Each year, more than 80 million Americans decorate the exterior of their homes with lights. Including the fence in holiday decorating helps achieve symmetry and complete the look.
Yet just like lighting the home, you never want to bite off more than you can chew or create safety risks. Fortunately, lighting the fence is safer and easier than the roof. Check out these simple, safe holiday lighting ideas for your fence.
Add ornaments to string lights
Don’t toss your old ornaments – give them a second life as holiday fence decorations. The key is to avoid hanging metal hooks on your string lights. Loop them over pickets for safer, more secure holiday cheer.
Go all out with garlands and bows
The Consumer Product Safety Commission reports that around 40% of holiday decorating accidents are falls. Stay safe at ground level by saving your garlands and bows for the fence. They’ll be easier to admire there, anyway.
Create clean lines with rope lights
The ultimate solution for avoiding knotted nests of lights and difficult decorating. A clear tube of LED lights is easy to fix to fences with plastic zip ties and looks straight and neat every time.
Save time with cascading lights
Cascading lights are ideal for those who don’t want to spend an entire Saturday decorating the fence. Tendrils of lights hanging from a common string give an icicle effect.
Wind lights around every rail
Spread as much holiday cheer as possible by going full-out with classic white lights. The horizontal construction of split rail fences is perfect for this idea. It requires a lot of lights but little experience.
Top off the top rail with lighted garlands
An easy strategy for privacy panels and closed picket fences. Adorn the top rail with pre-lit garlands. It gives an ultra-festive look with less work, fewer tangles, and no winding.
Holiday fence lighting safety tips
● Always ensure lights are outdoor-rated
● Choose energy-efficient LED lights
● Only plug them into GFCI outlets
● Do not use nails or other sharp metal objects to attach lights to fences
● Use electrical tape when connecting multiple extension cords
● Don’t leave lights on unattended; purchase a timer for remote shutoff
● Exercise extra caution when using a ladder to light taller fences
Get your fence winter-ready with Top Rail Fences
Fencing is your home’s first impression. Perform maintenance and repairs on your fence in time for holiday gatherings. Whether you need pickets and panels replaced or staining and sealing for wood fences, call Top Rail Fences.
