Turn Scrap Wood Into A Solution To Hide An Electrical Box Eyesore

Most DIY experts know you shouldn't toss your scrap wood. You never know when it'll come in handy, as you can use it for special projects, or to create chic minimalistic DIY art. Tossing the stuff out will fill your local landfill, and you'll waste perfectly good wood. Instead, keep it nearby and bring it out when you need to craft a solution, like this modern farmhouse style project from TikTok creator @kelswie. Her home has an electrical box eyesore that stands out on the wall. Instead of putting a poster or tacky painting over it, she shows an elegant swinging door that conceals the box behind it. Simple and classy, this coverup works well to conceal the eyesore while also adding charm to the living room.

Crafting a solution from scratch takes time and patience, especially when using scrap wood. The wood pieces may not line up perfectly, and you'll need to cut or piece them together. Spending time planning and designing first will help you avoid snags and setbacks. With some forethought and preplanning, you can work through challenges with ease and grace. Repurposing old wood is well worth the effort — you'll uplift your space and help the planet while you're at it!

Wood can quickly grow expensive, especially if you're looking for a specific type of hardwood. Using scraps will help you lower the cost of this project. If the pieces are all different colors, simply coat them all with a stain of your choice. You may add varnish for further protection, though it's not necessary (treating wood like skin is strange advice that can save your furniture). Aside from the planks, you'll also need door hinges, a handle, screws or nails, and a drill or hammer. How your door turns out may look different than it does in the TikTok video, as your electrical box may vary in size from the creator's. Don't worry, as there are no wrong solutions here.

Start by measuring your box to determine how big a door you'll need to craft. Line the area with trim and drill the hinges into it, being careful not to drill into the box itself or any wires coming out of it. The trim will help you plan the size of the door. Take measurements of the open space in the trim, then piece the scraps together so they line up with the space. Screws or nails work well to hold the scraps together, so use whichever you have available. Attach the door to the hinges, and that's it! You've successfully hidden the electrical box eyesore with leftover scrap materials.