If you have a dull backyard, gate, front porch, or patio, then chances are you need outdoor string lights. This is one way to make any outdoor setting look magnificent. The good thing about these lights is that they not only serve a practical purpose, but they also serve as wonderful decorations. And since outdoor string lights are quite popular in any event the number of designs you can pick from is endless. Whatever motif you have in mind, rest assured that any major hardware store or home depot has what you need.
First Things First
Always remember the first thing when it comes to buying any kind of electrical device: Safety! It is very important that you choose the right kind of outdoor string lights to avoid unnecessary injury. Talking about first things, we first check out the label on the box if it indicates that the lights can be used outdoors. If it says otherwise then don’t risk it. Outdoor and indoor lights are made differently. Outdoor lights are made with a much resilient material than that of the indoor ones. Outdoor lights are also resistant to rain and moisture, which makes it ideal for any location outside your house. As I said a while ago, outdoor lights are made of resilient material, but in some cases low quality material is used. This often happens to unbranded lights, or fake brands that are made by companies who use the cheapest resources to gain a higher profit. If you buy these kinds of outdoor string lights then you’ll never know when a faulty wire might show up, a light bulb might go out, or a plug might burst into flames (Usually these things happen in less than a month when buying fake or low quality lights.)
The Battle: Incandescent Versus LED
If you haven’t been hiding under a rock these past decade or so then the chances are you already know about LED lights. There are three main differences that you need to know when it comes to these lights; Color, power consumption, durability, and cost.
When it comes to colors to choose from then hands down the winner would be incandescent lights. In terms of power, LED lights consume less energy than that of incandescent. LED’s are also much more durable, with a bulb lasting for more than five years. On the cost department, though, LED’s cost higher than that of an incandescent. However, if you take into account the amount of money you’ll save from electricity bills then LED would be the best option in the long run. It’s important that you take these things into account when shopping for your outdoor string lights. It will save you a lot of money and hours of frustration when you have to go back to the store and have your purchase replaced.
There you go, that’s about all you need to know regarding outdoor string lights. Just remember to keep it simple and not fill your place with a thousand lights. If you do that then you’ll have a wonderful outdoor view from inside your house that will be the envy of the next door neighbors.