DIY Arlo Camera Mounting Hacks: Creative and Secure Installations

A sturdy, well-placed mount is the foundation of any effective Arlo security setup. But beyond the standard wall bracket, there are clever, budget-friendly ways to install your cameras that blend seamlessly into your home’s aesthetics, keep them out of mischief, and ensure optimal coverage. In this guide, we’ll explore unconventional mounting hacks, weatherproofing tips, and low-cost alternatives that give your Arlo cameras both personality and protection.

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1. Why Mounting Matters

• Optimal Field of View: A proper mount ensures your camera covers its intended area—doorway, driveway, backyard—without blind spots.

• Tamper Resistance: Cameras within reach can be nudged, stolen, or knocked out of alignment. Elevating or disguising mounts reduces that risk.

• Weather Protection: Even rugged Arlo models can benefit from extra shielding against wind, rain, and direct sunlight.

• Clean Aesthetics: A DIY mount that matches your home’s style avoids the “stick-on” look and blends the camera into its surroundings.

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2. Creative Mounting Locations & Hardware Alternatives

2.1 Under Eaves or Overhangs

• Why It Works: Mounting beneath a roofline keeps the camera sheltered from rain while still allowing a wide viewing angle.

• Hardware Hack: Use a slim L-bracket (available at any hardware store) and a small plastic junction box cover (to disguise the wires).

  1. Screw the L-bracket into the underside of the eave.

  2. Affix the camera’s magnetic or screw-in base to the bracket.

  3. Run the low-voltage cable (if using a wired Arlo) through a small ½” hole in the eave, sealing around it with silicone.

  4. Snap the junction box cover over the hole to create a cleaner look.

Pro Tip: Paint the bracket and junction-cover the same color as your eaves so the entire mount “disappears” at a glance.

2.2 Inside Faux Birdhouses or Lanterns

• Why It Works: These decorative housings protect from the elements, deter curious hands, and match garden or porch décor.

• DIY Steps for Birdhouse Mount:

  1. Choose a birdhouse with an open “front” or a hinged perch door.

  2. Drill a small hole at the back just large enough for the Arlo’s power cable.

  3. Attach a small metal mounting plate (magnetic Arlo mount or 3M command strip base) to the inside ceiling of the birdhouse.

  4. Place the camera inside, adjusting the tilt so its lens peers through the front opening.

  5. Affix the birdhouse to a tree trunk or fence post with a cradle bracket or heavy-duty zip ties.

• Lantern Mount:

  1. Find a wide-enough lantern (glass or metal) with a removable bottom or hinged door.

  2. Mount the Arlo on a mini adjustable tripod plate or self-tapping screw inside, aiming the lens through a glass pane.

  3. Use a weatherproof silicone “goop” to seal any tiny gaps around the camera to prevent rain ingress.

  4. Hang the lantern from a porch beam using a sturdy S-hook or bracket.

Pro Tip: For added camouflage, insert a small solar-powered faux candle under the camera so, at night, the flickering glow conceals the lens’ red LEDs from casual observers.

2.3 Gutter-Clamp Mount

• Why It Works: Avoid drilling into brick or stucco by clamping onto an existing gutter—ideal for renters or heritage homes.

• Hardware Hack: Use a “stainless steel gutter bracket” or “pipe clamp” sized to fit your gutter’s downspout or edge.

  1. Secure the U-shaped metal clamp around the gutter lip or downspout.

  2. Attach a short length of scrap ½” PVC pipe (about 3–4 inches) to the clamp using a hose clamp or heavy-duty zip tie.

  3. Drill a small hole in the PVC end cap (to feed the cable) and fasten the Arlo’s magnetic mount to the PVC pipe cap using an adhesive-backed steel plate.

  4. Snap the camera onto the magnet. Adjust tilt so the lens points at your desired monitoring area.

Pro Tip: Paint the PVC pipe to match the gutter color so it stays visually unobtrusive. Tighten the clamp every few months—temperature changes can cause slight slippage over time.

2.4 Fence-Post Adapter

• Why It Works: Mounting to a fence post or gatepost is ideal for monitoring driveways, side yards, or pool areas without invasive drilling.

• DIY Steps:

  1. Acquire a piece of ¾” plywood (6″ × 6″) and cut it into a symmetrical circle or square just large enough to cover the post’s face.

  2. Drill four small holes in the corners (or circumference) for wood screws.

  3. Pre-paint the plywood to match the fence color; seal edges with exterior paint or wood sealant.

  4. Fasten the painted plywood plate to the post using exterior-grade screws.

  5. Attach the Arlo’s standard mount to the plywood plate—either via magnetic adapter or the included screws.

  6. Run the power cable (if needed) discreetly along the post using paintable cable clips.

Pro Tip: If mounting on a round post, cut the plywood into a wedge shape to match the curve—this ensures a flush, secure fit.

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3. Weatherproofing & Concealment Techniques

3.1 Silicone Sealant for Cable Pass-throughs

• Why It Matters: Even Arlo’s weather-resistant cameras can leak at entry points, leading to moisture on sensors or internal electronics.

• Technique:

  1. After drilling any holes for cables, clear debris and dry the surrounding surface.

  2. Use a high-quality, outdoor-rated silicone caulk (paintable, mildew resistant).

  3. Apply a generous bead around the cable where it penetrates wood, siding, or metal.

  4. Smooth the caulk with a damp finger or a caulking tool for a neat finish.

Pro Tip: Run a small bead of caulk along the back edge of any mount to prevent rainwater from seeping between the bracket and wall.

3.2 UV-Resistant Covers & Paint

• Why It Matters: Plastic mounts and decorative housings can discolor or crack under direct sunlight over time.

• Technique:

  1. Choose a UV-resistant spray paint (exterior grade) that matches your home’s trim.

  2. Paint any exposed plastic parts—L-brackets, PVC mounts, decorative housings—spray in light, even coats.

  3. Let each coat dry fully (per manufacturer instructions) before applying the next.

Pro Tip: Pick a color that blends into foliage (forest green or dark brown) if you’re mounting near trees; this reduces detection by uninvited eyes.

3.3 DIY Rain Hoods

• Why It Matters: Even though Arlo cameras are rated for outdoor use, heavy driving rain or snow can occasionally interfere with motion sensors or obscure the lens.

• DIY Steps:

  1. Take a small, clear plastic awning (available in mini sizes from hardware stores) or repurpose a sturdy plastic food container lid.

  2. Attach it above the camera with a slim bracket or adhesive-backed metal strip, creating a “roof” that extends 2–3 inches beyond the lens.

  3. Angle the hood slightly downward so rain drips off rather than pooling on top.

  4. Seal any gaps where the hood meets the camera body or mount with clear weather-stripping tape to keep out drafts.

Pro Tip: Add a tiny bead of automotive-grade silicone along the hood’s edges. This prevents wind-driven rain from sneaking in under the lip.

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4. Low-Cost Mounting Materials & Where to Find Them

• PVC Pipe & Caps: Available at any home-improvement store. Cut to length and paint to match your siding.

• Stainless Steel Hose Clamps: In plumbing sections—reusable and rust-proof; ideal for clamps around downspouts or handrails.

• 3M Command Outdoor Strips: If you absolutely cannot drill, heavy-duty outdoor Command strips hold up to 4 lb and remove cleanly when needed (best for temporary or rented properties).

• Metal Junction Box Covers: Under $5 apiece; perfect for hiding wires where they enter walls.

• Plastic Birdhouses & Mini Lanterns: Check craft stores or dollar stores—look for hinged fronts that let you tuck the camera discreetly inside.

• Spray Paint & Sealants: Exterior, all-weather formulations—available in matching trim colors.

Pro Tip: Keep a small “mounting kit” bag: a roll of silicone caulk, a tube of touch-up paint, cable clips, and a multi-bit screwdriver. Having these on hand makes on-the-fly adjustments quick and painless.

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5. Step-by-Step Example: Mounting an Arlo Pro 4 Under a Deck Railing

1. Select Location: Choose a railing slat that provides a clear, unobstructed view of the backyard entrance.

2. Gather Materials: L-bracket (3″ × 3″), stainless steel hose clamp, short PVC pipe (3″ length, ½” diameter), clear silicone caulk, paintable cable clips.

3. Paint Components: Use dark-brown spray paint to match the deck railing. Let everything dry for 24 hours.

4. Install L-Bracket: Tighten the hose clamp around the underside of the top railing plank. Slip the L-bracket’s vertical edge into the clamp before tightening fully.

5. Attach PVC Section: Drill a ½” hole into the PVC cap, then screw the cap onto the PVC piece. Drill a ⅛” hole through the PVC sidewall for the mounting screw.

6. Fasten Camera Base: Screw the Arlo Pro 4’s magnetic mounting plate onto the PVC cap. Apply a small bead of silicone around the seam.

7. Position Camera: Slide the camera onto the magnetic plate. Adjust tilt so it covers the entire backyard gate.

8. Manage Cables: If plugged into a solar panel or power source, run the cable along the railing underside using cable clips—keeping it taut to avoid sagging.

9. Seal & Test: Seal any drilled holes with silicone. Power on the camera, check live view in the Arlo app, and confirm there are no blind spots.

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6. Maintenance & Periodic Checks

1. Quarterly Tightening: Temperature fluctuations can loosen clamps and screws. Every three months, gently tug on your mounts—if anything shifts, tighten screws, clamps, or brackets.

2. Lens & Hood Cleaning: Wipe away dust, pollen, or insect debris with a micro-fiber cloth. Inspect the rain hood and trim any trapped cobwebs or leaves.

3. Check for Wear: Look for cracked PVC, corroded clamps, or faded paint. Replace or re-paint as needed to maintain durability and camouflage.

4. Verify Alignment: Shrubs, tree branches, or new construction may alter your camera’s view. Briefly switch to live view and ensure the coverage still captures everything you intended.

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7. Final Thoughts

A polished DIY mount not only improves your Arlo camera’s functionality but also keeps it secure and visually integrated into your home’s design. By using readily available materials—PVC pipe, hose clamps, L-brackets, and repurposed birdhouses—you achieve professional-looking installations without hiring a contractor. Whether you’re renting and can’t drill into walls, or simply love the satisfaction of crafting your own solutions, these mounting hacks ensure that your Arlo system stays high, dry, and on point, 24/7.

Ready to get creative? Gather your supplies, measure twice (for perfect alignment), and craft a mounting solution that truly elevates your Arlo setup—both literally and figuratively. Your home will thank you with flawless coverage, and you’ll save money while adding a personal touch to your security setup.