How to Make a Wood Trash Can

I am constantly searching for unusual and unique craft projects. Many of my friends bring exciting new ideas to me and offer up help in teaching me how to create wonderful things. It is extra fun to work together with my friends on these projects. This wood trash can idea came from a friend of mine that has brought other craft ideas to me in the past.

Jimmy is extra handy when it comes to working with wood. His house is filled with homemade wood craft projects that would make anyone proud. You can see that he puts a lot of love in to working with wood by the way his projects turn out. They are obviously built with loving care.

The wood trash can pictured with this article came from Jimmy. He also sent me simple instructions and tips for making my own. Jimmy kept his trash can very simple but, you can get a bit more creative when you make your trash can. Here is everything you will need and everything you will need to know to build your own wood trash can.

Items Needed For Wood Trash Can
1. Four boards 1 ft. x 3 ft.
2. Four boards 1 ft. x 4 inch
3. Four boards 1 ft x 6 inch
4. One board 12 x 10 inch
5. One board 12 x 2 inch
6. One board 12.5 x 12.5 inch
7. Two hinges
8. A Hammer
9. Nails (small)
10. Beads or stones and glue (optional)

How To Assemble The Base Of The Wood Trash Can
You will start by taking your four largest boards to make the shell of your trash can. Use your hammer and some very small nails to create a box out of these boards. Be sure to line the sides up evenly and make sure both ends line up perfectly. Take your large square board and nail it from the bottom into the the edges of your box. This bottom will hang over the edges a bit and you will want to be sure everything is square and even.

Flip the can over and let it stand on the base you just nailed to it. Use your four 6 inch boards to create a border around the bottom of the trash can. You will want to use your hammer and the smallest nails you have to attach this border.

Attaching The Lid
The first thing you need to do is make a frame with your four 4 inch boards. Do exactly the same thing with your four 4 inch boards around the top edge of your trash can. Nail them together at the edges to make a perfect box square frame for the top of your can. Be sure to line your edges up evenly and use the smallest nails you have available to attach this border.

You will want to use your 2 inch board and nail it into place first when you start on the lid. Line up your 10 inch board so that it meets perfectly with the 2 inch board. When you get them lined up just right, you will want to add your hinges to the two boards. Be sure to use the small nails that come with the hinges when you purchase them. Also, be sure to space the hinges so that the lid will lift smooth and evenly. You can now lift the box frame and lid and place it on the top of your trash can.

Decorating The Wood Trash Can
You can use paint or wood stamps to decorate your trash can any way you like. I love the idea of using a wood burning tool to decorate the wood with a name or some other cute saying. Use your imagination and decorate the can any way you like to make it uniquely your own.

The possibilities are endless when it comes to decorating the can. You might want to consider adding some beads or stones to the sides of the trash can to decorate it. . Use some good wood glue and just drop a bit on the back of the bead or stone you want to add. Press it firmly in place and let it dry before adding more.

Once you have decorated to your taste, your homemade wood trash can is fully complete. All that is left to do now is to polish the wood with your favorite wood cleaner. Add a nice liner to the inside of your trash can and close the lid.