Updated in May 2024
Have some old porch posts lying around? Round ones, square ones–it doesn’t matter.
Here are some creative and sustainable ways to give them new life.
I received these porch posts from a neighbor, who thought I might find a way to use them. And if I’m being honest: For about 18 months their purpose was to hang out in a corner of my basement, waiting for inspiration to strike.
If you don’t have a neighbor waiting to give you their old stuff: Try Facebook Marketplace or the Habitat for Humanity ReStore!
But it’s funny: Inspiration did indeed strike after I saw a sofa table I LOVED online…and it cost $700. No thank you!
This beginner-friendly DIY table cost just $50–a pretty good discount, if I say so myself.
Materials to DIY a patio table
- Pressure-treated lumber: 2x4s and 2x10s, plus 1x6s for the bottom
- Your old porch posts
- Outdoor exterior-grade paint (I used Sherwin Williams’ Emerald line, which I LOVE)
- Gloves (to protect your hands from the chemicals in pressure-treated lumber)
- Galvanized screws and nails
Tip: Clean and inspect the porch posts
Discard them if wood rot or insects are present. Remove any loose paint or splinters and ensure they are structurally sound for their new purpose.
And again, be sure to use gloves: Pressure-treated lumber has a lot of chemicals designed to resist water and the elements, but they’re not so great for your skin.
Other Ways to Upcycle Porch Posts
- Plant stands: Cut the posts to desired lengths and create sturdy bases for potted plants. You can paint or stain them to match your outdoor decor. (Similar idea to my table in the video)
- Side tables: Cut the porch posts to the desired height and add a flat circular or square top made of wood, metal, or glass. Sand and stain the posts for a polished look. These repurposed porch post side tables can add character to your living room or outdoor seating area.
- Decorative lantern holders: Securely attach a lantern holder or bracket to the top of the porch posts. Place these repurposed posts strategically around your patio or garden to create a charming ambiance during evenings. Use LED lantern lights for safety! I so want to do this!
- Garden trellis: Use the old porch posts as supports for climbing plants in your garden. Sink them into the ground at appropriate intervals and attach wire, twine or lattice horizontally between them. You will have a beautiful vertical garden feature.
- Headboards: If you have two porch posts of similar size, you can repurpose them as a headboard. Attach the posts vertically to the wall and run plywood between them and finish as you wish. You’ll have a unique and rustic headboard.
- Shelving units: Cut a post into two halves lengthwise and mount them vertically on a wall. Notch out equally spaced grooves on each post to create room for a shelf. Add a live edge shelf for a rustic look. These repurposed porch post shelves can be used for displaying books, plants, or decorative items.
More Green DIY Ideas
Don’t throw away those bags new linens come in–repurpose them instead!
I’ve also got a few ideas on budget-friendly tips to beat the heat, too, such as a DIY A/C tutorial and these Earth-friendly ways to stay cool.
Here are some other easy, budget-friendly upcycling projects you can find on my YouTube channel:
