If you’ve got some leftover decking on your hands, don’t make the common mistake of throwing it in the bin – there are so many ways you can upcycle it into something new and beautiful.
When it came to updating his garden design, my partner found himself with a lot of spare decking that didn’t get used, so he decided to turn it into a bamboo planter – saving himself the cost of buying one, as well as a trip to the recycling centre.
To find out how you can recreate this idea at home – plus five other ways to upcycle your decking – keep on reading.
Article continues belowHow do I build a planter with leftover decking?
If you're keen to give this garden idea a go, here's a step-by-step guide to follow:
What you will need
UV- and tear-resistant, this fleece acts as a barrier against weeds and works well in planters.
This exterior-grade plywood is durable and moisture-resistant – the perfect choice for outdoor DIY projects.
Made from recycled polyethylene, this damp-proof membrane is essential for lining the sides and back of your planter.
Instructions
1. Build the frame
“We made a frame using 2x2 treated wooden uprights that were left over from building the house. The corners were screwed together, making sure they stopped about 60mm short of the planned height so that the soil would eventually cover the tops. We then screwed the decking board planks to the frame, making sure to match the decking gap spacing,” he explains.
2. Support your planter if required
If the fence behind your planter is thin or fragile, you can add some waterproof plywood to the back of your planter. My partner used some marine plywood he had left over.
3. Add damp-proofing and drainage
“We then lined the sides and back with leftover black plastic damp-proof membrane and placed black horticultural fleece (Terram) at the base for drainage. As it was sitting directly on the deck, water could drain away through the boards,” he continues.
"We had already put Terram under the deck to stop plants growing up through the gaps in the boards and had some left over. We then added some rubble to the base for drainage, so that we needed less compost or topsoil."
My partner chose to fill his planter with tall bamboo to hide an unsightly brick wall, but there are many other ways it could be used, such as zoning a garden with a divider.
If you also decide to fill it with bamboo, Lotte Berendsen, a plant expert from PlantIn, offers a word of caution: "As bamboo can grow quite tall, it’s prone to becoming top-heavy and falling over. A squared, low container can help counterbalance the weight and keep your bamboo on its feet! You can also add rocks or pebbles to the bottom of the container to help add weight and stability."
Lotte is a botany enthusiast from the Netherlands with years of research, teaching, and personal experience caring for 200+ houseplants.
What else can I build with leftover decking?
1. Bench or picnic table: Every garden needs a beautiful place to sit and eat, and decking is the perfect material for building a bench or picnic table with a rustic outdoor feel.
2. Bin store: If you're looking for wheelie bin storage ideas, a wooden store is an effective way to keep them out of sight – and this can easily be built with leftover decking.
3. Compost bin: Spare decking can also be used to create your very own compost bin, designed to fit perfectly in your garden. Put your food scraps inside, and you'll have nutrient-rich soil in as little as four months – the perfect fertiliser for your vegetable patch.
4. Garden bar: My family used leftover decking to build their dream outdoor home bar idea, using it for both the raised platform and part of the structure.
5. Storage box: If space doesn't allow for a shed or outhouse, an outdoor storage box can come in handy for hiding tools, cushions, and general clutter. Just remember to line it with a waterproof layer and allow for drainage and ventilation.
6. Log store: Instead of splashing out on one of the best log stores, you could build one yourself using scrap pieces of decking.
With so many ways to recycle this valuable building material, it would be a real shame to see it go to waste when it has so much potential.
For more inspiration, have a browse through these budget small garden ideas, or read our expert guide on how to build a garden room.
