Garbage Can Enclosure | Do It Yourself

Trash cans, garbage cans, recycle bins—they can be so unsightly. I’ve had this garbage can enclosure on my to-do list all summer. I finally got around to putting it together. The best part? This project didn’t cost me a single dime. I used all reclaimed materials, with the exception of staples and screws.

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This is a sponsored post from my friends at Homeright.

Be sure to visit the Homeright Diy site to see how easy this was to paint! I can’t imagine painting something like this by hand, or even with spray paint!

Let’s see how the garbage can enclosure all came together . . .

This picture is from the Fall of 2015 when I started demo on the old chain link fence as I was preparing for the new diy picket fence installation.

Can you believe the lattice was installed in 1993? So, it was up for 22 years, and stored for the last 4 years. Pictured here is my niece Missy and our Maltese Princess.

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Of course, the lattice was stored in the wood shed, which is desperate need of organization!

Using reclaimed items for garbage can enclosure

Considering the age of the lattice, it’s in fairly good shape. I gave it a good washing with the garden hose.

Measure and cut lattice to your specific size

To make the sides of the garbage can enclosure, I only needed half panels of the lattice. I used a T-Square to mark the center line of the lattice.

Set blade depth on circular saw

My small circular saw seemed like the best option for cutting the panel of lattice. Remember, it’s very important to set the depth of a circular saw blade to match your project. Note the safety glasses. Always be safe!

I’ve never been a fan of circular saws until I bought this small battery operated Ryobi saw. It’s easy for me to control with no kickback.

Test fit lattice panels for garbage can enclosure

After cutting one panel in half, and trimming off the bad parts on the larger section I did a quick dry fit to make sure this DIY garbage can enclosure was really going to work.

These are the broken pieces I cut off. Afterwards I cut the 2×4 to size. I wanted it to extend a little beyond the lattice, giving it a little foot to rest on and a short section at the top.

Use brad nailer to tack lattice in place

Here’s a big tip for you, I chose to construct this entire garbage can enclosure with staples and my Airstrike gun. This made it go quick and easy. Be sure to read through the tutorial to see how I made the structure more permanent before painting it.

You can see that I stapled the lattice to the front of the 2×4’s for the large panel, and to the sides of the 2×4’s for the smaller side panels.

Clamps are helpful when working alone

Then, using an irwin quick clamp I easily stapled the back posts of the garbage can enclosure.

Be patient when things go wrong

As I stood back to take a look, the structure was a little askew. So,I removed a few staples and and re-situated the side panel.

Because I did that, I had to trim these ends of lattice. I chose my jigsaw, a metal blade, and safety glasses! I was worried about original staples and possibly new staples I had used.

Overall, it’s still not exactly square, but it’s good enough to hide the garbage cans, right?

Add trim for looks and strength

In order to give the trash can corral a more “finished” look, I used reclaimed fence boards on the corners. You can see the one in the background is already done. These clamps are so handy when you’re working alone!

In addition, smaller reclaimed fence boards were attached to the top and bottom of each panel with more staples. The blocks are set atop the posts to see if they will add the final details I’m looking for.

Ta Da! Almost finished! It was so hot, I kept telling myself “I’m going to stop after this step”. Finally as the sun was beating down on me I had to call it quits for the day. I would recommend that you install the fence boards on the top (inside) as well if you’re looking for perfection.   Me? It’s just a screen to hide my garbage cans!!

Before the garbage can screen can be moved for painting, I would need to make it more permanent and sturdy than the staples I used to “tack” it together. In order to keep the lattice from splitting, I pre-drilled holes and used wood screws in all the places where I had initially put screws. If you have someone to help you build this, you can skip the staples and go right to the screws. Did you know that I like to use brad nails and staples as clamps to hold my projects in place temporarily?

Secure all joints with wood screws

First, I used 2 1/2” wood screws on the corner posts to get a really secure hold.

Then shorter 1 1/4” wood screws were used on the thinner, smaller fence boards. To keep the screws from protruding through the back of the lattice, I drilled my pilot holes on an angle.

Now, it’s time for painting this monster! Hop over to the Homeright DIY site for all those details and to see the finished project! Of course I used my beloved Finish Max from my friends at Homeright.

gail

This is a sponsored post, but as always the project, thoughts and words are my own!