How To Build an Affordable DIY Trash Can Enclosure Using Pallets

Mitch Couch
by Mitch Couch

Is your front yard marred by the unsightly presence of your garbage can? Don't worry; I have an affordable and creative pallet wood project to hide outdoor trash cans.


In this step-by-step guide, I'll walk you through the process of concealing outdoor waste bins while enhancing your home's curb appeal.


This post was transcribed by a member of the Hometalk editorial team from the original HometalkTV episode.

Tools and Materials:

  • Pallets
  • Two-by-threes or two-by-fours
  • Screws
  • Reciprocal saw
  • Sandpaper
  • Brad nails
  • Decorative elements like vines or pictures
How to build a pallet trash can enclosure

1. Preparing the Pallets

Begin by placing pallets on either side of your outdoor trash bin.

Trash can enclosure DIY

Ensure the two pallets are squared up and the sides are stable.

Affordable trash can cover for better curb appeal

Make sure to leave enough space between the trash bin and pallets so you can easily move the bin in and out without it rubbing against the pallets.

Cut planks for railings

2. Crafting the Railings

To support the pallet lid we are going to create railings using two-by-threes or two-by-fours.

Wooden pallet project for garbage cans

Measure about seven and a half inches down from the top of each pallet to mark where the railings will go.

Attach railings to the pallet

Secure them with screws, keeping in mind that not many screws are required due to the lightweight nature of the structure.

Cut a pallet to create the lid of the structure

3. Creating a Trash Can Cover

Use a reciprocal saw to make three precise cuts on a less desirable pallet, which will serve as the top of your enclosure.

DIY outdoor garbage can storage using pallets

You can sand it down for a polished look but I kept it as is.


Place the lid on top of the railings and secured it with screws.

Step-by-step guide to hiding garbage cans with pallets

4. Frame the Opening

To give your enclosure a finished appearance, attach old fence pallets (I used redwood) to the top and sides.

Framing the pallet wood enclosure

Only a few brad nails are needed to hold them in place, as the structure is not heavy.

Concealing outdoor waste bins

5. Final Touches and Decoration

With the enclosure assembled, it's time to add your personal touch. Decorate it with vines, pictures, or any other creative elements that suit your style.


Discover more outdoor pallet projects

Learn how to upcycle pallets for creative projects like a poolside towel rail in this clever tutorial.

Outdoor garbage storage

DIY Trash Can Enclosure Tutorial

Now you can say goodbye to the eyesore of your garbage can and hello to improved curb appeal with this DIY trash enclosure project.

Pallet wood project: Hide outdoor trash cans

Feel free to share your thoughts and ideas in the comments below. I'd love to hear about your experiences with this project and any additional creative ideas for concealing trash cans in the front yard you may have.


Happy building!

Frequently asked questions
Have a question about this project?
  1 question
  • Patty Patty on Sep 06, 2023
    This hides the can nicely, but do you have to pull it out every time you need to put trash in?
Comments
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2 of 6 comments
  • Tam Tam on Sep 06, 2023
    Really pretty...would like to see a pic of it from a distance...
  • Valari Valari on Sep 06, 2023
    Wish I could, but my brother burnt the house down and it was right off back door.
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