Summer’s coming in HOT!

It’s time to get your backyard ready for the cookouts and what better way to do that than adding lights to your patio? Here’s a quick and easy project you can knockout in a weekend.

Let’s get started with the list of supplies you’ll need:

• 4 big pots, barrels, or planters

• 1 - 2 strands of lights

• A staple gun or hook to hold the lights up at the top of the pole

• 2 bags of Quickcrete

• Water hose

• Large mixing stick/paint stirrer

• 4 wood posts

• 16 ‘L’ brackets

• A stain of your choice for the wood posts

• Brush for the stain

Supplies for the optional toppers:

Flowers

• Potting soil

• 4 containers of flowers

Artificial flowers

• Foam cubes

• A few bunches of artificial florals that you like

Rocks/Pebbles

• 4 - 6  bags of rocks

Alright, now that you have your list of things, let's get to work!

Grab your big pot and place it where you want the outline of your lights to be. Make sure you have them where you want them before filling. Place your posts in the center of each pot and screw down an ‘L’ bracket on each side of the post at the bottom of each pot. This is where you will probably need a second set of hands. 

Once your posts are secure, add your Quickcrete and water and start mixing. Only add a little water at a time so it doesn't get too loose. You want it ½ to ¾ of the way full of concrete, and make sure to leave room at the top of the pot for your flowers or rocks. 

Now you can stain your post with your stain color of choice. Be sure to follow the directions on the stain. It doesn't have to be 100% dry before you put the posts in the concrete.

You’ll want to let this sit for at least 24 hours so the Quickcrete can dry.

Grab your lights and string them up the way you like, creating a border of light around your patio area. Make sure you secure them with a few staples or a hook. Once your lights are up you can fill the tops of the pots with your desired topper. 

Now it’s time to enjoy your patio with the best summer night vibes!