DIY Garbage Can Enclosure: Simple Steps to Hide Bins
Unsightly garbage cans ruin your home’s curb appeal. They sit in full view of neighbors and guests. No one wants to see trash bins as a focal point of their property.
A DIY garbage can enclosure solves this problem quickly.
It hides ugly bins from view, prevents cans from tipping over on windy days, keeps animals away from trash, and adds order to outdoor space.
We’ll show you two simple designs you can build yourself. The first uses cedar boards on posts with a paver base.
The second creates a box with a slanted roof and door. Both look great, work well, and use basic tools and materials from any home store.
No special skills are needed. Just follow our steps. Your property will look better right away.
Planning Your Project for DIY Garbage Can Enclosure
Determine the Right Size for Your Needs
Count how many trash cans you have. Standard bins need at least 2 feet of width each. Add extra space between cans. Allow room to pull each can out separately.
Measure Your Space and Garbage Cans
Get the exact height, width, and depth of your bins. Add 6-8 inches of clearance above the tallest can.
Make the enclosure at least 3 feet deep. For three cans, plan on 8 feet of width.
Choose an Appropriate Location
Pick a spot close to your house. Stay near your driveway or garage. Find level ground or be ready to level it.
Keep the spot visible but not prominent. Check for utility lines before digging.
Consider Access Requirements
Think about how you use the cans daily. Make sure the path to your enclosure is smooth.
Face the opening toward your home for easy access. Allow enough room to roll bins to the curb on collection day. If applicable, plan for winter snow.
Materials and Tools for DIY Garbage Can Enclosure
- 3 pressure-treated 4″x4″x8′ posts
- 14 cedar 1″x6″x8′ boards
- 3 bags of fast-setting concrete
- 4 bags of paver base
- 4 bags of leveling sand
- 4 bags of multi-purpose sand
- 18 concrete stepping stones (16″x16″)
- Landscaping weed fabric
- 1.5″ exterior wood deck screws (1 box)
- 5 boards of 2″x4″x8′ lumber
- 13 boards of 1″x4″x8′ lumber
- 1 box of 2½” outdoor-rated pocket hole screws
- 1 box of 1¼” exterior wood screws
- 1 box of 3″ decking screws
- 2-3 hinges for door
- 1 latch for door closure
- Primer and paint or exterior stain/sealer
- Drill
- Miter saw
- Circular saw
- Post hole digger
- Shovel
- Measuring tape
- Level
- Pencil for marking
- Hammer
- Safety glasses
- String line for layout
Tip: Buy extra materials to account for mistakes and return unused items later.
Constructing a Garbage Can Fence Enclosure
Step 1: Preparing the Foundation
Mark your enclosure area. Use a shovel to remove all grass. Dig down 4 inches. Level the ground with a rake.
Lay weed barrier fabric. Cover the entire area. Overlap seams by 6 inches.
Add 2 inches of paver base. Spread evenly. Wet lightly. Compact firmly.
Pour 1 inch of leveling sand. Smooth with a board. Keep it level.
Place concrete stepping stones side by side. Minimize gaps. Tap each stone with a mallet.
Sweep sand into gaps between stones. Water lightly to settle the sand.
Step 2: Installing the Posts
Mark post locations. Dig 24-inch deep holes. Make holes 10 inches wide.
Set 4×4 posts in holes. Pour dry concrete around each post. Use one bag per hole.
Hold the post straight. Check with level. Add water to activate the concrete.
Brace posts with scrap wood. Let the concrete set for 4 hours.
Step 3: Attaching Cedar Boards
Mark 48 inches up from the ground on each post. This is the height for your first board.
Attach the first cedar board. Use two screws at each post.
Use a 3/4-inch spacer between boards. This creates even gaps.
Work downward. Add each board with proper spacing. Secure with screws.
Cut boards to fit as needed.
Step 4: Finishing Touches
Trim excess post height—sand rough edges. Apply wood stain to match your home.
Seal all wood surfaces. Add post caps if desired. Place rocks around the area if needed.
Box-Style Enclosure Construction Steps
Step 1: Building Side Frames
Cut 2×4 lumber for two identical side frames. Make front posts shorter than back posts.
Cut top pieces at a 7° angle for water runoff, and drill pocket holes in the ends of horizontal pieces.
Assemble frames using pocket hole screws. Check for square corners.
Step 2: Connecting the Frames
Cut three 2x4s for cross supports. Place two at the top—one at the front and one at the back.
Position the third one near the bottom of the back side, leaving space at the bottom to avoid ground contact.
Attach them using pocket hole screws or 3″ deck screws through the sides.
Step 3: Building the Door Frame
Measure the size of the front opening. Cut 2x4s for the door frame to fit this opening, allowing a small gap on all sides for smooth operation.
Drill pocket holes in the ends of the horizontal pieces. Assemble the door frame using screws and check that it fits the opening.
Step 4: Applying Base Finish
Paint all frame pieces before adding slats. This is easier than painting after assembly. Apply exterior primer to all surfaces.
Let dry completely. Add exterior paint in your chosen color. Paint both sides and edges of each piece.
Step 5: Installing Slats
Cut 1×4 slats for the sides. The length varies due to the sloped top. Start at the top and work down.
Leave a 1/4″ gap between boards. Attach with 1-1/4″ screws. Cut and attach door slats. Install roof slats with 1/4″ gaps for drainage.
Step 6: Adding Door Hardware
Attach the hinges to the door frame. Position the door in the opening. Screw the hinges to the main frame.
Test the door’s swing. Add a latch to keep the door closed. Adjust as needed for smooth operation. Add a handle if desired.
Maintenance Tips for Your Outdoor Area
Apply a sealant yearly to protect surfaces from wear and weather damage.
Regularly inspect for any loose parts and secure them to prevent accidents.
Clean your outdoor area regularly to maintain its appearance. Use appropriate cleaners for materials to avoid damage.
Prepare your space for winter by covering or storing weather-sensitive items. Clean up debris that could cause damage during harsh weather.
Customization Ideas for Your Space
Matching Existing Home Features: Choose colors, textures, or materials that complement the rest of your home.
Adding Personalized Elements: Incorporate unique elements like custom furniture, decorative items, or planters to add personality.
Functional Improvements: Consider upgrades that enhance comfort and utility, such as outdoor lighting, shading, or seating arrangements.
Design Variations: Play with different layouts and styles, mixing modern and traditional elements to create an inviting atmosphere.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Incorrect measurements: Ensure your enclosure fits your garbage cans properly. Measure both the cans and the space carefully before beginning.
- Choosing the wrong materials: To prevent premature wear and tear, select durable materials that can withstand weather conditions, like cedar or treated wood.
- Neglecting drainage: Water can accumulate inside the enclosure without proper drainage, damaging the structure and your bins. Make sure to include gaps for water to escape.
- Skipping ground preparation: If you don’t level the ground properly or install a weed barrier, the foundation can shift over time, leading to uneven or unstable construction.
- Forgetting access: Ensure your design allows easy access to your garbage cans for disposal and collection days. A proper door or gate is essential.
- Poor post installation: Posts need to be securely set to maintain stability. Always double-check they’re level and firmly anchored in concrete.
Conclusion
Building a DIY garbage can enclosure is an easy way to improve your yard’s appearance and keep unsightly bins out of view.
Whether you choose a fence-style or box-style design, both options offer practical solutions to conceal your garbage cans.
Proper planning, measuring, and material selection allow you to create an enclosure that suits your needs and space.
Remember to maintain the structure by sealing it annually, cleaning it regularly, and checking for loose components.
Customizing the design to match your home’s features adds a personal touch.
