Thrift A Ceiling Globe For An Unexpected Yard DIY

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You know that dome-shaped glass cover that sits over the center of a ceiling fan light (also known as a ceiling fan globe)? If you've ever come across one of these items at a thrift store, you probably assumed that it was useless and passed it up. However, that ceiling fan globe is actually the key component of a quick, easy, and unexpected DIY yard sink you can make at home. All you have to do is paint the globe in a color of your choice if desired, slide a pop-up drain through the center hole, and place the makeshift sink on a raised surface so you can set a bucket underneath to catch water.

To make the sink fully functional without having to install additional outdoor plumbing, simply prop your garden hose up and over the side of your sink so that you can use it in place of a faucet. When you're done, you'll have a simple outdoor sink that can be assembled and disassembled easily as needed. Feel free to make your own customizations as well to match the yard sink to your outdoor space. This way, the yard sink can double as unexpected outdoor decor.

To locate a ceiling fan globe for this DIY, browse your local thrift stores or check your home, as you may have one lying around. Just make sure that it has a hole in the middle. If your globe already has decorations, that's great. If not, you could paint it if you wish. Consider using a spray paint, such as the Rust-Oleum Painter's Touch, to make the process easy. Follow that up with a waterproof sealant to ensure the paint stays intact long term.

After decorating your globe, you are ready to move on to assembling your DIY outdoor sink. You will need to place it in the center of a raised surface with an opening in the middle, like the frame of a folding table or bench. Otherwise, you could also use an old trash can that'll double as a water-collecting bucket. 

Next, you'll have to nail or glue some wooden boards together with a hole in the middle to place the globe. Ensure to get the right dimensions of the ceiling fan globe so the hole is a perfect fit for it. It'll also be wise to seal the wood since it'll be in constant contact with water. Now place a pop-up drain, such as the Rrockgoya Store Drain Stopper, in the middle of your globe. Add a bucket underneath to catch water if you opted to use a table, and place your hose over the side of the sink whenever you need to use it. For added customization, you can paint the entire setup for a more cohesive look and consider pairing it with other outdoor features that make a gardener's life easier.