot holes using this Sutton Tools 3.0mm Long Series Jobber Drill Bit, checking that the timber is plumb (level vertically) with a spirit level, then drive the screws in.

Let us know if you have further questions.

Jacob

[k31453]

Those 70 x 35 H3 timber will be in front of the verticle post or side of the post though? If it is front of the verticle fence post. How will be the position will be I mean if the fence verticle post is 35mm depth looking from front - do you put 35mm Timber post so that both 35mm 35mm match?

[JacobZ]

Hi @k31453,

It's entirely up to you. One would not be particularly stronger than the other.

If you screwed it to the side of the post, you'd just need to check how it sits with the fence rails being there. You'd have plenty of space for your screws, but it might protrude past the front of the post a bit.

Jacob

[k31453]

Okay so I had sample timber. Here is what looks like if i post in front?

is this good enough? I know it will extend higher if I put in front of vertical post. As long as It is strong enough I am ok. 

I do not know how to screw in if I put timber  on side of the vertical post though

[JacobZ]

Looks good to me @k31453.

As long as you are happy with it, then you should be good to go.

Jacob