TL;DR
Get furniture and decor delivered free with Prime
- Fast, free delivery on millions of items
- Prime Video, Amazon Music and more included
- Member-only deals all year
A Hunker report describes a DIY from YouTube channel Glue Guns & Roses that raises Dollar Tree outdoor solar lights on painted wooden dowels. The report estimates the materials cost at under $5 per light; durability, performance and current store prices are not independently verified.
A DIY highlighted by Hunker uses painted wooden dowels to raise Dollar Tree outdoor solar lights, offering a low-cost way to change their height and appearance. The report, which credits the YouTube channel Glue Guns & Roses with the idea, estimates that each finished light costs less than $5 using the cited prices.
The project calls for one dowel per light, a solar light and spray paint. Hunker cites Dollar Tree solar lights at around $1.50 each and a Hello Hobby wood dowel at $0.78, then estimates the finished cost at under $5 per light. Those are the prices in the report, not a guarantee of current availability or pricing.
For the basic version, the dowel should be narrower than the opening in the light’s stake so the fixture can sit on top of it. The report suggests painting the dowel black to match traditional light stakes and choosing outdoor spray paint that offers protection against rain and humidity. It cites Rust-Oleum Painter’s Touch 2X Ultra Cover as one option.
Hunker’s instructions say to allow the painted dowel at least 20 minutes to dry before placing it in the ground. Insert at least one-third of its length for stability, and soften hard ground with water if needed. The light’s open-bottom stake then fits over the dowel; the instructions say no adhesive is needed when the pieces fit together. The source does not provide measurements for dowel length or diameter.
A Low-Cost Way to Raise Garden Lights
The appeal is a change in height and style without replacing the solar fixtures. Raising lights can make them more visible along a path or among plantings, while paint allows the supports to match or contrast with the surrounding landscape. Hunker suggests placing them in clusters, at intervals along a walkway, or around the yard.
The reported price estimate may help readers decide whether the project fits a small landscaping budget, but it depends on the cited product prices and on having paint available. The article does not report testing of brightness, battery life, weather resistance or long-term stability, so the DIY should be treated as a decorative modification rather than a proven performance upgrade.
Products Worth Considering
Philips Hue Large Smart Light Tube, Black – White and Color Ambiance LED Color-Changing Light – 1 Pack
Philips Hue Festavia Globe Outdoor String Lights, 32 Bulbs, 91 ft
Philips Hue Secure Wired Video Doorbell, 2K, Black
As an affiliate, we earn on qualifying purchases.
How the Dowels Change the Fixture
Typical stake-style solar lights place the lamp close to the ground. In the project described by Hunker, the dowel acts as an extension: it is pushed into the soil, and the existing light stake slips over its exposed end. This changes the fixture’s height without requiring a new lamp or a permanent connection between the parts.
The report also describes variations beyond a black support. The dowels can be painted bright colors, and Glue Guns & Roses is credited with turning stemless glasses upside down over solar lights for a more decorative display. These are styling ideas presented by the source, not tested recommendations for every light design or outdoor condition.
“Each light costs less than $5 to make.”
— Hunker
Fit, Weather Resistance and Current Prices
The report does not specify the dowel’s required length, diameter or wood type beyond saying it must be narrower than the light stake. The fit may differ among solar light models, so buyers should check the opening before purchasing materials. It is also unclear how the assembly performs in strong wind, very wet soil or over extended periods outdoors.
Hunker provides no independent test results for the paint’s durability, the light’s operation after modification, or the finished fixture’s lifespan. The prices cited are not confirmed as current, and product availability may change. Readers should follow the paint manufacturer’s directions, use spray paint in a well-ventilated area, and keep it away from flames while applying it.
Check the Fit Before Building
Anyone considering the project can first compare the dowel’s diameter with the opening in the solar light stake and check that the chosen paint is labeled for outdoor use. After painting and allowing the stated drying time, place the dowel in suitable soil and confirm the light sits securely before arranging other fixtures.
No follow-up testing or further development is identified in the supplied report. Actual costs, fit and performance will depend on the light model, local material prices, soil and exposure to weather.
Key Questions
What materials does the solar-light DIY require?
The project uses one wooden dowel per light, a Dollar Tree solar light and spray paint. The dowel must be narrower than the opening in the light’s stake; the source does not give a specific size.
How much does each upgraded light cost?
Hunker estimates less than $5 per light, citing lights at around $1.50 and a dowel at $0.78. The estimate may not reflect current prices, local availability or the cost of buying a full can of paint.
Do the dowel and solar light need to be glued together?
The instructions say no adhesive is needed if the dowel fits inside the light stake. Because the report gives no measurements, check the fit with the specific light before building.
How deep should the dowel go into the ground?
Hunker recommends placing at least one-third of the dowel below ground for stability. It suggests wetting hard ground to soften it, but does not report testing the setup in different soils or weather conditions.
Source: hunker.com
