Introduction
Solar pathway lights are undoubtedly the best way to brighten your landscapes with minimum requirements. So, today we’re going to show you how to build a perfect solar light pathway using wooden boards.
It’s a fun and interesting DIY project for those who’re looking for building a wooden solar light pole themselves.
Preparation
Materials
Here are what you’re going to need for this project:
- Solar light – URPOWER 2-in-1 Waterproof. We find it a really good product at its price point. Of course, you can use others if they suit you better.
- Wooden boards: Wood for solar light pole doesn’t need to be so durable. You can use several pieces of cedar.
- 1 x 2 wooden boards – We’ll call them the “A board” throughout this guide.
- 1 x 6 wood boards – We’ll call them the “B board” throughout this guide.
- 1 1/2 inch nails – for securing the boards.
- Adhesive caulk – for preventing any leakage.
Tools
- Pneumatic nail gun (you can use a normal hammer instead)
- Tape measure
- Speed square
- Drill / driver
- Miter saw
- Jigsaw
List of Cuts
- A side – 2x 13¾ inches in length
- B front – 1x 19¼ inches in length
- B back – 1x 25½ inches in length
- B light shade – 2x 7 inches in length
- B top – 1 x 7 inches in length
Execution
Step 1: Mark the spikes
You can use the list of cuts above to cut your boards and find more instruction here. On the B back and B front boards, draw a 5½-inches line from the bottom border of the boards. Mark a 45° line from one corner of the board to the opposite edge. At the same time, draw a similar line on the second board facing the opposite direction. Make sure to do it properly because it will help your wooden solar light stand strong and firm.
Step 2: Cut the parts
Set your miter saw to 45° and begin to cut throw the two marked line on both boards. This will create the spikes that help your solar light stands firmly on the ground.
Step 3: Cut the shades
On the first B light shade board, use the ruler to mark a spot that is 1.5 inches from the bottom on the longer edge. Draw a line from the opposite corner to create a trapezium. Do the same with the other board.
Use a miter saw and cut through the marked line. Make sure they look identical.
Step 4: Put on the sides
Set the two A Side boards up with them facing each other in parallel. Place the B Front board on top of the two then adjust them until the top and side edges are flush. Use the pneumatic nail gun and attach the sides using 1¼ -inches nails. Make sure you keep the board secured during the process to prevent any shifts.
Step 5: Attach the back
With the attached boards, place them on the table with the exposed side on top. Adjust the B back board on top of it until it runs flush. Use your pneumatic nail gun and secure the back board on top of it. If done correctly, the spikes should have the same length and pointy tops.
Step 6: Attach the light shade boards
Place the B Light Shade board on the assembly with its edges attached to the B back board, the B front board, and the A side board. It could get really tricky to clamping the board, so we suggest you ask someone to hold it for you.
Then use the pneumatic nail gun to secure the boards together. Do the same thing with the other B light shade board and make sure the two match each other.
Step 7: Customize the light
For solar lights with spikes like the one we’re using, you would want to get rid of the spike since we’ve already had a wooden one. You can also keep it if you plan to install it somewhere else in the future. Again, this is entirely optional.
Step 8: Mark the solar panel
You need to install the solar panel on top of the board to make sure it receives maximum sunlight. First, place the solar panel on the B top board and use the pencil to mark it.
Step 9: Make a hole
Use the drill to create a hole in each corner of the marked rectangle. Then use your jigsaw and cut through the wood.
Step 10: Install the light
Slide the solar panel through the hole and apply the caulk around it to glue it to the board. You can use the masking tape to secure it while finishing the jobs.
Step 11: Attach the top board
With everything installed, place the B top board on top of the solar light. Adjust until it runs flush with the other board then use the pneumatic nail gun to secure it. Finally, apply glue or caulk on the edges to prevent any leakage.
Step 12: Install the fixtures
With our given instruction, you would want to make more of these wooden holes for your solar light pathway. Depending on what type of pathway and how long it is, you can make a certain number of this. Ideally, the right thumb rule is that each light should be six to eight feet apart. Also, remember to recharge the battery first before installing your solar light.
Final Thoughts
The idea of making a wooden solar light pole is quite tempting. It would give your garden or patio a unique appearance that can’t be found anywhere. But it is also tough and time-consuming. So, make sure you’re interested in doing it and has the time and money for it. Otherwise, a normal solar light pathway would be a more reasonable solution.