Easy Reclaimed Landscape Timber Solar Light

Looking for a simple way to brighten up your outdoor space with a touch of rustic charm? This easy solar light project is the perfect weekend DIY! By repurposing reclaimed landscape timbers, you can create a one-of-a-kind yard accent that’s both functional and full of character. Whether you’re lighting a pathway or adding ambiance to your garden, this project shows how a little creativity can go a long way—without spending a fortune.

This project is so easy. I chose to create a landscape timber solar light using reclaimed lumber for June’s Power Tool Challenge Project. The original theme was a lantern, but before I could start building one, the theme was updated to “lighting.” I’ve always loved landscape timber solar lights but never made one.

Not long ago, I spent an entire morning cleaning up the backyard. I had several sections of a privacy fence that I had been weathering, along with random pallets and boards that I wanted to look old. I harvested all the wood, stored what I could in the woodshed, and put the unwanted items on the burn pile. These landscape timbers were just about the only wood I left in the backyard. Their original purpose was to enclose the porch swing, where the new pergola was installed last year. This authentic wood was installed around 1994.

My home has a rich history and holds many fond memories. This was a massive snowstorm in 1994. In the background, you can see the latticework and the landscape timbers that held up the lattice. That would be me checking out the snow.

I grabbed the timber on top of the pile. Look what I found! BW Loves GW. That was 18 years into our marriage. I used this timber for this project for old times’ sake.

Cut Landscape Timber

Using the miter saw made cutting this old timber easy. You could also use a hand saw or circular saw.

Wash Reclaimed Timber

The old landscape timbers were dirty. I hosed them off, which made them a little chippy. The chippy look appealed to me.

Drill a Hole in the Landscape Timber for a Solar Light

I tested several drill bits using a scrap piece of wood to ensure it would fit the solar light well. This 11/16 bit was the best choice for this.

I grabbed some nautical rope I purchased at the dollar tree.

Wrap Landscape Timber with Rope

I wrapped the landscape timbers with the rope and tied it in the back.

Secure Rope With Staples

The battery-operated staple gun was used to secure the ropes. In this image, the carved initials are prominently displayed.

Easy DIY Landscape Timber Solar Light

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The new solar light fixture made from reclaimed landscape timbers looks perfect in my front yard with the DIY picket fence in the background. This landscape timber solar light is only a few feet from its original location around the porch swing.

I’m not sure I’ll keep this solar light; it just happened to be in my garage stash. It’s fun to add pieces to solar lights like this. The Bluebird of Happiness is one of my favorite little tchotchke pieces.

Many people use the full height of the solar light fixture, but I chose not to use the full-sized stake.

You will want to check out the projects from my friends. They went all out with their creative projects, all making lanterns.

My Repurposed Life – Landscape Timber Solar Light

Just the Woods – Scroll Saw DIY Lantern

H2OBungalow – DIY Wood Lantern Tutorial

Virginia Sweet Pea – Easy DIY Decorative Lantern

The Kim Six Fix – Clothespin Lantern

Her Tool Belt – Wood and Mason Jar Solar Lantern

gail