If you have some leftover decorations on your hands, don’t make the common mistake of throwing them in the bin – there are tons of ways you can turn them into something new and beautiful.
When it came to updating it Garden designMy partner found a lot of spare decking that wasn’t being used, so he decided to turn it into a bamboo planter – saving the cost of buying it, as well as a trip to the recycling center.
Keep reading to find out how you can recreate this idea at home—plus five other ways to upcycle your decking.
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How do I make a planter with leftover decking?
If you are willing to give this Garden idea Go ahead, here’s a step-by-step guide to follow:
What will you need?
UV- and tear-resistant, this fleece acts as a barrier against weeds and works well in plantings.
This exterior-grade plywood is durable and moisture-resistant – The perfect choice for outdoor DIY projects.
Made from recycled polyethylene, this damp-proof membrane is essential for lining the sides and back of your planter.
Instructions
1. Create a frame
“We built a frame using 2×2 treated wooden uprights that were left over from building the house. The corners were screwed together, making sure they stopped about 60mm short of the planned height so that the soil would eventually cover the top. We then screwed the decking board planks into the frame, the decking gap Spasek explained,” he explained.
2. Support your planter if necessary
If the fence behind your planter is thin or fragile, you can add some waterproof plywood to the back of your planter. My partner used some marine plywood he had left over.
3. Add damp-proofing and drainage
“We then lined the sides and back with a black plastic damp-proof membrane and laid black horticultural fleece (terum) over the base for drainage. Because it sat directly on the deck, water could flow away through the boards,” he continues.
“We had already put terum under the deck to prevent plants from growing through the gaps in the boards and had some left over. We then added some rubble to the base for drainage, so we needed less compost or topsoil.”
My partner chose to fill his planter with tall bamboo to hide the ugly brick wall, but there are many other ways it can be used, such as Zoning the garden with separator.
If you also decide to fill it with bamboo, Lotte Berendsen, a plant expert Plantinoffers a word of caution: “As bamboo can grow quite tall, it is prone to becoming top-heavy and falling over. A square, low container can help balance the weight and keep your bamboo on its feet! You can also add rocks or pebbles to the bottom of the container to help add weight and stability.”
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Lotte is a botany enthusiast from the Netherlands with years of research, teaching and personal experience caring for 200+ house plants.
What else can I make with leftover decking?
1. Bench or picnic table: Every garden needs a beautiful place to sit and eat, and decking is the perfect material to create a bench or picnic table with a rustic outdoor feel.
2. Bin Store: If you’re looking for Consider wheelie bin storageA wood shed is an effective way to keep them out of sight – and this can easily be made with leftover decking.
3. Compost bin: Spare decking can also be used to make your own compost bin to fit your garden perfectly. Put your food scraps in, and you’ll have nutrient-rich soil in four months – perfect compost for you. Vegetation patch.
4. Garden Bar: My family used leftover decorations to create their dream outdoor space Get a home barIts use for both raised platforms and structural parts.
5. Storage Box: If space doesn’t allow for a shed or outhouse, an outdoor storage box can come in handy for hiding tools, cushions and general clutter. Just remember to line it with a waterproof layer and allow for drainage and ventilation.
6. Log Store: Instead of splashing out on one Best log storesYou can make your own using scrap pieces of decking.
With so many ways to recycle this valuable building material, it would be a real shame to see it go to waste when it has so much potential.
For more inspiration, browse through these Small garden ideas on a budgetOr read our expert guide How to make a garden room.
