DIY String Light Planters

String lights bring instant magic to any outdoor space—but hanging them can be tricky when you don’t have a fence, pergola, or trees to attach them to. That’s where this DIY comes in. These string light planters are the perfect solution: no hassle, totally customizable, renter-friendly, and actually stable (yes, I’ve learned from experience!).

Let’s break it down step-by-step so you can recreate this at home!

What You’ll Need + [Everything linked here]

• 4 large outdoor planters with wide, sturdy bases (more on that in a sec)

• 4 pieces of 2” PVC pipe (cut to the same height as your planters)

• 2 bags of 80 lb fast-setting concrete (40 lbs per planter)

• Water + hose or spray bottle

• Level

• Potting soil and flowers or rocks/gravel

• 4 pressure-treated 2x2 wood posts (cut to desired height)

• 4 small eye hooks

• String lights (solar or plug-in)

• Drill

• Optional: Dark-colored planters to hide water runoff stains

Step 1: Choose the Right Planters

Start by picking four planters with wide, stable bases. This is important: once you attach lights to the top, they’ll get top-heavy. If the base isn’t wide enough, there’s a risk of them tipping over. Think short and stout over tall and skinny—stability is the goal.

Step 2: Insert Your PVC Pipes

Cut your 2-inch PVC pipes down to the same height as your planters. Then, place one pipe upright in the center of each planter. Don’t stress if they aren’t perfectly straight right now—they’ll shift a little as you work, and we’ll fix that later.

Step 3: Dry Set the Concrete

We’re using a method called dry setting, which is perfect here because this isn’t a load-bearing structure—it just needs to hold string lights.

Here’s how to do it:

1. Pour half a bag (40 lbs) of dry concrete mix into each planter around the PVC pipe.

2. Use your hands or a stick to level out the dry concrete.

3. Grab a hose or spray bottle and evenly saturate the top layer of concrete with water according to how much water is instructed on the back of the bag. The moisture will seep down and start the curing process.

   
   

This is the time to make sure your PVC pipe is perfectly straight. Use a level and adjust as needed before the concrete starts to harden. If it's leaning now, your post will be crooked later.

Step 4: Let It Cure + Drill Drainage Holes

Let the concrete dry and cure overnight. The next day, use a drill to make a few small drainage holes in the back of each planter (where they won’t be visible).

Optional Tip: If you’re using light-colored planters, keep in mind that over time, water runoff can leave behind muddy streaks. If that bothers you, I recommend using dark brown or black planters to better hide any stains.

💡 Optional tip: Drill a couple of small drainage holes in your PVC pipes before installation to prevent water buildup inside those as well—this was a great suggestion from the DIY community!

Step 5: Add Soil + Plants (or Rocks)

Now that your base is set, it’s time to make things pretty! Fill the top of the planters with potting soil and flowers or go low-maintenance with decorative rocks. This adds weight and makes the whole setup feel finished.

Step 6: Install the Posts + Hang the Lights

Take your pressure-treated 2x2 wood posts and insert them into the PVC pipe bases. Twist a small eye hook at the top of each post, then string your solar or plug-in string lights between them.

And that’s it! You now have a stylish, stable way to hang string lights without anchoring anything to your house.

Bonus: Use as an Umbrella Stand!

Here’s what I love most: this setup is totally flexible. Want shade instead of lights? Pop in an umbrella instead of a 2x2 post and use your planter as a DIY umbrella stand. You can even switch them out seasonally. Easy, right?

Final Thoughts

This project is a favorite of mine because it’s simple, functional, and adds so much charm to any outdoor area. Plus, it’s one of those DIYs that makes you feel proud every time you turn the lights on.

If you try this, tag me at @gatheratthebooths so I can cheer you on! :)

Happy DIYing, friends!

<3 Aubrey