12 Unique Ways To Use An Old Wagon Around Your Home And In Your Yard

We may receive a commission on purchases made from links.

Wagons are one of those versatile yard tools that come in numerous shapes and variations. There are the iconic red Radio Flyer wagons that have been a staple in homes since their creation in the early 1900s, as well as gardening wagons and wooden farm wagons. If you have a wagon lying around that's seen better days, there are ways to use it that can help bring new life into these classic pieces. For example, you can start small and use an old wagon to create a charming fairy garden, or you can get crafty and make your own clock from a wagon wheel. Choosing to upcycle a wagon rather than throw it away is a great way to keep these types of pieces relevant.

The materials you'll need to repurpose an old wagon will vary depending on the project. However, it can be helpful to have some basics on hand to disassemble a wagon. These materials can include a wrench, drill, screwdriver, and hammer. You may also want to have some sandpaper on hand if you're dealing with a rusty wagon or one that is in poor condition overall.

If you're looking for a simple project that's perfect for all ages of the family, try repurposing an old wagon into a home for a fairy garden. Give the wagon a quick cleaning before adding a liner and filling it with some soil. Next, it's time to get creative with the decor. Add in tiny figurines, quirky mushrooms, and tiny pebbles, and the wagon can be home to a magical space that's perfect for fairies and getting kids interested in working in the garden.

One way to use a wagon in the house is to use the base as a decorative shelf that you can hang or display in a standing fashion. You'll want to remove the wheels and add some wooden pieces to the interior to create shelving before hanging or setting out as decor. The rustic appearance of old red wagons makes this a great project for those who want to add to their farmhouse or vintage-themed home design.

Are you tired of having to carry all of your summertime essentials from the house to the pool and back every time the family wants to swim? One way to use a wagon that's past its prime is to refinish the sides with a waterproof coating and make the unit more sturdy for the pool or even a beach trip. The final product is a functional wagon that's able to carry your towels, sunscreen, and cooler in one run.

If you're a fan of woodworking, you'll love this DIY wagon wheel bench upcycle. This project is best suited for large wagon wheels, though the design plans can be customized to fit your wheel size if they're smaller, such as a child-sized bench. The addition of the wheels gives a unique, almost vintage appearance to the piece of furniture and is sure to become a conversation piece among guests visiting your yard.

One project that repurposes an old wagon and finds a way to maximize storage space in your garage is turning the wagon into an organization station. You can customize your wagon in any way, ranging from adding storage cups to the interior and exterior of the structure. Garages are a space that can easily succumb to clutter, and this hack uses something that would be sitting in the space anyway and makes it functional.

If you have an old wooden wagon you need to repurpose, one project that utilizes several of the materials is crafting a DIY side table. You can use the wood portion of the wagon to build the legs and the bottom portion of the table. However, the true artistic finish comes by adding a wheel under the glass tabletop, which is a unique and visually striking addition. The table can fit in with many types of decor, ranging from farmhouse themes to homes with a coastal flair.

Is your home's entryway feeling a little bland and lacking storage space to free up your hands when you walk through the door? You could add a table to toss your keys on, but that type of decor takes up precious floor space. Keep the area clutter-free by using a wagon as a hanging storage solution in your entryway or anywhere that needs a visual pick-me-up. You can toss your keys or mail into it while also having a unique piece of decor that's one of a kind for your home.

One functional way to repurpose an old wagon is to use it as half decor, half drink storage during your next get-together. Depending on your party theme, you can spruce up the wagon with added decorative elements, like garland, or you can even fill it with party favors. Another functional way to use this during a party is to line the interior, fill it with ice, and use it to keep drinks cold, along with the added bonus of a fun presentation.

Don't run out to the store every holiday season. Instead, you can DIY your own Christmas decorations with household items like a wagon wheel. This type of project is completely customizable and allows you to choose which elements you want to incorporate into the design. If you're a fan of traditional red and green colors for the holidays, try adding some red ribbon and greenery with holly berries around the wheel. Prefer something outside the box? Opt for snowy-inspired colors like blue with some yellow lights.

Whether your home is sporting rustic farmhouse decor or a dark, broody style, there are ways to repurpose parts of an old wagon into a functional clock. Specifically, you'll use the wheel as the main portion of the clock. You can sand and stain the wooden wheel to match your home's color scheme and choose your preferred hanging method. It will require a clock kit, like the Youngtown Wall Clock Movement Mechanism, as well as the numbers.

Though a more complex and time-consuming project, it's possible to create the perfect DIY coffee table with a bit of time and planning. The project is ideal for larger, wooden wagons that allow you to use the lumber as the main portion of the table. Another added element is using the wheels as legs for the coffee table, giving it a truly rustic and unique appearance. It does require a bit of construction, but planning out the project beforehand can make the process easier overall.

While it may be hard to envision at first, it's possible to take the materials from an old wagon and find ways to repurpose them into a functional coat rack. There are numerous pieces of the wagon's construction that are useful to this kind of DIY, but one especially quirky addition is to use the rubber tires over each hook. This creates visual interest and ties the look of the coat rack together.