17 Fun DIY Trash-to-Treasure Projects Using Scrap Wood

DIY trash-to-treasure projects are my favorite. Oh, the joy of finding a good use for something otherwise doomed for the landfill (or burn pile). Some people like to call these projects  upcycling or repurposing. Whatever you want to call it, one person’s trash can be another person’s treasure.

Examples of DIY upcycling projects

For example: After adding crown molding to our bathroom, my husband was about to toss the leftover scraps into the fireplace. I saved the molding just in time, and now I have a new mantel display or table centerpiece.

Although I cannot take credit for construction, I can say my husband said it was a very easy project. He simply mitered the edges of the crown molding, and nailed them together in the rectangular shape. A bottom piece of scrap wood was added, and the whole thing was painted. I added candles and…voila! Inexpensive yet stylish. Exact measurements are not important, just use what you have!

Trash to treasure project: decorative tray made of leftover wood trim.

Second Story

Personally, this candle holder is better than anything I can buy because my husband made it. It’s not only stylish, but it has a story behind it. This decorative tray is a perfect finishing touch for a fireplace mantel, centerpiece for a dining able, or accent on a bedroom dresser.

Do you have scrap wood trim leftover from a home project? Thrift stores are also a great source for materials to use for DIY projects.

Think a little creatively and come up with something new and useful for your home.  You’ll also be helping the environment while repurposing items rather than throwing them in the land fill.

Think trash-to-treasure and give something old a second story in life!

More DIY Trash-to-Treasure Project Ideas

Be sure to click on the link below each photo to get step-by-step instructions for the project.

DIY upcycled drawer is now a tray
Easy DIY Upcycled Tray shared by AnnsEntitledLife.com

Wooden planter made from reclaimed woodReclaimed Wooden Planter shared by akamatra.com

DIY coasters
DIY Coasters shared by AnnsEntitledLife.com

Wooden doormat
DIY Wooden Doormat shared by ReuseGrowEnjoy.com

DIY pumpkins made from extra wood
Fence Post Pumpkins shared by chickenscratchny.com

Cutting board holder
Kitchen Renovation: An Improvised Cutting Board Holder shared by tikkido.com

DIY wooden growth chart
DIY Wooden Ruler Growth Chart shared  by themommymyway.com

Floating shelves made from wood
DIY Floating Shelves shared by thekreativelife.com

Jewelry holder made of extra wood supplies
DIY Rustice Jewelry Hanger shared by theflyingcouponer.com

Love sign made of scrap wood
DIY LOVE Sign shared by abrideonabudget.com

Herb garden made from a wood pallet
Herb Garden Made from a Pallet shared by pinkwhen.com

Framed burlap wall hanging made of extra building materialsDIY Framed Burlap Wall Hanging shared by artscrackers.com

Office desk made with recycled doorDIY Office Desk Made From Affordable Recycled Door and Cabinets shared by hearthandvine.com

Countdown board made with leftover wood
Family Celebrations Countdown Board shared by thethriftycouple.com

Laundry room shelf made of recycled boards
Laundry room shelf shared by nuggetlands.com

Sign made of scrap wood“Make Stuff” Craft Room Sign shared by wherethesmileshavebeen.com

Now it’s your turn! Take a look at items and scrap wood or other materials around your house and think about ways you might use them differently.

Get creative and be eco-friendly as you turn would-be trash into a treasure.

As always, remember the joy is in the journey. Enjoy each step of the process as you transform trash-to-treasure and end up with a DIY project you can show with pride.

Get more inspiration – browse Home and Garden Ideas on Pinterest. 

 PIN FOR LATER:
DIY project using scrap wood.

14 Replies to “17 Fun DIY Trash-to-Treasure Projects Using Scrap Wood”

  1. Ellen, thank you so much for including my diy floating shelves in your roundup! I love all of the projects that you shared!

    1. Hi Kendra, and thank YOU for sharing your awesome project. The shelves are perfect for any room in the house.

  2. Love all these ideas! I would love to see you add more ideas from time to time

    1. Thanks for the feedback, Joy. I’m guessing you might have lots of creative ideas! I will mark another trash to treasure down on my list. Thanks again. 😀

  3. Repurposing is the best. Love the candle tray your husband made. All great ideas! We’re in the middle of a huge remodeling project, so I’m pinning this page for future reference.

  4. I love this. My father in law can make pretty much anything and he’s made some really amazing post boxes for weddings and bird boxes out of upcycled wood.

  5. I love it when things are recycled and kept out of the landfill. Your husband did a great job and I’d be proud to have that on my table too!

  6. So creative and inspiring. I love taking seemingly “trashy” things and making them into objects of beauty. It takes a real artist with a beautiful eye to do that. So lovely.

    1. Thanks, Jody! There’s something about a DIY project that feels so much more satisfying compared to shopping new items.

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