I went based on the reviews and everything was spot on! One strand is definitely enough for our backyard patio. We have an area with two large sails over our patio furniture and behind is a stone wall with recessed lighting and 2 lamps. It provided some light but we wanted a little more. My husband strung these lights in front of the sails and wrapped the cords around the 2 beams that hold the sails up and it provided just enough light that we were looking for!