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D.I.Y. outdoor rope chandelier with solar lights

By Bunnings magazine /

Outdoor setting with the focal being on the DIY lighting fixture

Overview

This outdoor rope chandelier is created with two plywood rings (a large one to support the cord fringe and an inner one for the solar lights) suspended from the same hook. The end result is a unique, ambient feature-piece.

Safety tip: Always wear the appropriate safety equipment (safety glasses, ear muffs and a mask, for example) and always follow the instructions for the product or equipment.

Steps

  1. 1

    Mark out circles on the plywood

    Tap a nail into the centre of a 610mm-wide sheet of plywood (at least 300mm from all sides). Tie cord to the nail, measure to 300mm and use this to mark a circle with a pencil. Mark three more circles by measuring the cord to 170mm, 150mm and 20mm from the nail. Remove the nail.

    Circles marked on a piece of plywood
  2. 2

    Cut out the circles

    Use a 10mm bit to drill through the centre as a starter hole for the jigsaw, then cut out the centre circle. Make a hole between the 170mm and 150mm circles to make both cuts, then cut the outside circle. 
    Green Bunnings hammer
    Tip: Position offcuts underneath for clearance, slowly moving the plywood to cut.
    A drill used to drill into plywood
  3. 3

    Paint the plywood circles

    Smooth around the frames with 120-grit abrasive paper and wipe away dust with a damp cloth. Use a brush to apply primer all over, including the edges, and let dry. Finish with two coats of high-gloss exterior paint, leaving to dry after each coat.

    Two circle plywood frames painted white
  4. 4

    Install screw eyes

    Use a ruler to mark the frames into thirds, pre-drilling centred holes with a 6mm bit without going all the way through. Twist in 75mm screw eyes and clip on the basket chain sets to check they hang evenly. Unclip the chain sets to complete the project.

    A person pre-drilling holes into plywood frames and installing screw eyes
  5. 5

    Drill holes around the large frame

    On the large frame, mark a line 5mm in from the outside edge, using your fingertip as a guide for the pencil. Use a 4mm bit to drill 175 holes around the mark 5mm apart. 
    Green Bunnings hammer
    Tip: Use a drill press if you have one.
    A person uses a pencil to mark a line on a white circle frame
  6. 6

    Secure the solar light box to the small frame

    On the small frame, use outdoor double-sided tape to secure a solar rope light box to the top. Wrap the lights evenly around the frame, twisting the end to hold it in place. Repeat with the second rope light and wire light sets.

    A small circle frame with a solar light box positioned inside a large circle frame
  7. 7

    Cut the cord into 500mm lengths

    Tap the nail into the workbench to hold the roll of cord, mark two points 500mm apart, then pull the cord and cut with scissors. We needed 175 lengths for our holes.

    A man cutting white cord on a timber workbench
  8. 8

    Attach the cord and chain sets to the frames

    Thread each length of cord through a hole, knotting it at the top and pulling through. Neaten the top with scissors, reattach the chain sets and hang both frames from a large plant hook. 
    Green Bunnings hammer
    Tip: Dab any frayed ends in water and twist to make a point that threads through the holes.
    White cord threaded through a circle plywood frame
  9. 9

    More outdoor D.I.Y. accessories

    Try making our hanging plant shelf. Why not opt for white braided cord and white exterior paint on the pine to match the shelf to your chandelier?

     

    Photo Credit: Belinda Merrie and Shelby George

     

    *Timbers vary by state and territory; contact your local store for further information.

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Health & Safety

Asbestos, lead-based paints and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber are health hazards you need to look out for when renovating older homes. These substances can easily be disturbed when renovating and exposure to them can cause a range of life-threatening diseases and conditions including cancer. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer or visit our Health & Safety page.

When following our advice in our D.I.Y. videos, make sure you use all equipment, including PPE, safely by following the manufacturer’s instructions. Check that the equipment is suitable for the task and that PPE fits properly. If you are unsure, hire an expert to do the job or talk to a Bunnings Team Member.