When we’re faced with old five-gallon buckets collecting dust in our garage, it’s natural to wonder what to do with them. Their size and sturdiness make them an ideal candidate for creative repurposing rather than simply discarding them at the recycling center. Fortunately, there are many ingenious ways to breathe new life into these humble containers, yielding projects that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing.
Create An Aquaponic Ecosystem
Start your aquaponics journey without breaking the bank! You can create a functional system using readily available materials like five-gallon buckets and repurposed containers from around the house. The process begins with plants that filter their waste into water, which is then pumped back up to nourish the aquatic life. This symbiotic relationship allows fish to thrive while providing essential nutrients for plant growth.
Composting Tea Bucket
When it comes to fertilizing your garden and reducing household waste, compost is an effective and eco-friendly solution. To take it to the next level, consider creating a ‘compost tea’ using a five-gallon bucket. The sturdy plastic walls of the bucket will keep the compost and water safely contained, whether you’re brewing outdoors or in a garage setting. This simple process allows for easy spreading of the finished product, making it a great way to nourish your plants.
Easy DIY Bucket Stools
If you’ve ever felt like you’re missing out on extra seating for get-togethers with friends and family, there’s a clever solution. By adding padding and simple fabric upholstery to the lid of an ordinary bucket, you can create a charming additional seat that’s effortlessly storable. To achieve the best results, opt for a fabric that harmoniously complements the bucket’s color. And if you’re looking for inspiration, you can find plenty of ideas on Pinterest.
Protect Your Plants With Bucket Covers
Create a natural barrier around your plants by repurposing a five-gallon bucket into an effective pest repellent. Using an oscillating tool, cut out large panels from the bucket and cover them with a sturdy mesh bag. Place this innovative protector over the plant to exclude unwanted visitors like rabbits and other pests, while still permitting essential sunlight and water to reach the leaves.
Upcycled Outdoor Table Base
Transform an unassuming five-gallon bucket into a charming coffee table that exudes rustic charm with minimal effort. The key lies in cleverly concealing the bucket’s presence with reclaimed wood planks and a splash of paint. Once the sides are clad in the wooden accents, apply a coat of paint to further enhance the design. As you attach the tabletop, your creation will start to resemble a treasured find from a shabby chic boutique.
With this simple yet effective approach, you can turn an ordinary object into an extraordinary piece that adds warmth and character to any room.
Organize Your Bag Collection
Transform your grocery experience by utilizing a smart bucket dispenser for plastic bags. This ingenious device allows you to store an abundance of bags within its sturdy walls, shielding them from moisture and debris. To utilize this handy contraption, simply feed the bags into the top opening, and then retrieve the ones you need through the convenient lower exit.
The bucket’s compact design holds a substantial number of plastic bags, making it an ideal solution for managing your bag collection.
Bucket And Pool Noodle Outdoor Toilet
When venturing into the wilderness, nature breaks can be an unwelcome reality. However, with the right tools, even the most rustic outdoor experiences can become more comfortable. A DIY camping toilet is a game-changer, providing a convenient and hygienic solution for those pesky bathroom breaks. The clever use of pool noodles to keep the bag secure and serve as a makeshift seat is particularly impressive.
To take things to the next level, simply attach a roll of toilet paper to the bucket handle, making it easy to access on-the-go. With this setup, you’ll be well-equipped to tackle even the most remote outdoor adventures.
Reduce Water Dependence By Harvesting
Ditch reliance on city water by harnessing the power of rainwater harvesting in a compact five-gallon bucket. This eco-friendly approach allows you to collect and utilize the collected water for gardening or even toilet flushing purposes. The added bonus is that, depending on local regulations, you may be eligible for a tax credit for implementing this sustainable system, further justifying your commitment to reducing your environmental footprint.
Cool Your Space With A DIY Bucket Cooler
Harnessing the power of water, this innovative project uses readily available materials like fans, pumps, and solar panels to create a DIY cooling system that’s both eco-friendly and cost-effective. By leveraging the natural cooling properties of water, you can say goodbye to expensive air-conditioning systems and hello to a refreshing retreat on your next camping trip or RV adventure.
Outdoor Camping Stove DIY
Transform a humble five-gallon metal bucket into a compact, portable rocket stove ideal for outdoor cooking. This innovative design boasts a self-contained flame within the bucket, minimizing waste and mess. By repurposing a common household item, you’ll not only create a functional cooking solution but also reduce your environmental footprint.
Hanging Bucket Planter For Tomato Plants
Savor the taste of homegrown tomatoes all summer long with this ingenious DIY planter hack! By repurposing a standard bucket as an upside-down planter, you’ll be able to grow your favorite tomato varieties with ease. Simply hang the planter from a hook and let your tomato plants cascade down to the ground, where they can spread out and thrive. Plus, when harvest time rolls around, these easy-to-access tomatoes will make picking and enjoying them a breeze.
Large Scale Birdhouse Project
Transform your outdoor space into a haven for larger birds by building this DIY birdhouse. The foundation is a reusable five-gallon bucket, ensuring ample room for a diverse range of avian visitors. A unique feature is the coconut-lined top, which can be further enhanced with succulents to create a self-sustaining living roof that thrives amidst the natural fibers. This eco-friendly project is inspired by the innovative designs showcased on websites such as Blue Roof Cabin.
Weighted PVC Pipe Umbrella Stand
Transforming a patio umbrella into a reliable source of shade doesn’t have to break the bank. A seemingly daunting expense can be significantly reduced by crafting a makeshift stand using a readily available five-gallon bucket, cement, and PVC pipe. The process is surprisingly straightforward: combine the cement with the bucket to form a sturdy base, then insert a section of PVC pipe to create a snug fit for your umbrella.
Once the mixture sets, simply slide your umbrella into place and enjoy instant shade without the hefty price tag.
DIY Chicken Feed Dispenser
Transforming backyard chicken care with a bucket feeder is a simple yet effective solution that can be completed in under an hour, freeing up valuable time for other tasks. The project’s core component is a large metal roasting pan, which serves as a catchment and dispenser of feed, ensuring your flock receives the perfect amount to satiate their needs.
Make A Toddler Swing From A Bucket
As kids grow rapidly, it’s not uncommon for them to outgrow the playground equipment in their backyard. One creative way to extend the lifespan of a beloved swing set is to repurpose an inexpensive five-gallon bucket into a child-sized swing. With just a few straightforward cuts and some imagination, you can transform a low-cost bucket into a sturdy seat that will bring joy to your little ones.
Add A Fabric Organizer For Art Supplies
Are you tired of scrambling to find the right art supply amidst a sea of chaos? Introduce order to your creative space with a simple yet effective DIY storage solution. All you need is a five-gallon bucket and a fabric organizer to create a customized holder for your pencils, markers, paintbrushes, paper, scissors, and bulk supplies. The individual pockets keep everything organized and within reach, making it easy to focus on the fun of creating.
Grow Your Own Rice In A Bucket
Transform your outdoor space into a thriving rice garden using a simple DIY bucket planter. The durable five-gallon bucket is an ideal solution for growing rice, which demands ample water supply. Begin by starting your seeds indoors and transplanting them outside when the weather becomes favorable, taking advantage of the convenient handle that makes it easy to relocate your rice plants as needed.
Easy DIY Side Table Shelves
Transform old and worn-out buckets into charming side tables that boast functional shelving units. The cut-down buckets serve as sturdy support for the table legs, eliminating the need for intricate cross-bracing. This upcycling hack not only breathes new life into discarded items but also provides additional storage space, making it a practical and creative solution for home decor enthusiasts.
DIY Portable Camping Shower
Indulge in an outdoor oasis with a portable camping shower that’s as easy to set up as it is to use. Built around a lightweight five-gallon bucket, this innovative design makes transportation and carrying a snap. Simply attach the PVC shower spigot and hang the bucket from a sturdy tree branch or other support – voilà! You’ll be enjoying a refreshing rinse in no time.
