The Simple Driveway Upgrade You Can Get Done In Just One Weekend

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If you feel that your driveway is looking a little bland and you'd love to spruce it up a bit to make an impressive impact on your curb appeal, take a look at this simple project that you can actually complete in a weekend. While there are many ways to increase your home's curb appeal, one remarkably effective idea is to install two vertical posts, one on either side of the driveway entrance, put some hooks on them for hanging planters, and add a solar light on top. As long as you have the right tools, this is so easy, it takes next to no time, and it's an unique way to add interest to the front of your home, improving curb appeal without the hassle of landscaping contractors.

To complete this driveway upgrade project, you'll need two 4-by-4 posts, cut to the height that you want. You'll also need some quick-setting concrete, a small tin of wood stain or exterior paint, two hanger brackets for your planters, and two solar lights for the top of the posts. You should be able to get all of these supplies from your local hardware store, but Dollar Tree has Garden Collection solar post cap lights for only $6 each, which will work perfectly. For the plant hangers, you might like these Saffruff heavy-duty plant hooks, or these Ranrti metal hanging plant brackets, which are slightly more decorative. 

Mark the position where you want your posts to go at the end of your driveway. Dig the holes for the posts using a shovel or post hole digger, ensuring they're at least two feet deep. A post hole digger is one tool you should have when installing a fence, and it will certainly make this project a lot easier. Once the hole is deep enough, position the post upright and backfill some of the soil you removed. Fill the rest with the quick-setting concrete powder, add water, and stir to mix. You'll want to wait at least 24 hours at this stage for the concrete to set.

Once the posts are solidly anchored in the ground, give them a coat of wood stain or paint, depending on the look you want to achieve. Attach the plant hangers using screws and place the solar lights on top of the posts and attach them with screws as well. All that's left to do now is head to your local nursery and find a couple of really nice hanging planters that you can hang from the posts. Flowering annuals would look fantastic, and they can be changed out through the seasons. You could even create special decorative planters for holidays like Christmas or Halloween. To add even more interest, consider attaching address numbers like these Merear 5-inch floating house numbers. For special celebrations, tie balloons to the post or turn on festive and colorful lighting. Once you have the posts installed, there's a myriad of ways you can use them to elevate the entrance to your home.