I used Dollar Store solar lights and landscape timbers to make a tall light feature. The landscape timbers have been around for years and years. Mine are chippy and old looking, but you could easily use new timbers and stain them. This project using cheap solar lights and used landscape timbers has my kind of price tag on it—nearly free! These are the same landscape timbers I used on my project Easy Reclaimed Landscape Timber Solar Light.
While cleaning up the backyard for an upcoming makeover, these old landscape timbers needed a new purpose.
Cut Landscape Timbers to Size
The boards were cut on my miter saw. These timbers were only about 6 feet in length. I was able to get two posts out of a couple. If you carefully calculate your cuts, you could probably get away with purchasing 3 landscape timbers for this project.
Arrange Timbers using a Bungee Cord
After cutting the timbers, I used a bungee cord to secure them while I figured out the configuration I wanted to use.
My landscape timbers were cut in the following lengths:
- 24”
- 30”
- 36”
- 42”
- 48”
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Drill countersink holes for wood screws
The key to this project is to countersink your screws. I did this by using a large drill bit, drilling a hole about 1 inch deep.
Then I secured each post using two 4” wood screws.
Resting project on the ground makes it easier to secure screws
In order to totally secure the screws, I had to lay the timbers on the driveway to get enough push on the drill.
Drill holes with paddle bit to insert Dollar Store solar lights
To make the hole to insert the Dollar Store solar light stake, I used a ¾” paddle (spade) bit. I removed the actual pointed stake that goes into the ground and only used the round tube that holds the solar light.
Display new Dollar Store Solar Light Feature in your yard
I hosed off the timbers to clean them up and make them slightly more chippy. Then I inserted the dollar store solar lights.
Embellish new light feature with a sign
But, I felt it needed a little something more. I picked up this Happy Camper birdhouse to hang on the front of the new dollar tree solar lights feature. The sweet little gal reminds me of my Vintage Cruiser Camper. There are lots of ways you could embellish this sort of light fixture for your home or patio.
I can’t wait to use this in my new backyard space! More about that coming soon. Where would you put it? Have you ever used Dollar Store solar lights?
gail
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Colette
Fabulous! I cannot wait to rope my husband and get him to help me. I think he will really like this project!
Thank you for all your time sharing your terrific ideas and creations.
Julie
Thanks Gail. I checked out your other ones too, I like the smaller one as well with the rope wrapped around it. So many ideas... so little time!
Julie
That’s nice and looks like it gives off quite a bit of light. I want to make some lighthouses but worry that the dollar store lights are not going to be long lasting. Have you had any for a few years?
Gail Wilson
I think the lights will last a long, long time. It's all about the batteries. If you replace them, I think they're great. But I'm not sure how much the batteries cost.
I saw this light on a couple of nights ago . . . https://www.myrepurposedlife.com/repurposed-floor-lamps-and-solar-lights/ (the last one shown, lit and unlit) It's still running. I'm pretty sure I got that light at Walmart. It's been 4.5 years!
I just bought some solar twinkly lights for my new backyard space I'm working on. It's amazing how many solar light options there are these days!
gail
Susan Bartenfeld
AWESOME idea!!! I soooo want to do this!!! I think I will, but, on a much smaller scale. I live in an apartment and just have a small outdoor space. I'll send pics of mine...thank you so much for the inspiration!!!
Gail Wilson
Be sure to check out this project! It's probably more of what you need. 🙂 https://www.myrepurposedlife.com/easy-reclaimed-landscape-timber-solar-light/
have fun!
gail