Holiday · 4 min read
How to Hang Christmas Lights on a Deck Railing Without Damaging It
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Every December I see railings with staples and nail holes from holiday lights. Here's how to decorate a deck railing so it looks great and comes down clean in January.
Never nail, staple or screw into the railing
Holes in composite or vinyl railing are permanent, and many railing warranties don't cover damage from fasteners you added. Everything below attaches without making a single hole.
Use clips made for railings
Light clips grip the top rail or balusters and hold the strand in place. They go on in seconds and come off without a mark.
Garland: zip ties, loosely
For garland along the top rail, use zip ties looped around the rail, snug but not tight. Clip them off with side cutters in January. Don't wrap tape directly on the railing, since the adhesive can leave residue.
Use outdoor-rated lights and cords
- Check that lights and extension cords are rated for outdoor use.
- Plug into a covered, GFCI-protected outdoor outlet.
- Keep connections off the deck surface, where snow melts and puddles.
Add a timer
An outdoor timer turns the lights on at dusk and off at bedtime, so you never forget and never run them all night.
No outlet nearby? Go solar
Solar string lights need no cord at all. Set the panel where it gets afternoon sun. On short winter days they won't be as bright as plug-in lights, but for a railing they look great.
Taking it down
Pull the clips, cut the zip ties, and sweep up any needles from real garland. They hold moisture and can stain boards if they sit all winter.
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