How To Build An Outdoor Trash Can Holder

An outdoor trash can holder is a great way to keep your trash cans organized and out of sight. It can also help to keep animals from getting into your trash. Building an outdoor trash can holder is a relatively easy project that can be completed in a few hours.

Materials You'll Need

4 pieces of 2x4 lumber, each 8 feet long
1 piece of 2x4 lumber, 4 feet long
1 piece of 1/2-inch plywood, 4 feet by 4 feet
16 3-inch wood screws
8 1-inch wood screws
1 pair of hinges
1 latch
Paint or stain (optional)

Instructions

Cut the 2x4 lumber into the following lengths:
- 4 pieces 7 feet long
- 2 pieces 3 feet long
- 1 piece 4 feet long
Assemble the frame of the holder by screwing the 7-foot pieces of 2x4 together to form a rectangle. The 3-foot pieces should be attached to the inside of the rectangle, parallel to the 7-foot pieces and spaced evenly apart.
Attach the plywood to the bottom of the frame using the 1-inch wood screws. Make sure that the plywood is flush with the edges of the frame.
Attach the 4-foot piece of 2x4 to the top of the frame using the 3-inch wood screws. This will create a lid for the holder.
Attach the hinges to the lid and the frame. Make sure that the hinges are positioned so that the lid opens and closes smoothly.
Attach the latch to the lid and the frame. This will keep the lid closed when it is not in use.
Paint or stain the holder, if desired.

Tips

If you want to make the holder more durable, you can use pressure-treated lumber.
You can also add a bottom to the holder to keep trash from falling out.
If you have a large trash can, you may need to build a larger holder.