Wood is one of the most beautiful materials for all sorts of crafts. Apart from being durable, its myriad grain patterns and earthy tones make for attractive accessories and functional pieces. Like most natural materials, wood tends to look better with age and develops interesting new characteristics with time, making it perfect for upcycling.
Reclaimed wood or any scrap of wood like driftwood, distressed barnwood floor planks, and old wooden frames can be transformed into something useful and beautiful. With such a versatile material, the only limit is your imagination.
So if you’ve got a few wood scraps in your shed, breathe new life into them with this fun and budget-friendly reclaimed wood projects:
1. Reclaimed wood mantel
Is your fireplace looking a bit drab? Make cozy moments by the fireplace more special with a rustic reclaimed wood mantel. If you have a thick slab of hardwood lying around in your yard, spruce it up and drill it into your fireplace. It’s a small improvement, but one that can add a rustic but stylish touch. Plus, you can put a plant, small picture frames, and other knick-knacks to make it pop.
2. Barnwood plank coffee table
Reclaimed barnwood planks have truly stood the test of time. They have that rustic weathered look that will look good even in contemporary homes. Elevate your living room with a coffee table made out of these planks. Sketch up your ideas and create a design that will blend well in your space. For best results, use a clear wood varnish to retain the distressed aesthetic.
3. Rustic ledge shelves
Do you have fancy china or handmade decorative plates you want to show off? Or are you looking to get your pantry items organized? Elevate your kitchen walls with rustic ledge shelves fashioned out of wood scraps. Ledge shelves are pretty much straightforward to make. Just make sure to spec out the height of the ledge to make sure the items you place there are secure.
4. Herringbone headboard
Wood headboards are a thing of beauty, but they can be pretty basic. Spice up your bedroom decor with a herringbone headboard. To make the pattern stand out, use planks with varying shades of brown and grain patterns. Just make sure the shades don’t contrast too much.
5. Eclectic driftwood planters
Wood and greenery are like a match made in heaven. If you’re looking for something simple to do on the weekend, you can make driftwood planters. Succulents and ferns do well in driftwood planters. All you need are a succulent potting mix, pebbles, and moss. These enchanting pieces will look great on your outdoor dining table or patio.
6. Raised bed plant boxes
If the soil in your yard isn’t that good, the best thing to do is grow your plants in raised beds or plant boxes. Raised bed gardening is easier to manage since you won’t have problems with weeds and runoff. Gather a few wood pallets, build your raised beds, pour a quality soil mix and some compost, and start planting your seedlings.
7. Shabby chic bathroom organizer
A bathroom remodel can be a fun home improvement project that can add value to your home. A bathroom organizer made of weathered scrap wood would make a great addition that’s both pretty and functional. Just be sure to use a waterproof coating to prevent any moisture-related problems.
8. Pallet storage bench
Wood pallets have become a staple material in DIY upcycling, with pallet benches among the most popular creations. Step it up a notch and build storage benches, instead. You can place these benches anywhere inside or outside your house and store items you don’t want exposed, like garden tools, seasonal decorations, and clutter.
9. Quaint wood bathtub tray
Looking to elevate your bathing experience? If you’re aiming for a rustic and relaxing motif for your bathroom, consider making a wood bathtub tray. It’s simple enough and would usually not require a lot of tools and materials. Just make sure to sand off rough and sharp edges to avoid scrapes.
10. Cottagecore-inspired wall decorations
Wood scraps are mostly used for structural elements and furniture, but they can be used for small knick-knacks and cute wall decorations, as well. You can use all sorts of wood to create picture or mirror frames, lamps, wall covering tiles, coasters, signs, and other rustic decorations.
Reclaimed wood is a favorite material among hobbyists and artists as it has plenty of character and ages beautifully. Plus, you can pretty much get scrap wood for free or for cheap if you know where to look.