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A Hunker report describes a do-it-yourself outdoor lighting display made by wrapping battery-powered string lights around spray-painted plastic hula hoops. The idea may cost less than some store-bought fixtures, but actual total costs, brightness and weather performance depend on the products and setup.
Hunker has outlined a do-it-yourself yard-lighting project that uses plastic hula hoops, spray paint and battery-powered string lights as an alternative to buying decorative outdoor fixtures. The hoops are painted, wrapped with lights and hung from places such as a porch railing or garden trellis, creating a display that may appeal to homeowners seeking a lower-cost decorative option.
The project calls for one set of battery-powered string lights per hoop. Hunker recommends using spray paint formulated for plastic before wrapping the lights around the hoop. The report says black can create a dark backdrop that makes the lights stand out; gray or white are alternatives if they better match a home’s exterior. The paint and light products should be selected for the intended location and used according to their labels.
To hang the finished hoops, the instructions suggest using zip ties to attach them to railings, fence posts or trellises, or to secure them through eye hooks. Ties can also connect several hoops in an overlapping arrangement. Hunker suggests cutting off excess tie ends with wire cutters for a less visible finish. The hoops can instead be spaced apart, depending on the available hanging points and the look a homeowner wants.
The report gives example prices: a Kess Round Duo Twisted Hoop at Walmart for about $3.50 and a four-pack of EXF waterproof string lights for about $16. Those are product examples, not a guaranteed total project cost; the supplied report does not provide a full bill of materials or confirm current prices. Paint, hanging hardware and the number of hoops will affect the final expense.
A Decorative Alternative to Store Fixtures
The project offers a way to add decorative light without buying a complete outdoor fixture, using widely available craft and lighting items instead. That could make it useful for renters or homeowners who want a temporary visual feature, provided they can hang it safely and the lights suit the location. Its practical value is different from that of a fixed, hardwired light: the report describes a decorative display, not a replacement for lighting needed for safe movement, stairs or entrances.
Cost savings are possible, but they are not established for every buyer. The cited prices cover selected products and do not account for all materials, shipping, taxes or variations in local pricing. Brightness also depends on the lights chosen. Hunker says that if the fairy lights are too dim, they can be combined with other outdoor lighting, but the report provides no measured brightness or comparison with commercial fixtures.
Products Worth Considering
Philips Hue Festavia Globe Outdoor String Lights, 32 Bulbs, 91 ft
Philips Hue Large Smart Light Tube, Black – White and Color Ambiance LED Color-Changing Light – 1 Pack
Philips Hue Bridge Pro Smart Lighting Hub
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How the Hoop Light Is Assembled
The Hunker article frames the project as an option for patios and garden spaces where decorative lighting can add visual character. Its suggested locations include covered porches and garden gazebos. The basic sequence is to paint the plastic hoop, wrap it with a battery-powered light set, then hang it with ties or other suitable hardware. Multiple hoops can be arranged together or distributed across a space.
The source cites waterproof string lights and outdoor-rated, UV-resistant cable ties as examples. Those descriptions apply to the named products, not automatically to every string light or tie. Buyers should check labels for suitability, weather exposure and operating instructions. The article does not offer electrical specifications, installation testing or a comparison with professionally installed outdoor lighting.
“You’ll need one set of battery-powered string lights per hula hoop to complete this DIY.”
— Hunker
Costs and Outdoor Performance Vary
The examples in the report do not establish what the project will cost in total or whether it will be cheaper than every store-bought option. Current prices and availability are not confirmed beyond the cited examples, and the source does not specify the cost of paint, mounting hardware or additional lighting.
It is also unclear how bright a finished display will be, how long its batteries will last, or how well it will withstand a particular yard’s weather. The article recommends waterproof lights and outdoor-rated ties as examples but does not report long-term testing. Homeowners should follow product instructions and avoid placing battery-powered decorations where exposure or mounting conditions exceed the manufacturer’s guidance.
Check Products Before Hanging
Anyone considering the project should first measure the intended space, decide how many hoops to use and check the current price and specifications of each item. Confirm that the string lights are appropriate for the planned exposure and that paint is made for plastic. Use secure attachment points, inspect ties and hardware, and follow the instructions supplied with the lights and other products.
After installation, test the display in the intended setting and check whether its light level is adequate. If it is too dim for the purpose, add suitable lighting rather than treating the hoops as a substitute for functional illumination. The source provides no further update or testing results, so durability and actual savings remain dependent on the products and installation.
Key Questions
What materials does the hula hoop lighting project use?
It uses plastic hula hoops, spray paint suitable for plastic, battery-powered string lights and zip ties or other appropriate hanging hardware. Hunker recommends one set of lights per hoop.
How much does the project cost?
Hunker cites an example hoop priced at about $3.50 and a four-pack of string lights at about $16. Those figures do not establish a complete project cost, and prices may change. Paint, hardware and the number of hoops add to the total.
Where can the hoops be hung?
The report suggests locations including covered porches and garden gazebos, with zip ties used on railings, fence posts or trellises. Confirm that the chosen mounting point is secure and that the products are suitable for the conditions there.
Will the hoop lights brighten an entire yard?
The source does not provide brightness measurements. It says the fairy lights may be too dim on their own and suggests combining them with other outdoor lighting if needed, so the display should be treated primarily as decorative unless its performance is checked.
Source: hunker.com
