This month Lowe’s challenged their Creative Network to make something beautiful and functional in our outdoor space.

This was a great challenge. I enjoy indoor projects more than outdoor ones for some reason. So this month’s challenge really made me put my thinking cap on.

I was inspired by the FOUR old closet doors that were sitting in my garage. I recently switched out the closet doors in my daughter’s room and in the new guest room. Instead of sliding doors, I installed two doors that can be opened wide. It’s great for being able to utilize the most out of closets possible. But then I had four old closet doors sitting in my garage. I really didn’t want to throw them away. So  decided to make them into an Outdoor Privacy Screen. This screen can have many uses. You might need a little privacy from your neighbors. Or you might have something by your patio or porch that is a little unsightly — like a power box, water meter, etc. Or maybe your patio faces a street.

I also bought a Tile Saw!!! Yay!! I had a great time cutting tiles for this project. Here’s a tip I discovered — if you are going to cut subway tiles, cut them with the wrong side facing up. Otherwise the  smaller side of the tile you are cutting will get a little chip on the side. I have a BIG tiling project coming up in August, and I wanted to experiment and see if I could figure out how to cut the tiles. It turns out that it’s much easier than I thought. And check out my new safety goggles — I am rocking the DIY. LOL!!

I think it’s a great to start with a smaller job first and get experience before tackling a really complex project.

Here’s what I did to make the Subway Tile Planter Boxes:

• I handmade these planter boxes and a tutorial on how to make them yourself is coming up. It will save you all kinds of money!!
• Lay the tiles in the space you are looking to tile. I centered my tile and then had to cut tiles for both sides. You will need to insert some spacers too.
• Then cut the tiles to fit within the space. There are some wax pencils you can buy at Lowe’s for your tiling projects.
• The next thing I did was I took the tile from the planter opening and laid it out on my patio table.
• Then I spread on the adhesive with the trowel and then laid the tile right on top of it.
• Make sure to press down on the adhesive.
• Once the adhesive is dry, then it’s time to grout!!
• I used a sandy grout and I discovered that I love the smooth finished grout better.
• To apply the grout you use a grout float. This is a tool that kind of “smushes” the grout into the spaces around the tiles.
• Let the grout set overnight and then clean it off with the big sponge.

To make the Privacy Screen:

• Take the doors and add hinges to connect the doors.

• Then if you want to hang flowers on the doors, buy a couple of shelf brackets and screw them into the door. My doors are hollow, so I bought extra-long screws that go all the way through the door with washers on the other side. I wanted to be sure that the brackets would hold up the flower baskets.

• The last thing you might want to do is screw the planters onto the front of the screen. And of course, plant some pretty flowers in your planter boxes.

**Note — if you don’t have old doors sitting around, you can put an ad on Freecycle for someone elses old doors. I have put ads on there and got all kinds of great things for FREE. Like my chandelier in my Board & Batten bathroom. It’s a great resource!!

So there you have it. You can take something old and make it into something new with a new purpose.

I was thinking about painting each door a different color. What do you think?? I can’t decide. And if you are looking for more planter box ideas, Kate @ Centsational Girl has made some beautiful ones on her blog. And another fun idea to do with old doors can be found from Stacy at Not Just a Housewife.

Also, I have a part 2 to this project that will be coming up in July AND a $100 Lowe’s gift card giveaway. So stay tuned for that!! And be sure to check out the Lowe’s Creative Ideas Magazine.

Have a Terrific Day!

xoxo

PS — I’m linking up to:

Amanda’s Weekend Bloggy Reading Party – come check it out!!

The post #LowesCreator — Make a DIY Outdoor Privacy Screen and Subway Tile Planter Boxes!! appeared first on Tatertots and Jello.