Transform a Galvanized Tub Into a Chic, Summery Planter
Give your front porch decor a budget-friendly facelift by upcycling a plain metal bucket into a fresh, modern planter. All you need is paint, a stencil and some inexpensive furniture feet.
Cassidy Garcia, Styling by Jill Tennant Design
Materials Needed
- galvanized metal drink bucket
- drill and metal drill bits
- short wooden furniture legs
- furniture leg mounting plates with hardware
- geometric stencil
- outdoor spray paint for metal
Cassidy Garcia, Styling by Jill Tennant Design
Drill Holes for Feet & Drainage
Turn tub upside down. Use the metal furniture leg plate as a guide to mark holes for hardware (Image 1). Repeat in all 4 corners. Drill the marked holes with the bit recommended in the furniture leg package instructions (Image 2). Add extra holes in the middle for drainage (Image 3).
Cassidy Garcia, Styling by Jill Tennant Design
Cassidy Garcia, Styling by Jill Tennant Design
Cassidy Garcia, Styling by Jill Tennant Design
Attach Furniture Legs
Follow package instructions to attach metal leg plates using the included hardware (Images 1 & 2), then screw on the wooden legs (Image 3).
Cassidy Garcia, Styling by Jill Tennant Design
Cassidy Garcia, Styling by Jill Tennant Design
Cassidy Garcia, Styling by Jill Tennant Design
Add Stencil Detail
Lay bucket on its back and secure the stencil to the front with painter's tape. Apply spray paint in short, light strokes until stencil lines are filled in. Carefully remove stencil and let dry. Note: You can use any plastic or vinyl stencil for this step (we found ours at the craft store), but the stencil may not sit flat on your bucket if the bucket has ridges or texture. If this is the case, you may need to use a stencil brush to apply paint or take extra care when applying spray paint.
Cassidy Garcia, Styling by Jill Tennant Design
Cassidy Garcia, Styling by Jill Tennant Design
Plant & Enjoy
Fill your chic new planter with moisture-retaining potting soil and pretty plants that can tolerate partial shade (we chose a summery mix of begonias, geraniums, creeping Jenny and diamond frost). Place the planter in a location that receives morning or evening sun with shade during the hottest part of the day as the galvanized metal heats up quickly and could risk burning your blooms.
Cassidy Garcia, Styling by Jill Tennant Design
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