Last updated on October 23rd, 2023 at 08:28 pm
The black large garbage cans in front of the house are usually not a pretty sight. With our practical and attractive trash can box, the problem is solved.
At least one trash can stands somewhere in a niche next to the house entrance or garage for each of us. And these are simply not nice to look at. That’s why it’s a good idea to build a trash can box in which the garbage cans can be hidden.
Building a garbage can box: Kits from the hardware store
In hardware stores there are a number of kits for small houses or boxes in which your trash cans disappear. These are available in metal or wood, and you can also use simple privacy screens made of bamboo or reeds.
However, the advantage of a homemade trash can box is obvious: you can place it in exactly the right place in the size that suits you, and also visually match the house or garage.
- These materials you need for the garbage can box
- Tools: circular saw, (cordless) drill, hammer, spirit level, hot air blower, hand tacker, cutter, folding rule
- Paint: protective wood varnish
- Building materials: Wooden slats, KDI boards, roofing felt, Spax screws, 2 angles, 4 hinges, sliding latch, gas spring.
- Standard sizes of garbage cans
- Most households manage with a residual waste garbage can of 80 or 120 liters. We have designed our box for these sizes. The smaller 60-liter garbage can fits easily, for 240 liters it gets a little tight in the shelter.
You don’t only want to hide your trash can, but also your bicycles wind-, weather- and theft-proof? Read here how you can build your own bicycle garage.
Building plan: Build a garbage can box yourself
For several garbage containers or as additional storage space for (garden) tools, for example, you can expand our box modularly. Our dimensions are only a guide, and are designed for an 80-liter garbage can.
Build scaffolding for the trash can box
In our case, the wall niche next to the front door is the ideal place for the trash can box. All that was missing here was a roof and a front. Both should be uncomplicated to open, because easy access to the garbage can is important.
- First, measure the width of the niche so that you can saw the support bar for the frame construction.
- To position the support strip horizontally on the wall, align it with a spirit level.
- Now turn screws through pre-drilled holes in the lath and mark the later drill holes on the wall with a hammer.
- For the frame, pre-drill holes and then screw them together at the desired length and inclination (about 15 degrees).
- The resulting supports you fix to the support bar and the walls. Now the basic framework for planking is ready.
- To do this, cut KDI boards (garden wood) to the right length with a circular saw and then screw them to the framework.
- When planking, it is important that you start with a continuous board. This is because this is where the hinges will be attached later.
- Obstacles, such as a rain pipe, you master with the help of a template. So you can easily saw out the cutout.
- For the lid, mount an angle on the supports on each side. These are the support points of the lid.
- Roof and door for the garbage can box
- Easy handling of the box is important, after all, the garbage can must be moved every week. The flap in the roof provides quick access. With the closures everything becomes storm-proof.
Extra tip: So that the trash can box does not make everyday life even more difficult, we have provided the flap with a gas pressure spring. It can be opened without much effort and remains up when you want to throw something in.
- You can cover the top of the garbage can box with roofing felt. By heating with a hot air blower you get the necessary connection.
- Fold the roofing felt over at the front edges and then fasten it to the underside with a stapler.
- Adjust the roofing felt with a cutter on the rain pipe. Feel your way along slowly before you cut out too much.
- When the lid is finished and covered with roofing felt, you can screw it on with hinges.
- You can get more stability for the lid by underlining it. To do this, screw an additional board in the support frame.
- The front side of the lining you paint either with wood preservative varnish or with a glaze, depending on your preference.
- The door, like the lid, consists of support frame and a planking.
- After applying the roofing felt and painting, fix it with hinges and a sliding latch.
- Finally, attach a gas spring to the frame of the lid for easier opening.
In the trash can box, the residual waste garbage can is protected from the weather and is also well tidy.