Use Old Wood Pallets To Hide Your Outdoor Trash Cans With A Clever DIY Solution
Trash cans are necessary to keep our homes and streets clean, but that doesn't make them pleasant to look at. Cleaning your trash can can help keep it looking neat, but it only does so much. Some people prefer to keep them out of sight until it's time to set them out for pick up. If you want to hide yours but don't have a ton of supplies, there's a DIY solution for you. All you need is a stack of old wood pallets, a hammer and nails or drill and screws, and potentially a pry bar to take the pallets apart. You may also want a saw to cut boards if the pallets aren't quite the right size, hinges and handles to create doors and decorative supplies like paint and sandpaper.
The boards from the pallets can be used to build a box or shelter around your trash cans, shielding them from view. One of the main benefits of using pallets is how affordable they are, and you can even find free wood pallets in your community. Depending on the exact style you want, you can leave the pallets whole or disassemble them. If you prefer, you can leave the front of the box open, so that the cans can be rolled in and out easily. However, this also leaves your trash cans exposed if the front is facing a high traffic area. Adding simple doors to the front and top will give you easy access to your trash cans while also covering them.
Building your pallet trash can cover
Start by measuring the area you need to cover and flattening the ground so the box has a level place to stand. Your box will need to be large enough for your trash and recycle bins to comfortably fit into, with a little extra space just in case. If there's an overhang that would prevent a lid from opening, you can leave the top open or give it a solid top and remove your bins whenever you need to use them. Once you have your measurements, disassemble the pallets. The longer pieces can be used for the support posts at the corners, although you could use other scrap wood.
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Add boards between your posts, leaving the front and top open. You can also add boards to the bottom for the bins to sit on. For your lid and door, measure the available space, then cut boards to the correct length and attach them to each other. Add your hinges connecting it to the box, as well as handles. If open space is too large, create a door frame by adding extra boards to the edges of the empty face. Test everything to ensure you can access and remove your bins. Sand down rough edges, and add your decorative elements. Paint and stain are simple options, but you could also add planters or carve designs into the side. To help protect your new trash can cover from the elements, you should seal the old wood pallets.