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Spring is here and readers’ interests turn to the garden and the backyard. You will be surprised what you can make from old stuff lying around in the garage. Something that you were going to throw out can be made into something useful that will liven up that boring place in the garden. Here are just a few items made from unwanted things you might throw away, perhaps you can think of more. All you need is a few simple tools and some basic DIY skills.
This cute planter is made from an old broken kid’s toy. Remember to remove any sharp edges if it is too rusty, and give it a coat of paint to liven it up.
A few simple DIY tools, some scraps of wood, and a bit of patience will give you a really useful potting table for the greenhouse.
A few spare hours and some imagination will produce this lovely little wishing well for your patio. Garden gnomes and plants love things like these.
It is so easy to produce a matching garden furniture set just by using the same kind of wood and the same wood stain.
If your garden is primarily a place to play you can build simple raised beds for vegetables from offcuts of wood
An unwanted pallet suspended from ropes will make a relaxing porch swing. Don’t forget to ask the storekeeper or truck driver before helping yourself.
Some logs and tree offcuts with suitably chosen paint can make an eye-catching and expensive looking outdoor table and stool set. Remember to remove any sharp splinters and use sandpaper to smooth the surfaces before painting.
Some offcuts of 2” x 2”, 2”x1” and plywood can make an attractive potting table. If the scallop shape on the edge of the plywood is too difficult for you, then just keep the edge straight.
Some basic woodworking skills and some lengths or wood can make a really useful picnic table. Use long bolts, washers and nuts to hold the frame together because screws won’t be strong enough.
To finish
Well, there you have it – homemade benches, chairs and more – sounds like some items that could go towards furnishing a new home pub!
You can either pay a visit to your local home improvement centre to buy some brand new wood and wood stain or use what you find cluttering up the garage or other people’s waste. You will be surprised by what other people in your neighbourhood throw away. Once you have your materials and a rough idea of what you would like to make, decide how you can use them most efficiently. You don’t need many tools to produce these items.
Most of them can be constructed using a hammer, saw, tape measure, nails, screws and a screwdriver – all things you might even have in your shed. All you need once the item is built is some appropriate paint or wood stain together with a couple of paint brushes. Remember to ask the owner if you find something discarded and want to have it. It is only polite to do so because your neighbour might have intended to build something too.
I am sure you can think of lots of other DIY garden and backyard furniture inspired by the items here. The only limit is your imagination. And DIY doesn’t have to stop at furniture either. Give your kids or grandkids something special with a homemade sledge or learn to ‘build’ something less robust like paper flowers when you convert your shed into a DIY studio.
Just make sure to keep tools safe and out of the reach of children if you do intend on imparting some DIY wisdom. Properly securing your shed can help protect not only you and your equipment but anyone who might have access to your shed!
