Recycling an Old Wooden Door

Melanie
by Melanie
8 Materials
$8
4 Hours
Easy

One of my favorite pastimes when I travel north to go home is going to the local dump. A joke among my family, as any day it's open I'm there. It amazes me the things people just discard. I figure I'm doing my part at reducing the landfill waste by bringing these items home. That's what I tell my husband. Lol...

On one of my trips I found this amazing old wooden door that I fell in love with, so naturally it came home with me.

Here is my door. Isn't it a beauty? It was quite large but I was determined to make something with it. I originally wanted to make a cabinet and use the door but unfortunately the smell from this door was unfit to be indoors. I had left it outside to try and air it out but it was ingrained in the wood. So back to the drawing board as they say. I decided to use it outside in my mom's garden.

First step was to sand off the loose stain using my hand sander.

Here is my door sanded. It has beautiful wood grain throughout, but the wood was rotted in places.

Next step was to paint. Normally I would have bought a stain but to save a few dollars I decided to use this can of spray paint I had on hand that can be used on wood.

I gave it two light coats of paint . You can't see it well in the picture but the wood grain is still showing through in a grey color.

Next step was to build a support for my door. I used a 2x4 I had left from another project.

It was cut into 4 pieces.

Next it was time to attach the wood to the bottom of the door. I used my cordless drill and 2 inch wood screws. I attached two to the front and two to the back.

I had theses shelf brackets so I added them to the back for extra support.

Here is what it looked like when finished.

Using this large hook I screwed it into the top of the opening in the door.

Next I took an s hook and placed it through the hook attached to the door. The hook is for a hanging basket. Next it is time to add to the garden.

Here is my door with my hanging basket added.

I love how this door turned out. It's the perfect addition to the flower garden and didn't cost me anything to make as I used material I already had .

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  3 questions
  • Kathy Kathy on Jul 17, 2022

    How long were the 2x4’s?

  • Diana Deiley Diana Deiley on Jul 18, 2022

    Add me to the list. I love it. Not only is it pretty, but it is also 'reuse and renew' and a beautiful color to boot. Had you thought of screwing on metal rebar to secure into the ground? Rebar will help stand it up vertically and prevent from falling over in a high wind. I absolutely love the color! Thanks for sharing your great project.

  • Pegi♥️ Pegi♥️ on Jul 25, 2022

    Such a neat idea!!!! And it adds such “class” to that garden!! And where do u stop now?? U need a water fountain .etc !!! Jus keep adding!!!!

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  • Diana Deiley Diana Deiley on Nov 20, 2022

    Using two/three 18" or 24" metal rods, measure down 9" and secure each rod to the door with two metal u-clamps for each rod. Then secure the exposed rods into the ground holding up the door. If all else fails, screw 3 wooden stakes onto the back of the door and secure the exposed stakes into the ground. Just a thought .....

  • Diana Deiley Diana Deiley on Nov 21, 2022

    I love your creation and looking to pick up a door at Habitat. I think it will add a special touch to my garden area along the carport. You have inspired me! Keep up the wonderful work. Have a blessed holiday.

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