Hanging string lights outside for your patio or backyard creates the perfect ambiance, but what to hang them on was an issue! Here’s how I made poles for outdoor lights.
I was inspired by how my friend Shannon from Fox Hollow Cottage made her Cafe Light Poles (she has a great video tutorial), I knew they were perfect to give us outdoor lighting with my new DIY Outdoor Fireplace. With a few adjustments to fit our needs, we were ready to tackle this DIY outdoor project.
Planter Poles for Outdoor Lights
Making planter poles for string lights was an easy DIY project that adds so much to our outdoor space. You don’t need a lot of DIY experience to complete these.
Supplies for Making Planter Poles:
- Large Planters – I chose these because of their price and size. I knew I would paint them, so the plastic didn’t bother me. Keep reading for pot suggestions.
- 8ft to 12 ft aluminum poles (they come in silver or black, the darker ones had to be ordered and we wanted them the same day. You can also use wood 2×2 poles.
- Braces or industrial tape. We made ours with the 2 x 2 wood pieces.
- Quick Set Concrete
- Something to stir with
- Level Tool
- Water
- Shovel
- Pole Caps
- Paint – if you’re painting the pole and pots as I did.
How to Make Planter Poles for String Lights
Stringing outdoor string lights is easy with planter poles
Materials
- 8ft. or 12ft. Aluminum Pole or 2x2 wood poles
- Deep Planter Pot - ours ended up being bigger than we really needed.
- Quick Setting Concrete
- End Cap Hooks
- Water
- Wood pieces for the brace or use heavy duty masking tape.
- Large piece of plastic
Tools
- Leveler
- Shovel
Instructions
- Gather your supplies.
- If you're making a brace with the wood pieces, make ahead of time.
- Pour concrete dry mixture in a 1/4 or 1/2 way up into the planter.
It is really dusting, so you may consider wearing a mask. - Add about a gallon of water and stir using a shovel or tool.
- Set your pole in the middle and set brace. Durable masking tape can also be used.
- Using a level, check to make sure your pole is straight. Reposition as needed.
- Let it sit for 12 hours.
- We painted our poles and planters with outdoor paint to match our grey composite deck.
- Drill holes into planter above the cement line for drainage.
- Add the top end caps that will help to attach the lights.
- Add dirt and plants and you're ready!
It is really dusting, so you may consider wearing a mask. 
Notes
We used a large piece of Visqueen to do our project on.
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Can I Make Pole Planters without Concrete?
If you’re looking for how to make poles for outdoor lights that don’t include cement, you can easily build them with brackets as my friend did. Charlotte built planter poles and has a great tutorial.
How to Plant Flowers in a Pole Planter
The only thing different is you’ll be planting in pots with hardened concrete in the bottom, so you’ll need drainage. We drilled a couple of holes right into the side, above the cement. Plant as normal. You can also fill with decorative rock if you want something lower maintenance.
Flower Pots for Making Pole Planters
Bloem DC20-00 Dura Cotta Planter, 20-Inch, Black
These are very similar in type and price to what I used.
Suncast 1807J4 TRV174255 18" x 16.5" Resin Planter-Lightweight Contemporary Flower Po, Dark Brown
I love the texture these have.
Southern Patio HDR-046868 20.5" Rustic Resin Faux Galvanized Round Planter
This is my favorite, but I'm not sure if I'd want to spend that much.
The HC Companies LIA20000B78 Classic Pot Planter, 20", Seafoam
Another one similar to mine and budget-friendly.
Novelty 26182 Countryside Square, White, 18-Inch Tub Planter
My sister has something similar and they look great!
Outdoor Living Ideas
Find stylish and easy ideas for outdoor living.
Adirondack Chair Plans {Free Download}
Make your own outdoor wood chairs.
Composite Decking vs. Wood
Is it time to replace your deck? Learn the difference between wood or composite.
Monica says
Hey these are great 🙂 how much concrete did you use total? Thanks!!
Kim says
Thank you! It all depends on your container and how big it is. You want to fill your container 3/4 full.