Patio Lighting FAQ

Most professionally installed patio lighting in Chicago and the North Shore ranges from $1,000 to $2,500. Pricing depends on the size of the space, number of runs, mounting points, and power requirements. Every Patio Lighting Pros project starts with a free on-site quote.

Yes. A professionally installed patio lighting system uses commercial-grade LEDs, dedicated power, and hidden weatherproof wiring designed to last 5–10+ years — versus 1–2 seasons for DIY string lights. The result looks more luxurious, lasts longer, and increases the usability and value of your outdoor living space.

Professionally installed patio string lights are built for both beauty and durability. We use anchored mounting points, eye hooks, turnbuckles, and a coated stainless steel guidewire for added strength, along with commercial-grade light strings, weather-sealed connections, and a remote-controlled power source. The result is a clean, level installation that looks intentional and lasts through the seasons.

Most patio string lights have bulbs spaced about 24 inches apart. The spacing between each strand depends on your patio's size and layout. We customize every design to create even lighting, the right amount of brightness, and a clean, balanced look overhead.

Patio string lights are typically installed 8 to 12 feet above the ground, depending on your patio layout and available mounting points. This height provides plenty of clearance for walking and entertaining while creating a warm, inviting glow overhead. Every installation is adjusted to fit your space so the lights feel balanced, look clean, and provide the right amount of light.

Not always. Whenever possible, we mount patio string lights to existing structures like your home, pergola, garage, or mature trees. If there isn't a suitable mounting point for a span, we install metal posts set in concrete footings for a secure, permanent anchor and a clean professional look.

The lights and guidewire used for bistro patio lighting are heavier than most people expect and need to be anchored to a solid surface for proper support. We install secure eye hooks to carry the weight and keep each run taut and stable. Whenever attachment to the home is needed, mounting points are placed carefully for long-term durability and a clean finished look.

Yes — when installed professionally. Patio Lighting Pros installs commercial-grade, weatherproof string lighting systems built to handle Chicago's changing weather year-round. We use sealed sockets, outdoor-rated wire, waterproof connections, and secure mounting hardware designed to stand up to rain, snow, ice, and wind while keeping your lighting looking great season after season.

Yes. Professionally installed bistro lights are designed to stay up year-round. The wiring, hardware, and bulbs we use are commercial-grade and rated for permanent outdoor exposure in Chicagoland's climate — no take-down required.

Quality commercial-grade LED patio lights resist UV fading and stay color-stable for years. Cheap big-box bulbs commonly yellow within a season. We use UV-stabilized polycarbonate bulbs rated for long-term outdoor exposure.

Commercial-grade LED patio lights are rated for 25,000–50,000 hours of use — roughly 10–20 years of evening patio entertaining. That's why professional installations almost always specify LED over incandescent.

Yes. LED patio bulbs use 80–90% less energy than equivalent incandescent string lights. A full bistro canopy can run all evening for pennies — and run cool to the touch.

Yes. Today's commercial-grade LED filament bulbs in a 2200K–2700K warm white render the same golden, romantic glow as classic Edison bulbs — without the heat, fragility, or energy bill.

2200K–2700K (warm white / amber) is the sweet spot for patio, café, and bistro lighting. It produces the inviting golden glow people associate with luxury outdoor dining. Cooler temperatures look harsh and clinical outdoors.

Yes — when paired with the right driver and dimmer. Patio Lighting Pros installs dimmable LED systems with outdoor-rated dimmers and switches so you can dial in the perfect ambiance for any occasion.

Yes. We offer remote-control timers that let you turn your patio lights on and off from inside your home. Some homeowners also choose smart plugs, which allow you to control the lights from your smartphone, set schedules, and manage everything with the convenience of an app.

Yes. String lights can be installed over a deck using existing mounting points like your home, pergola, garage, or nearby trees. If additional support is needed, we can install decorative metal posts set in concrete footings. Every layout is customized to fit your deck and create a warm inviting glow while keeping the lighting clean, secure, and professionally installed.

Yes. Overhead string lights are one of the most transformative upgrades for any deck. We mount to the house, posts, or freestanding poles depending on the layout and create taut, level runs that feel intentional.

Yes. Patio Lighting Pros installs commercial patio lighting for restaurants, breweries, hotels, country clubs, and event venues across Chicagoland — using commercial-grade components, code-compliant power, and clean architectural layouts.

Commercial patio lighting uses heavier-gauge wiring, higher-output bulbs, code-compliant circuits, and durable hardware engineered for daily use. Residential systems are similarly built but typically smaller in scale and switching.

Yes. We install restaurant patio lighting across Chicago, the North Shore, and the western suburbs — including Park Ridge, Wilmette, Evanston, Glenview, Northbrook, and Schaumburg.

Patio string lights require very little maintenance when installed professionally. We recommend a quick visual check a few times a year to make sure everything looks secure and is performing properly. Occasionally a bulb may need replacement, but commercial-grade systems are designed for long-term outdoor use and typically provide years of reliable enjoyment with minimal upkeep.

If a bulb burns out, the rest of the patio lights typically stay on. Commercial-grade string lighting is designed so one bulb going out doesn't affect the entire run. Replacing a bulb is quick and simple, and we're always here to help if you ever need service or replacement bulbs.

Yes. Patio Lighting Pros stands behind both our workmanship and the quality of the products we install. Our patio lighting systems are professionally installed for long-term durability, and we're here to support you if anything needs attention after the installation.

Most residential patio lighting installations are completed in a single day. Larger backyards, multi-zone designs, and commercial restaurant projects may take 1–3 days. We confirm the schedule in your quote.

Most Patio Lighting Pros projects are designed, quoted, and installed within 1–3 weeks. Peak spring and summer scheduling can extend that — booking your free consultation early in the season locks in the best dates.

The best outdoor entertaining lighting layers warm overhead string lights for ambiance, accent lighting on plants and architecture for depth, and dimmable controls so the mood can shift from dinner to late-night gathering.

Yes. Overhead patio lighting visually defines an outdoor room, creates a sense of ceiling, and draws the eye outward — making backyards, decks, and patios feel noticeably larger and more usable after dark.

It can. Professionally installed patio lighting helps showcase outdoor living spaces and adds warmth, charm, and curb appeal after dark. A beautifully lit patio can make the backyard feel more inviting and help potential buyers picture themselves enjoying the space, which can leave a strong first impression.

If you're in Chicago, the North Shore, or the surrounding suburbs — yes. Patio Lighting Pros serves 38+ Chicagoland communities including Arlington Heights, Glenview, Northbrook, Park Ridge, Barrington, Buffalo Grove, Highland Park, Wilmette, Winnetka, Evanston, and Schaumburg.