I Found Shockingly Affordable String Lights for My Outdoor Oasis

My favorite part about owning a home is having a backyard to enjoy during the warmer months. My husband and I had a goal to turn ours into an outdoor oasis, and while comfy patio furniture, a fire pit, and landscaping have certainly moved the needle, our most recent addition, these string lights, completed our dream patio space.

While searching for patio lighting online, the Wayfair Basic Burroughs Outdoor String Lights caught my eye thanks to their affordable price tag, high-end appearance, and abundance of positive customer reviews. Once I got them into my hands, I loved them even more. They were easy to install, extremely durable, looked way more expensive than they were, and, most importantly, each bulb worked, emitting a warm, welcoming glow. If you want to elevate your outdoor space, snag the string lights for just $35 at Wayfair.  

Wayfair Basics Burroughs 48-Foot Outdoor String Lights

Over Memorial Day weekend, my husband and I hosted family and friends to celebrate my mom’s retirement. I knew we’d be eating and hanging out in the backyard after dark, so patio lights were essential for the ambiance I was going for. Luckily, I received the Wayfair Basics package just in time for the party. 

The first step of the installation process was inserting the 15 LED Edison bulbs into the hanging sockets of the heavy-duty rubber cable cord. You have to force them into the sockets before screwing, so don’t worry if it seems like they might not fit—they will. After figuring out that step, the rest was a breeze. 

To have them hang a few feet above the deck, I ordered poles (similar to these) and hooks for the lights to attach to my home’s vinyl siding. I was a little worried whether or not the string lights would cover as much space as I pictured, but luckily, one set of the 48-foot-long lights was perfect for my medium-sized deck. There’s about 27 inches of distance from the plug-in to the first light, and the other end has a connector so you can add another strand of lights to suit larger outdoor areas. 

The bulbs are shatterproof, and the UL Listed cable is designed to withstand all weather conditions, which is crucial for Iowa’s climate where I live. There have been several thunderstorms and strong winds since installation, and the lights have held up great so far. 

When hosting the retirement party, I received so many compliments on our deck, specifically the string lights that made it so inviting after the sun went down. I was also very happy to see our vision of an outdoor oasis come to fruition. 

Many Wayfair shoppers gave the string lights five stars, with one praising their “aesthetically pleasing” design that “creates a good atmosphere” for any outdoor occasion. Several also noted their ability to stand the test of time, including one person who just bought a second set after their first one “lasted for eight years” and another whose strand is “still in perfect condition” after four years. 

Now’s the time to upgrade your outdoor space so you can enjoy it all summer long. Grab the Wayfair Basic Burroughs Outdoor String Lights for just $35, or keep scrolling for more top-rated options. 

Arlmont & Co. Renfro 25-Foot Outdoor String Lights

Birch Lane Galena 48-Foot Outdoor String Lights

Brightech Pro 27-Foot Outdoor Solar String Lights

Bulbrite Industries 14-Foot Outdoor String Lights