How to Build a Pretty Filing Cabinet Planter | Easy Furniture Upcycle
Do you have an old filing cabinet lying around? Instead of throwing it away, why not repurpose it into a stunning filing cabinet planter?
This project is perfect for anyone who loves gardening and furniture upcycle projects.
Follow along as I transform an unused piece of office furniture into a beautiful filing cabinet garden planter.
This post was transcribed by a member of the Hometalk editorial team from the original HometalkTV episode.
Tools and Materials:
Hometalk may receive a small affiliate commission from purchases made via Amazon links in this article but at no cost to you.
1. Prepare the Filing Cabinet
First, remove the heavy drawers from your filing cabinet. You can save these for another project. Discard any unnecessary metal pieces.
Turn the cabinet over and use the back of your hammer to create drain holes in the bottom. This is an excellent stress-relief activity!
2. Prime the Cabinet
With the filing cabinet now lighter, turn it back over and start priming it. Use a gray primer instead of white, as it covers rust marks more effectively.
Apply the primer evenly and let it dry.
3. Build the Trellis Frame
Cut the timber into the desired lengths for your framed trellis.
Use a Kreg jig to create pocket holes in the boards. These holes will hide the screws, making your structure strong and visually appealing.
Next, lay out your boards for the frame.
You'll need three boards to create the width of the frame. The trellis will attach to the top, and the cabinet will attach to the bottom.
These wooden pieces we're using in the center will give the necessary support for attaching everything securely.
Assemble the trellis frame by screwing the boards together.
4. Attach the Trellis
Lay out the vinyl trellis and measure it to match the width of the frame.
Cut it to size with a jigsaw.
Attach the trellis to the wooden frame using staples. For additional strength, you can use screws, but staples should suffice.
Then, I need to attach the cabinet to the frame.
Pre-drill some holes and screw it in to hold everything securely in place.
5. Paint the Planter
It's time to paint! Use quality outdoor paint and a paint sprayer for a smooth finish.
Spray the cabinet and trellis evenly.
Make sure to apply two coats of paint for better coverage, especially if using white paint.
6. Add Filler and Plants
Place the cabinet in your desired location and fill it with pine shavings or other suitable filler.
The drain holes will help excess water escape.
Finally, plant your chosen plants in the filing cabinet planter box and fill around the edges with more pine shavings.
Ready for your next planter project?
Hometalk Recommends!
Steps to Build a Filing Cabinet Planter Box
This filing cabinet planter is a perfect example of how furniture upcycle can bring new life to old items. It is a fantastic way to add a unique touch to your garden.
Have you tried this project? Let us know how it went and share your results in the comments below!
Comments
Join the conversation
-
Very pretty! I could see 1 or 2 of those on our deck. Thanks for sharing.
-
That looks great! I don’t have all the tools, or a filing cabinet, but I think this is so clever. Well done! 🍃🌱
Frequently asked questions
Have a question about this project?