DIY Barrel Posts To Light Up Your Patio

Here is an easy weekend DIY project to build a couple of barrel posts as a semi-permanent option to add lighting to any patio or yard.

[@donaldwatson3801]

Thats cool. I like the idea of the barrels. Thanks!

[@redbeardesigns]

Thanks! We appreciate it!

[@Kaienhere]

Post in pots this is brilliant man, really good idea!!!

[@redbeardesigns]

Thank you, I really appreciate it!

[@sandyd2527]

Great work. I need somebody to do this for me. 🤣

[@SD-nh5yr]

Nice job...very pretty😊.

[@redbeardesigns]

Thank you, We appreciate it!

[@teemmm538]

Great job ❤❤❤❤❤

[@redbeardesigns]

Thanks!

[@kimlucero4630]

I love the lights on top of the posts. Great job 👏🏼!!

[@redbeardesigns]

Thank you!

[@ril850_1]

@@redbeardesignscan I ask where you sourced the lights on top of. Yours turned out great.

[@redbeardesigns]

@@ril850_1 I just got them at Lowes actually, over by the deck supplies.

[@rdcastro61]

I go that fast too when I got a project and Im excited about it.

[@redbeardesigns]

Haha, I wish I could work that fast in real time!

[@aaronalquiza9680]

Genius idea

[@redbeardesigns]

Thank you!

[@davidwelty9763]

That turned out great, and thanks for the sped up video.

[@redbeardesigns]

Thank you! No problem, feel free to check out some of our other DIY videos!

[@ruthireland-mason8163]

I like how he placed heavy-duty plastic in bottoms of the wooden pots. This is something I would like to do.

[@redbeardesigns]

Thank you! I did that for two reasons. 1 it helps keep the cement in the pot and not leak out. And 2, in the future I can always remove the post and the cement and still have the pot to use.

[@teeahtate]

Nice

[@chanthana7694]

I love watching short video and yet I get so much out of it without confusion. The tutorial seems easy enough to follow. I love the design of your patio and love that idea with lights hanging. Wondering how I can modify it so that it's strong enough to hang a hammock along with the lights.

[@redbeardesigns]

Thank you! A hammock would be a bit more challenging, and would depend on the weight. These only have 2 bags of cement in each barrel. You could try it with that, or bump it up another bag or 2. Also the height of how high up the hammock is attached would matter, the lower the better, as well as the distance apart. Definitely possible, would take some testing, but would be worth it in the end!

[@taurusnyy]

I wish all videos were like this

[@redbeardesigns]

@@taurusnyy Thank you!

[@CarlosRodriguez-ji1ni]

Love the video, great for my project. I was wondering if this poles will hold a sailing canvas?

[@amandalee714]

I’m here to tell you, the poles for the shade canvas need to be in the ground because they will pull your barrels over in a strong wind.

[@avocadoslicer2441]

Would I be able to put plants in the barrel above the cement or will it ruin the cement. Sorry I’m late just saw your video and loved it

[@redbeardesigns]

It's possible, but I wouldn't recommend unless you put down another layer of plastic on top of the cement. I would also make sure you seal the 4x4 first with an extended outdoor stain just in case, as the dirt can hold in extra moisture.

[@lauraneal635]

Thinking about doing for a hammock stand... Not sure if it will tip over 🤦‍♀️ guess I'll find out!!

[@redbeardesigns]

It's hard to say depending on the weight holding the poles in place and the weight being held. May even want to have the poles angled outward slightly to help with tipping. Good Luck!

[@jmac9313]

No chance

[@mikenichols6292]

Hi, can you tell me if you used pressure treated 4x4's? Man, I bought some today, seems they will take some time to dry before I can paint them. Love the video. Very helpful!

[@redbeardesigns]

I believe they were. I would say they would probably be good to stain after about 2 weeks outside depending on the weather and everything.

[@mikenichols6292]

@@redbeardesigns Yes, thanks! I think I'll stay with pressure treated even if I need to wait a few weeks to paint. Much appreciated!

[@RicardoGonzalez-uh8rg]

What type of caulking did you use when drilling hole to the mortar ?

[@redbeardesigns]

We used a masonry caulk from any Home Depot/Lowe's.

[@annieadkbulatao6343]

Hi! What type of plastic did you use? Thanks great ideas!

[@redbeardesigns]

Thank you! We used 6mil black plastic sheeting.

[@turo3066]

Did you use the plastic lining because the pots are real wood? I did this with plastic flower pots and drilled drainage holes on the side so water wouldn't accumulate in them. Great project. Learned so neat tricks.

[@redbeardesigns]

Thank you! Glad you learned something new! We actually used the plastic liners to prevent damage to the barrel pots and to prevent the cement from leaking out. Also since the cement isn't touching the wood barrel it can technically be removed and the barrels used again.

[@eriksmith2005]

Exactly how I was going to do mine. Are those the 20gal. Barrels? How are they holding up? I was going to attach a triangular shade with lights

[@redbeardesigns]

They were listed at 65+ quarts, so not sure on the gallons. Been out in Florida weather for about 3 years, and only a bit sun faded now. Just needs a new coat of stain and they will be good to go for a few more years again! The cement makes them hold up well against all the storm winds!

[@rtx125]

@@redbeardesigns if you connected a canopy from house to posts to provide shade during the summer months, do you think the posts and mortar/hook from house would still hold up on a windy day? Sorry for duplicate question, making sure the wind/sail factor was being answered in previous question. Looks great btw, thanks for sharing!

[@redbeardesigns]

@@rtx125 I wouldn't be surprised if they held up to heavy winds with how sturdy and heavy they are. However, a lot would depend on the type of material being used also, a thicker material would add a lot of weight and when the wind hits would act as a sail and could end up damaging itself, but a more mesh style canopy could definitely work as long as the supports are spread enough apart to create a good amount of tension.

[@rtx125]

@@redbeardesigns thanks!

[@redbeardesigns]

@@rtx125 No problem! Be sure to check out some of our other video's as well! Thanks for checking our videos out!

[@mariebee3146]

Nice work! Do you think the cement barrels could handle a shade sail on a windy day? Like Florida storm windy.

[@redbeardesigns]

Thank you! I absolutely think it will work, depending on the size of the shade and how many barrels/bags of cement per barrel holding it. We used a couple bags per barrel and they aren't going anywhere, and we're also in Florida!

[@jmac9313]

Absolutely not

[@CarlosRodriguez-ji1ni]

Our sailing canopy is a 10x10, probably 3 to 4 bags will make steadiest? Once again I love your video

[@terryhess2715]

What brand of adhesive was used to secure the eye hook to the concrete once the hole was drilled?

[@redbeardesigns]

Loctite was the brand. The adhesive was just in addition to the eye hooks screwing into place to make a stronger anchor point.

[@syree1824]

Would this work with 2x4’s as the post? I see that everyone uses 4x4’s and was wondering if there is a reason. Thanks.

[@redbeardesigns]

2x4's wouldn't be stable enough and would probably bow easily at this height more than likely over time.

[@ShadowGin3]

What did you use to stain the wood at the beginning? And wondering how's everything holding up for you now? It's pretty windy sometimes where I am and not sure if I should install the post in the barrel like you did or on the ground.

[@Kaienhere]

Concrete makes the base very sturdy

[@redbeardesigns]

Everything was stained with outdoor weather protection stain. The cement really held everything in place, we have been through several tropical storms and never had an issue. Only thing we have had to touch up was the stain on the barrels this year due to the sun, otherwise everything is going strong!

[@robwilliams2032]

Great video! Are these 4x4x10?

[@redbeardesigns]

Yep. Other sizes could be used, but may need to adjust the amount of cement if going larger.

[@Jiangster]

Did you use any wires to hold up the lights? Wondering if tension on the electrical string lights will be a long term issue

[@redbeardesigns]

Nothing, just the light strand itself, however above the bulbs did have a little rubber hook piece, so that was used if it lined up correctly. But up about 3 years now and no issues yet.

[@Jiangster]

@@redbeardesigns Thanks!

[@angelomaurizio1668]

Im guessing the longer the string lights, the more wire cable will be needed? Since that project looks like 15-20 ft worth of tension, opposed to what I will be needing around 50 ft.

[@redbeardesigns]

@@angelomaurizio1668 Yes, this pato is 20'x20' so maybe 18-19' from hook to hook, so no wires were needed. At 50' runs, you would definitely need some wiring to prevent too much sagging.

[@keniacarreiro1522]

Beautiful! What size post did you use? 10 or 12ft?

[@redbeardesigns]

These were 10' posts.

[@keniacarreiro1522]

Thank you! 😊 amazing job

[@redbeardesigns]

@@keniacarreiro1522 Thank you! We appreciate it!

[@CarlosRodriguez-ji1ni]

2 barrels 2 posts 4x4 6 bags quick cement Mortar adhesive 6 mil plastic bag What kind of paint to protect the post from the cement on the barrel? Am I missing anything?

[@bloom561]

How much cement bags did you use??

[@redbeardesigns]

2 80lbs bags in each barrel.

[@bloom561]

Thank you sir

[@JorgeLopez1]

Great video! Are those 8ft or 10ft posts?

[@larrydoss]

Doesn't really matter what size he used. Each home is different. I did 1 for a customer that required (needed to use) 12' posts, and a ranch home that could only have 8' posts.

[@JorgeLopez1]

Right, but in this case, the home I would like to install these at is similar to the home in the video, therefore the height of the posts matters to me since they are what I would like. 👍

[@redbeardesigns]

These were 10' ft posts.

[@JorgeLopez1]

@@redbeardesigns Thank you. 👍

[@redbeardesigns]

@@JorgeLopez1 No problem! Good luck with yours as well!

[@successfullym3]

Can I fill barrel up with landscaping rocks instead? Or concrete is a must?

[@redbeardesigns]

I don't believe landscape rocks would be good enough, possibly packed sand. I used cement as we are on the emerald coast and get high winds. These still look and hold up as great as they did on day 1 years later!

[@successfullym3]

@@redbeardesigns thank you for answering my question. Appreciate you

[@redbeardesigns]

@@successfullym3 No problem, let us know if you have any other questions. Good luck!

[@JoeyWhite-ck8js]

What did you use to stain the posts? I’m building one this weekend and I love the color you picked out for the posts

[@redbeardesigns]

This was outdoor 5 year stain, used for decks and fencing.

[@JoeyWhite-ck8js]

So do I need to mix it with something or is it already premade at Lowes or Menards?

[@redbeardesigns]

@@JoeyWhite-ck8js it's all ready to be used. Just let the pretreated wood sit outside a few days prior to staining.

[@JoeyWhite-ck8js]

Ok, so go to Lowe’s and pick up the pretreated wood… let it set outside for a few days… then put the stain on. Correct?

[@redbeardesigns]

@@JoeyWhite-ck8js Yeah, that should do it!

[@rickschneider7790]

do you have a link to the round planters? I can't find them that big

[@redbeardesigns]

This may not be the exact one from the video, but should be about the same size. www.lowes.com/pd/Real-Wood-Products-25-5-in-W-x-17-5-in-H-Rustic-Weathered-Oak-Wood-Barrel/1000041637

[@griseldamartinezesparza3919]

Do these withstand strong winds?

[@redbeardesigns]

Absolutely! That's why we went with extra concrete. These have withstood many large and even tropical storms and didn't even flinch.

[@rtx125]

@@redbeardesigns if you connected a canopy from house to posts to provide shade during the summer months, do you think the posts and mortar/hook from house would still hold up on a windy day?

[@bliinkz21]

Update on the post? Will make one for shade tomorrow

[@redbeardesigns]

Still going strong years later, zero issues!

[@nucleusvision2837]

Also are these 4x4 or 4x6?

[@redbeardesigns]

Sorry for the late reply. These are 4x4's

[@ntxhaiyang5635]

What liners did you use?

[@redbeardesigns]

If I remember correctly, it was 6-mil plastic sheeting double up. This way if we ever need to take these down the cement part can be separated from the barrel.

[@nucleusvision2837]

You think I could get away with this method for hanging a shade sail? 4 barrel post? I do not have anywhere to attach the sail to.

[@redbeardesigns]

Aside from high winds from a tropical storm or hurricane I don't see why not. With 2 bags of cement in each barrel, these things are a beast!

[@nucleusvision2837]

@@redbeardesigns You think the sail itself would rip before the post tip over?

[@redbeardesigns]

@@nucleusvision2837 Either that or where it attaches to the anchors on the post's. I would recommend pouring the cement once the barrels are in place. Once these things are poured, it's going to be hell to move them. With 3 or 4 of them you shouldn't have any issues with them moving due to wind.

[@kimlucero4630]

Great question! This is what I’m going to attach to my barrel posts. I’m hoping they hold up well enough. We’ll see 😊

[@nickpowell8880]

These stay up in the wind?

[@redbeardesigns]

Absolutely! These have been through numerous tropical storms the past few years and haven't budged.

[@Donna-vh5ym]

I know I'm a year late, but could you please list the products you used? It would be helpful for this ole gal. Great job by the way.!!

[@redbeardesigns]

Sure, everything can be purchased from your local Home Depot or Lowe's. 2 - 4" x 4" x 10' wooden posts 2 - Large planting barrels 4 - 80lbs bags of QUIK Crete 6mil black plastic sheeting 4 - Steel screw hooks You can customize by stain color and adding the solar lights on top that are found by the fencing section. Let us know if you have any other questions, good luck!

[@wendydiazcreations]

@@redbeardesigns how many bags of concrete did you add per bucket? Mine keep falling down :((

[@redbeardesigns]

@@wendydiazcreations We used 2 80lbs bags because are in the Pan Handle of Florida and get high winds. I'd make sure you have the correct mixture of concrete mix to water. Also screw a temporary support piece to the post and barrel to ensure it stays straight until the mix has completely dried.

[@nickvillalpando8616]

Thank you for the post. Going to make a couple for my son’s backyard

[@redbeardesigns]

@@nickvillalpando8616 Good luck!

[@angelomaurizio1668]

Do you think a 12-13" wide by 10.5 length barrel (similar to what you used) would be sufficient using those same 4x4s?

[@redbeardesigns]

I don't think you would be able to get the amount of cement needed to be strong enough, nor would it be wide enough to not tip over. You would probably need something larger.

[@angelomaurizio1668]

@@redbeardesigns So what were the dimensions of that barrels youd used?

[@redbeardesigns]

@@angelomaurizio1668 They are about 24" wide, by 14" tall or so.

[@nucleusvision2837]

Could you link us to these barrels? Amazon? Homedepot

[@redbeardesigns]

Large planter barrels from Lowe's: www.lowes.com/pd/23-62-in-W-x-14-in-H-Carbonize-Wood-Barrel/50328479

[@nucleusvision2837]

@@redbeardesigns Thansk for getting back to me so quickly!

[@athenaherrera771]

what size are the barrels???

[@redbeardesigns]

Large planter barrels from Lowe's: www.lowes.com/pd/23-62-in-W-x-14-in-H-Carbonize-Wood-Barrel/50328479

[@athenaherrera771]

@@redbeardesigns thank you so much!!!

[@vanessahernandez3366]

How big are the planting barrels?

[@redbeardesigns]

These are the barrels we used: www.lowes.com/pd/23-62-in-W-x-14-in-H-Carbonize-Wood-Barrel/50328479

[@CarlosRodriguez-ji1ni]

Would it make a difference if I used plastic instead of the once that you attached here?

[@redbeardesigns]

@@CarlosRodriguez-ji1ni I would imagine it would have to be pretty heavy duty plastic to hold the weight of the cement without breaking.

[@CarlosRodriguez-ji1ni]

What about if I utilize 5 gallons buckets? Would that kind of plastic be strong enough. ?

[@CarlosRodriguez-ji1ni]

What was your mix of cement vs water.?