Having an unsightly garbage can in your yard or on the side of your house can really detract from your home’s curb appeal. While garbage cans are a necessary evil, there are ways to disguise them so they blend in better with their surroundings. Here are some tips on how to hide garbage cans yourself using DIY methods.
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What are some ways to hide garbage cans?
There are a variety of creative ways to conceal garbage cans that don’t involve huge construction projects or spending a lot of money. Some popular options include:
- Build a wooden enclosure or garbage can shed
- Use foliage like bushes, trellises, trees to obscure the view
- Construct a screen or fence around the cans
- Place them out of sight around a corner or tucked away discreetly
- Paint the garbage cans to blend in with the surroundings
- Decorate the garbage cans to be less of an eyesore
- Keep garbage cans inside the garage except on trash day
How can you build a wooden enclosure?
One of the most effective ways to hide unsightly garbage cans is to construct a wooden enclosure or little shed to store them in. This can be built fairly simply and cheaply with basic carpentry skills.
Here are some tips for building a DIY wood garbage can enclosure:
- Use weather-resistant wood like cedar or pressure treated pine to prevent rotting
- Construct a floor out of 2x4s so cans aren’t sitting directly on the ground
- Build a simple front panel that serves as the access door to get cans in and out
- Add hinges and handles to the door for easy access
- Use angled roof panels to allow rain runoff
- Paint or stain the enclosure to match your home
- Make sure there is adequate ventilation to control odors
Garbage Can Enclosure Materials
Typical materials needed for a DIY garbage can enclosure include:
| Wood boards (various sizes) | Wood screws |
| Pressure treated 4x4s for posts | Door hinges |
| Plywood or OSB for walls | Handles or pull |
| Landscape timbers for floor | Corner brackets |
Garbage Can Enclosure Cut List
Here is an example cut list for the lumber needed to build a enclosure with 4×4 posts and a plywood door:
| 4×4 posts – 8 ft (x4) | 1×4 boards – 12 ft (x2) |
| 2×4 boards – 12 ft (x2) | 1×3 boards – 12 ft (x6) |
| 4×8 OSB – 1 sheet | Door hinges (x2) |
| Landscape timbers 6×6 – 10 ft (x4) | Tee hinges for door (x2) |
Step-by-Step Building Instructions
Follow these basic construction steps to build a garbage can enclosure:
- Layout 4×4 posts in a 4×3 rectangle for structure base
- Set 4×4 posts in concrete
- Screw in horizontal 2x4s across top to tie frame together
- Cut OSB panels to size and screw to front, back and sides
- Build framed out door panel with 1x4s and OSB
- Attach door using hinges and install pull handle
- Construct roof panels with overlapping joints for runoff
- Add corner trim pieces around top edges for clean look
- Paint or stain enclosure to protect wood and match home
This simple garbage can shed takes 1-2 days to construct. Having an enclosed structure will not only hide the trash cans, but also help control odors and animals getting into the garbage.
How can foliage camouflage garbage cans?
Plantings and foliage are a great way to obscure unsightly garbage cans without building any structures. The right mix of plant materials can disguise the view while enhancing your landscape.
Bushes and Shrubs
Bushes make a perfect screen for hiding garbage cans. Evergreen shrubs with dense foliage or flowering bushes work well. Some good options include:
- Boxwood
- Holly
- Yew
- Rhododendrons
- Lilacs
- Forsythia
Plant a continuous hedge of bushes around the garbage area, leaving an opening for access. This green barrier masks the view while allowing easy can retrieval.
Vines and Trellises
Climbing vines grown on a trellis is another camouflaging option. Plant fast growing annual vines or perennial options like:
- Morning glory
- Passion flower
- Grape vines
- Clematis
- Hops
- Jasmine
Install a trellis against a wall or post near the garbage cans. Train vines up the trellis to create a lush green screen that completely blocks the view.
Large Trees
For a more permanent solution, large trees planted around the perimeter of the garbage area prevent lines of sight. Evergreens like pine or spruce work especially well. Other options include:
- Maples
- Oaks
- Cedars
- Arborvitae
Place trees at strategic spots where their spreading width will hide the garbage cans.
How do you build a garbage can screening fence?
Installing a fence around your garbage receptacles keeps them out of sight for aesthetic appeal. This can be done by constructing a permanent wood fence or using pre-made vinyl screening panels.
Wooden Fence
For a durable option, build a privacy fence using treated lumber or cedar boards. Here are some tips:
- Use 4×4 posts spaced 6-8 feet apart
- Set posts in concrete for stability
- Attach horizontal stringers between posts
- Use alternating board pattern for best coverage
- Allow enough space between boards for airflow
- Add a latching gate for easy access
- Paint or stain for weather protection
Vinyl Screening Panels
For quick installation, vinyl fence screening panels can attach right to your existing fence or structure. Look for durable PVC panels that include:
- Solid privacy slats
- 76″ height to conceal cans
- Size to match your area
- Grommets to easily attach panels
Anchor panels over the garbage can area using zip ties through the grommets or wood screws. Add overlapping panels for full coverage side-to-side.
Pre-Built Trash Can Enclosure
For convenience, pre-fabricated garbage can enclosures are available:
- Molded one-piece polyethylene construction
- Slide in access door or side openings
- Neutral colors like tan or gray
- Dimensions fit 96-gallon cans
- Stretch panels attach to fill gaps
Look for sturdy panels, interlocking system, and secure door latch when choosing an enclosure.
How can paint and decor disguise cans?
If building a full enclosure isn’t feasible, use decorative painting or accents to help the garbage cans blend in better. This allows them to show while looking more aesthetically pleasing.
Painting Techniques
Add a fresh coat of paint to your garbage cans for an updated, attractive look:
- Neutral colors – taupe, brown, gray to match home
- Sheen – flat or satin helps hide scuffs
- Color blocking – paint bottom a dark accent color
- Stenciled pattern – use shapes or designs for interest
- Faux finish – add wood grain, stone orbrick textures
Use exterior durable spray paint formulated for plastic, metal or rust protection.
Decorative Touches
Add some simple decorations to dress up plain garbage cans:
- Stencil names or numbers on cans for identification
- Adhere magnets, wreaths or shutters to the front
- Wrap the cans with faux ivy garlands or flowers
- Disguise with decorative buckets, pots or boxes
- Use chalkboard paint for a fun, changeable look
Pick accents in colors matching your home for a cohesive look. Change them seasonally if desired.
Strategic placement of your garbage cans is key for keeping them concealed and out of prominent view. Consider these tips for optimal garbage can placement:
Around a Corner
Keep cans tucked around the side or back corner of your home. This uses the existing structure and landscaping to block the line of sight from the street.
Near Side Yard Fences
Position garbage and recycling bins close to side yard fencing or plantings. The enclosure creates a discreet alcove.
Near the House
Place cans near the foundation away from corners so they are only visible head-on. Bushes, yard decor and the home itself help hide the view.
Behind the Garage
An out-of-the-way spot behind the garage keeps cans obscured but accessible through the driveway.
Near Service Areas
Tuck garbage receptacles discreetly by HVAC units, electrical boxes and other utility areas.
Away from Entrances
Avoid placing right by the front or side entryway. This forces guests to pass by the cans when entering your home.
Conclusion
Hiding your garbage cans doesn’t need to be a big, expensive project. With some creativity and strategic placement, you can keep your curb appeal flawless and avoid an eyesore. Built enclosures, plantings, fences, paint and decor offer simple, affordable options to disguise garbage cans in any home’s exterior space.