May 18, 2012


 File cabinet planter project complete!  It took me all last weekend but somehow I managed to make the planters and build the fence all by my little self and let me tell you, it was sooooo worth it!  I'm up there all the time.  


Here's the top of the garage when its not flooded with sun...still makes me happy.  The table and benches are Falster from Ikea, cheap and good looking for now.


I looked online and found out that all you really need to make a file cabinet into a planter is a piece of wood cut to fit the open bottom.  I also drilled holes in what will be the new bottom so water can properly drain.


As I mentioned a few posts ago I had originally planned to paint the file cabinets white...not so good.


I used left over paint from the bathroom for the planers.  For the fence I went with light weight bend board and redwood posts.  I had to keep things light as it is on top of the garage.


When the file cabinets were all painted you really barely notice the one wood side.


And here's a close up of my purdy fence.  So far it's only on the side of the garage facing the alley (for privacy) but seeing as it only cost me about $70 for all the fence supplies I might continue it around to the side facing the neighbors. Woo woo!

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14 comments

  1. You did such an amazing job!! congrats!! looks really good... and privacy is priceless!!!

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  2. you were tagged! by http://takeoutsomeinsuranceonme.wordpress.com/2012/05/20/tagged/

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  3. Hi Faye - I've been eyeing the Falster table. Do you reckon you could drill an umbrella hole in the center or best not to mess with it?

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  4. Thanks Dolores!

    Stokey-I think you could probably get away with drilling an umbrella hole, it's pretty sturdy compared to a lot of Ikea furniture. Good Luck!

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  5. Everything looks beautiful! I love the planters, and your fence looks so good behind them.

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  6. You did such a beautiful job! Cant wait to visit. :)

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  7. The fence is gorgeous, and I'm inspired by those file cabinet planters! I have two file cabinets I was going to donate-- maybe they will become planters...

    Fantastic job!

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  8. HI--I'm just embarking on this today, thanks for the inspiration. Did you plant the bamboo inside the planters or just place your bamboo in its original containers inside? If you planted them, did you place a layer of rocks or anything on the bottom?
    Looks great!

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  9. Hi Dana,

    Thanks! I drilled holes in the bottom of the planters and added gravel for drainage and planted the bamboo on top of that.

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  10. What color did you paint them? Is it spray paint or did you roll it on?

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  11. What is the fence attached to? I have an area in my yard tha'ts concrete beneath, but needs a fence. It looks like it is free standing, as you said it's on top of your garage.

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  12. Darebear!

    The fence was attached to posts I secured inside the panthers themselves. They are screwed into the planters and reinforced with a support beam so they don't fall forward. Good luck with your project!

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  13. $70 bucks for the fence! Where did you get a deal like that. I've been looking and the best I can do is three times that? I'm I looking at the wrong places?

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