DIY // Garden Planters Using Locker Drawers

This past week I had the unique opportunity to team up with Central Florida bloggers and Habitat for Humanity of Greater Orlando ReStores.  We were given the task to head to our local ReStore, shop around, and see what we can beautifully transform into a DIY project. This had my name all over it!  I couldn’t get to the ReStore fast enough to get my hands on a few pieces of thrift treasure.  I’ll be sharing a few amazing DIY posts by other Central Florida Bloggers {you seriously don’t want to miss out on these} at the end of my blog post! After my recent trip I came home with the front of 3 locker drawers, a table, and a large mirror.  I’ll be sharing the other flips with you in the coming weeks. 

Here are some great tricks of the trade and information about Habitat for Humanity ReStores here in Orlando

|| I was shocked when I looked on the website Sunday morning to see that they were open. The ReStores here in Orlando have extended their hours for us to have even more time to thrift our hearts out.  They are open Monday – Saturday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sundays from noon to 6 p.m.

|| Not only do they accept gently used furniture, but you can also find building materials, paint, appliances, home decor, and hardware.  As an individual or a corporate business, you can donate your heart.  The ReStores even put the icing on the cake by offering a free pick-up service.  So forget thinking that you can’t donate because you don’t have a truck {I’ve been there before}. Simply call the donation hotline: 407-426-7859.

|| Wondering where all the proceeds from the store sales go?  They help fund Habitat’s mission for homeowners on their journey to building a better life trough self-reliance and providing for their families through affordable home ownership.  Amazing, right? 

Now for the DIY tutorial on how to make your own Locker Garden Planters.  I found these amazing locker drawer fronts sitting very lonely on a shelf. They were not attached to a drawer so you would think they would be hard to use.  I immediately knew I wanted build garden planters out of them. Hello pop of color in my back yard! This was followed by me grabbing them as if they were about to be taken right before my eyes.   With the help of my husband, this project took about two hours to complete.  

Supplies: 

Locker drawer fronts || 3/4″ and 1″ wood screws || Small and medium sized drill bits || Drill || Wood glue || Saw || Measuring Tape || Marker || 2 -1 x 6 at 8 feet long || 1 – 1 x 8 at 8 feet long || Optional: 2 – 1 x 2 at 8 feet long

The How-To:

Step 1: Using the table saw, cut your wood to match the dimensions of your locker piece. Tip: You can also have Home Depot cut your wood for you if you do not own a table saw.  I use to do this all the time!

My locker drawer front was 21 inches in length. I used the following measurements for each planter:

1 – 1 x 8 cut at 21 inches {the bottom}
2 – 1 x 6 cut at 7.5 inches {the sides}
1 – 1 x 6 cut at 21 inches {the back}

Disclaimer: These measurements are for my particular planters using the locker drawer fronts I found.  You will need to adjust your measurements to match the length of the front of your planter.

Step 2: Flip the locker front to the back and locate the piece of metal that is sticking out at the bottom.

Step 3: Measure 5 inches from each end and mark with a marker.  Using the small drill bit, drill a hole on each 5″ mark.  Make sure your drill bit isn’t bigger than the screw head.

Step 4: Line the back of the locker drawer with the edge of the 1 x 8 piece of wood.  Using the marker, mark on the wood where you just drilled the holes.  

Step 5: Using a small drill bit, drill a hole on the two spots on the piece of wood you just marked with the marker.

Step 6: Use two 3/4″ wood screws to secure the locker front to the 1 x 8 piece of wood.

Step 7: Place the two 1 x 6 pieces of wood measured at 7.5″ on the sides of the locker.  I placed mine on the inside of the metal piece that already had two holes for me to place screws in.  Next, place the 1 x 6 cut at 21 inches along the back to make sure everything aligns evenly.

Step 8: Apply wood glue to the bottom of one of the side pieces and place back down.

Step 9: Use two 3/4″ wood screws to attach the side to the front piece {the locker drawer piece}.

Step 10: Repeat steps 8 and 9 for the other side.

Step 11:  Place the locker front face down on the table and secure the bottom of the box to the sides by using two 1″ screws on each side on the bottom.  Optional: Use a clamp to help secure the bottom to the sides.

Step 12: Turn the locker planter right side up. Apply wood glue on the back of the sides and along the edge of the bottom on top. Next, place the front of the locker planter face down.  

Step 13: Place the 1 x 6 cut at 21″ evenly along the back.  Using two 1″ wood screws for each end, secure the back of the planter to the side pieces.

Step 14: Further secure the bottom of the planter by drilling two 1″ screws along the bottom piece of wood that meets the back piece.

Step 15: Using a larger drill bit, drill about 10 holes in the bottom of each planter to allow water to drain.

Step 16: Repeat steps 1-15 for additional planter boxes.

Optional Step: To create the tiered planter box, follow this great tutorial by Ana-White that shows you the step-by-step process.  This is what we used and it was very easy to follow along!

All together this project was around $30 to make.  $15 for the lockers and $15 on wood and screws. I hope this DIY project has motivated and inspired you to head to your local Habitat for Humanity ReStore to create something unique and fresh for your home.  I even saved the best for last! When you head to the ReStore here in Orlando for your next DIY project, mention my blog post and you’ll receive 15% off your next store purchase! 

Need more inspiration?  Go ahead and hop around the other blogs that participated in this campaign. Kerri of Shaken Together Life and Sarah of While The Snooze showed off their DIY skills with their amazing projects.  I think we all need to go to the Restore and tackle a DIY project together!  Their DIY projects just might end up in my home as well. Click the images below: 

Mid-Century Bench by While They Snooze

DIY Margarita Scented Candles by Shaken Together Life

Let’s keep in touch!

We have a brand new community over on Facebook, House & Home, where we’ll be chatting, sharing, and helping one another when it comes to home decor and projects. Come join us! Check it out here.

Like on Facebook || Follow on Instagram || Follow on Pinterest