DIY Roll-Around Planter Cart
Make a roll-around planter cart from an old metal filing cabinet. A basic metal filing cabinet is an ideal size for a planting cart. You will help reduce your environmental impact and create an effective cart at the same time. By simply removing the drawers and adding casters to the back side, you will have transformed the old office filing system into a rolling planter cart. It will make a functional addition to your garden space whether you choose to grow plants in it or use it as a garden utility cart for potted plants. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Reclaimed metal filing cabinet
- Wire brush
- Fine-grit sanding pad
- Drill
- 1/4-inch drill bit
- Roll landscaping fabric
- Utility knife
- Metal spray primer
- Metal spray paint
- 4 Wooden blocks, 2-by-6-by-6-inch
- 4 Utility casters
- Package self-tapping sheet metal screws
- Screw gun
Instructions
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Remove the drawers from a reclaimed metal filing cabinet. Brush the surface of the cabinet with a wire brush to remove any loose paint or other debris from the surface. Sand the surface lightly with a fine-grit sanding pad.
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Drill 1/4-inch holes through the back of the cabinet. Drill several holes evenly spaced through the back to create drainage for the planter cart. Use a drill and 1/4-inch drill bit.
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3
Lay the cabinet on its back with the front facing up. Unroll landscaping fabric on the inside of the back. Trim the landscaping fabric to fit inside the cabinet with a utility knife.
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4
Spray an even coat of spray primer onto the cabinet. Allow the primer to dry for at least 4 hours. Apply two coats of spray paint onto the cabinet. Allow 4 hours between coats. Wait 24 hours before handling the cabinet after applying the final coat of spray paint.
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Place one wooden block on the inside of the cabinet in each corner. Align one caster on each corner on the back side of the cabinet. Drive self-tapping sheet metal screws through the mounting holes in the casters and through the back of the cabinet into the wooden blocks to secure them in place. The blocks act as a reinforcement for the casters.
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Tips & Warnings
Fill the cabinet with potting soil if you plan to use it as a planter cart for flowers, herbs or small vegetables. Paint the cabinet a bright color to accent your garden space.
Wear eye protection to avoid possible injuries.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Brand X Pictures/Brand X Pictures/Getty Images
