How To Repurpose A Door To Hide The Eyesore Of Outdoor Trash Cans

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Outdoor trash cans might be a necessity, but they are not nice to look at. Even when they're tucked against a wall, they ruin the appearance of a yard, which is made worse by the fact there are almost always more than one. Luckily, there are sleek fixes to hide ugly outdoor trash cans and boost curb appeal, and one in that particular demonstrates how a couple of old doors can be repurposed into a hinged screen that hides the eyesore of outdoor trash cans whilst still making them accessible. It involves mounting a reclaimed exterior door to a post near where the bins are stored so it swings open and closed like a gate. When the door is closed, it works like a divider that blocks the cans from sight, and when it's opened, the bins are fully accessible for rolling in and out. 

Functionally, it keeps trash out of view without enclosing it in a tight shed that can trap odors or moisture. And because doors are already designed to be sturdy and weather-resistant, they make a surprisingly practical material for an outdoor screen. What's particularly great about this DIY (aside from its whimsical appearance) is that old doors are cheap or often free and easy to find at salvage yards or even curb-side during renovations. With just a few modifications and a protective finish, a salvaged door can blend into the yard far more gracefully than a row of plastic bins ever could.

To recreate this setup, you'll need at least one solid exterior door, two if you want a wider screen, some heavy-duty hinges, and either two posts or a nearby fence or wall to mount the doors to. Start by setting two sturdy wooden posts into cement-filled holes to create a stable frame, then hang the doors so they swing open like a double gate. The two doors are joined from behind with simple wooden supports screwed across the back, which holds them firmly together while keeping all the hardware out of sight. A few standard woodworking tools are used to size and adjust the pieces so everything lines up neatly.

Much of the success comes down to preparation rather than complex carpentry. Taking the time to remove old hardware and nails, smooth rough or splintered edges, and reinforce any warped panels helps make the finished screen safer to handle and far more durable, especially if salvaged. Otherwise, there's always the option to buy new. Doors from home improvement stores typically range from around $100, depending on material and style. It makes repurposing an old door a far more cost-effective way to hide trash cans, especially when you consider that a full enclosure built from lumber and hardware can quickly add up. If you're having trouble finding doors, however, there are other clever DIY solutions to hide outdoor trash cans that can achieve a similar effect. 

Personalizing this project comes with both practical considerations and fun ones. After all, a door in the garden is whimsical and the perfect excuse to be a little creative, and small practical tweaks can help it function better. In windy areas, a simple latch keeps the door from swinging open, and in regions with heavy rain or snow, keeping the bottom edge slightly raised off the ground helps prevent moisture from soaking into the wood. It's also worth thinking about climate when choosing finishes. An exterior-grade oil or marine varnish will protect the wood against harsh weather, while a coat of paint or stain can change the entire feel of the piece.

This is where the project really shifts from a practical fix into a design opportunity. The doors can be painted, stained, or left natural depending on the look you're after. Then there's the fun part: accessories. What's more charming than a door in a garden? One that feels styled. Hooks, planters, or climbing plants can turn the screen into a feature rather than something that simply hides a problem, and for not much money. This pair of SQKH 12 Inch Hanging Baskets, for example, will run you less than $25 and can instantly soften the look with greenery or flowers. In the end, an old door, which can be repurposed in plenty of other clever ways, becomes a statement you'd want in your yard whether or not you have anything to hide.