People are flipping out over this CRAZY file cabinet hack!

[@MidwestLori77]

I made 2 file cabinets into a base for a queen mattress once. I took the drawers out and used the space created for storage. My bedding was mostly long enough to cover the base.

[@emiliaescobar7652]

Amazing!

[@SC-gp7kt]

👏👏👏👏💕

[@kimlewis5429]

❤ I absolutely love this idea too!

[@helenoakley5557]

​@@SC-gp7kt 😅

[@debrareeve3745]

Thank you for that idea. I need a daybed but i have a mouse infestation so I couldnt make one out of wood.

[@mrs.b6719]

Absolutely 💯 love the planter! I have 2 old metal filing cabinets and don't use them anymore and was about to clean them out and donate to our thrift store. Now, I'll be using them to plant marigolds to help keep mosquitoes away. What a WONDERFUL IDEA and just in time to keep them from going to waste by upcycling my cabinets ❤❤brilliant lady👏thank you ❤

[@bjones6537]

You could give them a concrete finish or use spackle and paint for a rustic textured look.

[@mrs.b6719]

@B Jones mmmm, YES! I like how you think 👏😊❤️ and THANK YOU for the FABULOUS idea my friend! Nearly everything in my home is rustic, living here in the south, and I'm dumbfounded that I didn't think of doing that on those cabinets for the outside. 😳🙃 I appreciate you!!!!👏👏😊🩷😇

[@lilivonshtup3808]

Filing cabinets are great for storage too. I use mine for Sandpaper, spray paint, and my drill, sander, soldering gun, etc.

[@kimberluna2226]

Turned mine into a pantry.....such a backsaver!!! Looking for another, I got it for $1....yeah

[@patlynn2418]

@@kimberluna2226 great idea! And the drawers slide out so you can get to the stuff in the back. Love it

[@kimberluna2226]

@@patlynn2418 your welcome...it works...

[@leahrowe847]

Such great ideas!!

[@oldauntzibby4395]

You would get a thumbs up for your name alone, even if I didn't like your comment. (But I do) You can plant a womantic wed wose in your planter.

[@ritarevell7195]

I like pansies. One winter we got a sudden snow storm, then some spring-there were my pansies, blooming and happy as ever. The snow insulated them and protected and kept they watered. Best surprise ever!

[@SuperDavana]

I bought 5 tall filing cabinets last year for $15 for all! I have so many ideas but this really put some more great ideas thank you 😊

[@Laurie_Tinsley]

Oh my gosh....I love the planter/raised bed. I have been wanting to make some raised beds but the cost is crazy. Thank you for the great idea

[@jpendowski7503]

The continuity of using filing cabinets was great. That desk would be great in a small space.

[@leahrowe847]

You could also attach the top with a piano hinge to take up less room

[@kathe.o.]

Take those drawers to create more metal planters. (Nesting flattened cardboard boxes in the bottom is a good biodegradable base in your planters as well.) I love this idea to up cycle the filing cabinet or anything else that can be used.

[@Cherokee-r8h]

Good idea. I may colorfully paint the outside of each one & cheerfully arrange the planters. Add some bling or sparkle to the yard. May paint each one same color as matching set. Thanks!

[@pama.6410]

Looks great! Clever idea. Should you have used some plastic sheeting or something for lining so it doesn't get rusted fast?

[@Trisha_B_done]

Yay!! I have 2 old 2 drawer filing cabinets in the storage bldg. Tickled to have alternative uses for them . Thank you!

[@offroadaussie]

Such a good idea, you go girl 😊

[@Kim-ek7xy]

Very clever! I have one in my garage that was my parents and is sentimental to me so this I think will be a great way to repurpose it into something beautiful and useful. Thanks for sharing.

[@shinenshimmer]

Won’t the leaves settle once u water these plants? Or with consistent watering over a period of time? Just curious

[@JayPea7204]

They will. I use this method for my garden tubs. Actually, as you put the dirt on top of the leaves, the leaves settle, so you will need more dirt than she made it seem. The leaves will compost and next year, you will need to add more soil. I put broken branches, waste from trimming around trees, leaves and lawn clippings to fill my tubs about half way. I added dirt from my compost heap mixed with raised bed soil I bought. In the spring, I use a fork to mix stuff around and add more compost to bring the level back up again. So, yes the leaves will settle and you will have to add more dirt, but you won't have to add it all at once, so you spread out the cost and labor over the seasons.

[@lorrem2539]

@@JayPea7204 do you need to add holes for drainage or do you just let it rust? And wouldn’t the black make it get too hot for the flowers? I have seen this upcycle before and I have an old file cabinet that I want to use this way.

[@JayPea7204]

@@lorrem2539 I would assume you'd have to have drainage holes, so I would think if you want to put it on a wooden deck, you'd have to protect the deck somehow. I am not sure how you'd do that. If you are putting it in river rock landscaping or over dirt or grass, you wouldn't have to worry about the water.

[@Kayenne54]

@@lorrem2539 She drilled holes in the "bottom" during the first minute or so of the video (but then seemed to cover them up with bags of pebbles, so I dunno lol). Yes, I would choose a different colour to black if your region is very hot/dry or the position is very sunny. Also, the plastic bags, here in Australia anyway, seem to have a half life of about 12 - 24 months in these kinds of conditions, after that they start to disintegrate, so this method of throwing whole bags of pebbles in wouldn't work for me if I intended to leave this arrangement in place. Depends how "bio-degradable" plastic bags are in your region. Hubby bought a large bag of salt to kill off weeds, never got to it, and now there's a bag shaped block of salt sitting in the old carport, but it took a few years. Not everything that can be done, should be done.

[@KatherineTeacher]

@@JayPea7204 Perhaps it could be raised up on bricks to keep it off the decking material?

[@KatherineTeacher]

I LOVE your repurposing a four drawer filing cabinet into a large planter! 🙌 When I borrow your idea, I think I will drill a few more drainage holes, but not so many the metal is weakened. After the bags of pea gravel, I will add recyclable plastic bottles with lids that I save for drainage in large pots. Next, I will wet down the leaves before adding a layer of topsoil. Then I will add my potting soil and plants. I only wish I could figure out how to pin your idea to Pinterest! ❤

[@Not2daysatan]

Hit share. Then choose Pinterest

[@patdrenowatz8773]

Won’t it rust after you start watering your plants?

[@ThestuffthatSaralikes]

I saw an entryway bench will storage cubby’s!!!! Just flip it on its side!! THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THE INSPIRATION. Sometimes I just need to see someone taking it apart and reusing it in THEIR way to get see how I can use it in MY way!!!!!!!!!

[@Afiplaysmusic]

That's a great idea!

[@KatherineTeacher]

Wouldn’t that bench be very low even if the filing cabinet was wide enough to hold legal size folders? I’m also wondering if I keep the drawers in for storage, how would I keep things from falling out as I opened the drawer? Would you use something else in the openings for drawers?

[@scott247]

That is a good idea. Looks good. Very creative!

[@cynthiabrown4327]

Aren’t the metal edges of the decorative metal still sharp even after applied to the drawer front? What did you do to prevent injury?

[@adobeblue4360]

my question also, this metal is sharp!!

[@DeesDigitalDelight]

They sell some great looking plastic self adhesive back splash textured tiles at Dollar Tree which would work great in a project like this without the fear of sharp metal edges

[@funmud._.]

@@adobeblue4360 you could if you like,is add a wooden frame around the top with rounded edges.

[@galechicago325]

I would use the file cabinet to file my papers. It’s the ideal size and shape for that purpose!

[@ceeyaaa]

🤣🤣

[@tammywhitt9776]

lol Good idea.

[@becreativeyall]

Haha

[@Red-yz6fl]

Who knew filing cabinets could be used to store files 🤷‍♂️

[@culpepperly]

I don't get it. You should make a video. 😂

[@Jules_Pew]

I used a filing cabinet in the bathroom - stored tons in there. It was still okay 20 years later when I removed it. Also the kids each had one for their toys. Too many modern drawers don't go all the way back and waste so much space.

[@ladyinredboots3552]

Great video! I really appreciate the continuity of subject (filing cabs) & Clear INSTRUCTIONS!!

[@316lvmnoneofyourbusiness7]

The problem I see with the metal filing cabinet planter is that with watering: 1. The water will seep down into the leaves compressing them. 2. The water will force the soil to down into the leaves. The last project. I would have filed the edges of the decorative metal down. Cut metal will slice through fingers and other body parts; hence the necessity of filing.

[@LivingOnADime]

This is the coolest raised bed I've ever seen but beware it WILL rust! So make sure you put it somewhere where that won't matter. Off to find some file cabinets!

[@Theartloyalist]

I love the tiles - the texture is nice!

[@Porschesvideos]

how awesome! I have this exact file cabinet. the lock is broke so i was going to through it out! Now i will grow food in it

[@Jerry-ko9pi]

Get some old milk crates and place in the bottom would also take up some space too. I'd use a product like a bedliner coating on the inside too for the planter.

[@conniemcclure2962]

A friend did this, but made a plywood lid and used it as storage on her covered porch.

[@joaklopfenstein]

A nice bench with storage

[@lisaforbes7325]

These hacks are stunning ❤

[@HowToZeroToHero]

Such great ideas for beautiful ways to recycle!

[@sheritabooker8031]

The two draw filing cabinets would make a great end table or a nightstand

[@becreativeyall]

Great idea!

[@dale3404]

I wonder if wallpaper that looks like embossed tin could be used instead of the tin. I’d have to buy tin snips and protective gloves to do this project, which I like, btw.

[@kita6707]

Great idea! I have several rolls of it. Also, Dollar Tree has wonderful metallic plastic backsplash squares that should work great on this! I wouldn’t depend on the self-stickiness to last. I’d probably use heavy duty adhesive. But they’d be a nice compromise between metal and paper!

[@dale3404]

@@kita6707 Nice to know that about the dollar store

[@kita6707]

@@dale3404 You’re welcome. I didn’t specifically say that the Dollar Tree pieces are faux tin ceiling. You prob gathered that, though. They are really pretty.

[@bellatopiaaa8397]

Great idea for a planter, thanks for sharing, love it!!

[@rosyredspeks3469]

First, this is a GREAT idea and I’ve seen this idea before and have got 2 smaller filing cabinets to do this. BUT, I feel like this might rot the deck so I would definitely get some legs or at least put some rocks to lift up off the wood. Happy crafting! 👍🤩❤️

[@leahrowe847]

Also could make an entry seating thingy with those $Tree bins in the cabinet holes & a wood top

[@KatherineTeacher]

@@leahrowe847 I don’t follow what you mean?

[@leahrowe847]

@KatherineTeacher take a flie cabnit, remove drawers, paint, flip onto side, lay longways with holes facing out toward your feet (not ceiling), add a piece of Plywood or hardwood (sanded, stained, & clear coat sealed of course) to the top & screw down~ the wood is optional BTW, then buy the $Tree cloth bins & put in the file cabinet holes for storing shoes or whatever. You could even add casters if you wanted for easy maneuverability & cleaning. Wallah... You have a easy entryway seat, which can be the start of a drop zone organization area for the family. Hope you understand this better...

[@Mirovanje12]

Great idea! I think I'd use a spray paint for a more even finish, but kudos for coming up with such a great hack.

[@Midlife_Manical_Mayhem]

i use filing cabinets to store my sewing fabris and laces wrapped on cardboard. i can organize by type or color and thumb thru my options just like i would if i were searching for paperwork.

[@probablynot1368]

Wait a moment….bollster @ 3:06 ? The proper way to pronounce the word ‘baluster’ (an upright support, often a vertical moulded shaft, square, or lathe-turned form found in stairways, parapets, and other architectural features) is ba-luh-ster.

[@jimtownsend7899]

Yeah, I felt like I was the ballster, because she was driving me nuts.

[@carolyorks6254]

The idea is more important than how they pronounce it. Why do people feel it is a necessity to point the proper english out. It's like saying tomato or tomato. Who really cares. Not me.

[@jimtownsend7899]

@@carolyorks6254 Well then, that makes one of us! Ain’t America great? Or at least it used to be, when everyone was allowed to have their own opinion? See, in mine, the mispronunciations, the misspellings, the improper grammar detract and distract from the message.

[@carolyorks6254]

Yes, Mr Perfect. Still trying to make yourself feel better. Have a nice life.

[@jimtownsend7899]

@@carolyorks6254 if we’re going to have a language, or anything for that matter, shouldn’t we strive to be proficient at it? We don’t hold Olympic Games every 4 years to have athletes do an okay effort. We wouldn’t want our heart surgeon to be “good enough”. I don’t understand how anyone can be comfortable with not doing their best. You have a nice life, too. In fact, live your best life!

[@diwi5823]

I know this channel never does, but it would be nice if you credited those these ideas come from. Serena (Thrift Diving is her channel) was the 1st one I've seen do this file cabinet upcycle

[@jodykearney7500]

Beautiful job! Could you use this for a planter garden? Can’t wait to do this project.

[@lorettaslockbower5482]

I'm thinking the same. Yes we can!!!😉

[@KatherineTeacher]

Isn’t that what she made, a planter?

[@TheClairemyst]

I was thinking I could make à végétable garden😊

[@kathyl5610]

Great idea, I’ll be doing this!

[@nancyingram966]

My OCD would force me to center the decorative metal pattern. I like the concept/idea!

[@countrygal3688]

I agree! An all over pattern would of looked better than the squares. Plus two of the four sides had an edging, the other two didn't.

[@annettehaley3338]

Great idea for the filing cabinet!

[@peachaf]

Beautiful I love it.

[@betterlivingonabudget]

LOVE this idea, it looks terrific,great job!

[@madmouse7915]

The only thing I'd do different is raise it up off the deck a bit to avoid as much damage as possible in that spot, maybe even on small wheels for easy moving 😊.

[@luvtoyscollector3373]

The flower bed looks nice, need to move it a little to the left a bit 👍

[@MessageViolation]

I reused my old file cabinet to store vaccuum heads, vac hoses, and cleaning tools inside. They're also great to use as shoe cupboards. I'd never use one outside where it could get wet and rust unless, of course, it was already rusted.

[@leahrowe847]

That's what rustolem paint is 4

[@MessageViolation]

@Leah Rowe True. I live in a bipolar weather- high moisture swampy area, so even my rustoleumed chairs outside are rusting. My painted doorframe rots out every few years. lol. I also don't have a low-sun porch for metal planters as the sun will beat on the metal and kill the plants. Also, have wild cats that would scratch the paint up. Sadface.

[@leahrowe847]

@messageviolation9014 I was thinking of doing this, adding a Li'l roof, then putting fake plants in it, so I wouldn't have to worry about rust from watering... I think a few 2x2s & some fence slats would make a nice roof that would screw right to the sides pretty easy.

[@leahrowe847]

@@MessageViolation I hear ya on the rusty chairs... we sand & touch-up paint regularly to keep things nice & the rust down every yr or so

[@MessageViolation]

@Leah Rowe That would look cute. I wish more people got rid of wood file cabinets because I want to put a slab of wood over one to make a desk since lumber is high. Hoping more people do some spring cleaning 🙏

[@osvaldorivera1134]

cool trick! THX for the sharing!!!

[@lukelucy1980]

Awesome !! Thank You.

[@becreativeyall]

Last one was gorgeous! What paint was that?

[@romainejayne1811]

Many times I have seen the file cabinets already originally in the black color, too so that would save you a lot of time and effort to re-paint the cabinet. Used black file cabinets are everywhere in Los Angeles. Great idea, thank you!

[@MisAndry4B]

I also throw in twigs and sticks at the bottom of my large containers then leaves and old yard waste that is compostable, then top layer soil. The next year I use the compost in my garden beds. Its usually just a year some times you have to wait 2, but the composted twigs and leaves is rich, and I don't have to buy as much soil.

[@bluemoon8268]

… this method is called hugelkulture … lots of videos on it …

[@tarabooartarmy3654]

I have an old filing cabinet outside right now. I think I will turn it into a planter for herbs. Thanks for the idea!

[@ritarevell7195]

Stunning!

[@misswildlife7905]

File cabinets in my area are even cheaper..$5-10. Also, won't moisture eventually get into your bags at the bottom? Wouldn't it be better if you just put a couple concrete blocks or stone pavers in there?

[@t0manderson571]

YES,brilliant. Smaller scrap items, not storage cabinets still useful for that.

[@dianajemison105]

Yes, obviously.

[@davida1679]

The file cabinet planter box may not last a very long time with all the moisture, but who cares? It’s so easy to make a new one every 2-5-10 years after they accumulate too much rust! As soon as I get home I’m getting started on one!

[@leahrowe847]

I think concrete leaches lime or something that's not great for plants 🤔

[@leahrowe847]

I forgot, Most people use sticks, wood, bark, etc for fill in the bottom. It's also good drainage

[@Holly-ro3yq]

They are some great ideas! Ty😁👍

[@kevinogracia1615]

Cool. Great for herbs.

[@Kayr76]

Very good flip!

[@tracy_222]

Great projects👍🏻❤️❤️

[@lizroman1573]

Beautiful ❤, I would also add either a stencil welcome sign or family name

[@johnkelly6942]

That was a great idea.!

[@ginger6582]

That's some pretty stuff.

[@Kayenne54]

Really hot climate, or a very hot sunny position, and black would not be my preferred colour for this kind of planting. (Black absorbs heat, the potting mix would dry out faster and the roots would get hot); otherwise a really neat idea, looks great.

[@kimlewis5429]

Some of that stone look spray paint maybe ? In a much lighter color? Reflecting heat? I'd like to try it like that..

[@thesentimentalsoul3683]

These would be great veggie gardens

[@TheClairemyst]

Yeah that's what I thought too.. on the lookout for file cabinet

[@LaureinaToler-Farmer]

gorgeous!! What color of paint did you use? I really like it

[@dmcdaniel2009]

GREAT VIDEO, THX.!!

[@ms55938]

Cute idea, but the water and dirt draining out the bottom is going to rot out the deck boards. With all that weight, the wood will stay constantly wet.

[@nes3n16]

light sanding makes the paint apply and stick so much better

[@juliadawnyel3648]

The drawer s are great for plants too

[@brooklynzone1769]

Thinks for the hack / flower pot

[@maggiebannenberkowitz9254]

Love this.

[@linda6987]

Brilliant! ♥️

[@adriansolomon6805]

Why not take the drawers out before you lifted it????😊

[@odiliasanchez9093]

Great idea!!!

[@RobynShaw-j2o]

Love it ❤

[@craftwithmeriem]

New subscriber ! I love this channel, I got a lot of inspiration ❤❤😊

[@bettyross4940]

Great idea

[@bellnorton1691]

I hope you water proofed the metal to prevent rusting.

[@debyates4543]

Nice❤ thank you!!

[@theycalledherschool]

Excellent!!!!

[@triggerwarning2439]

I'm going to turn mine into nesting boxes for my chickens

[@susanstarks109]

Hold up! What about the stairs for the door above the filing cabinet. How do they get out of their house?

[@jfletc3000]

you must never heard of rust

[@nancychannel8513]

Ingenious!

[@CarolinaHerrera-if2vc]

I love it❤

[@jonredd650]

I've been flipping out for years and not once was it about a file cabinet!🥰🤷🏼‍♂️

[@becreativeyall]

Hahaha love it!

[@richardupyurass2379]

Now that’s a smart woman. Haha. Brilliant. I’m now on the lookout

[@JayPea7204]

I would worry about the water draining out of the planter, along with the rain that runs under the planter, rotting the deck.

[@virginiamoss7045]

I would, too.

[@cindymeyer838]

Place the planter on cinder blocks after you have drilled the drain holes.

[@JayPea7204]

@@cindymeyer838 Or space the drain holes when you drill them so that they are lined up with the space between the deck boards. I'm not sure I would want cinder blocks as it would be too high and the blocks not very nice looking. Thin pavers would be better

[@MarioIArguello]

Metal steel and water or moisture, not a good match, at some point it will rust, even if the metal is coated with paint,

[@sandrasheets9185]

For the first one...I thought you were putting it in the garage to hold shovels, brooms etc...

[@KatherineTeacher]

I think I saw that on Pinterest or maybe here on KZbin. The filing cabinet drawers had been removed & the cabinet was on the floor next to the garage or shed wall. I think there was a clothes rack with pegs up above. The shovels were put into the empty drawer holes. Their handles were in between the pegs. Rake handles were down inside the empty holes & other other end were kept in place by the pegs above.

[@Legacy_125]

Genius, where did you get this idea?

[@lucz6689]

Love love🎉

[@LawrenceMartinez-fb1tt]

I can’t tell you how many discarded filing cabinets that I have passed by on the street never knowing that they would make great raised planting beds !

[@bob4881]

Show me what those items look like a year from now. I made things like this growing up because my family couldn't affort the good stuff. The metal planter bottom is going to rust and leave marks on your deck or porch. I recomend at the very least put wood blocks or bricks under it so it will be least of a pain to repair the damage it does. Also the plastic is plugging the holes at the bottom and going to deteriorate. Cheap paint equal more work. If you live in a area that don't see much rain and low humdity good for you. I live in alabama and that will never stay looking good.

[@leahrowe847]

I would just put fo-plants in it & not worry about watering... LOL

[@s.a.4076]

Fo plants ?! you mean faux plants ?

[@leahrowe847]

@@s.a.4076 Yes... LOL! My brain wouldn't give me the correct word/spelling, but I figured people would get it.

[@MrsTeacherHighSchool]

Wouldnt rust be an issue from the rain n watering?

[@tinageri5811]

What did you use for the bottom of cabinet, which is now a side, but there is nothing there originally as it's the bottom. But, thought water would run out. Just curious, as I want to copy your great idea!

[@patriciafarina3336]

Uhhhh...all those stones IN THE BAGS will NOT allow the water to get out of the drainage holes you drilled!!

[@micheleolson9914]

And the sand in the plastic is more likely to get moldy bc water will eventually get in there.

[@mrscorpio007ify]

And the dirt and moisture will eventually eat through those bags of gravel

[@michellemooresings]

Great point

[@suemount6042]

Water always finds a way through

[@merrilew]

Is there a work-around to do this minus the pea gravel? I have a cabinet and I’m interested. What cha got peeps?

[@TiredOldMann]

How long did it last ?

[@odiliasanchez9093]

Awesome

[@JayPea7204]

Well, now old file cabinets will be $100 instead of $20. That is what always happens when these hacks get popular

[@paulcullen814]

I saw another project on the internet where you cut the base out of the upper 3 drawers, leaving a lip around the edge. Put wire mesh in the base of the drawers fixing it to the lip with screws. Drill some holes in the base and sides of the bottom drawer and make a grill to fit the top of the bottom drawer. Remove all the plastic fittings on the front of the drawers and fit metal handles to the drawers. You can then put charcoal in the bottom drawer and light it, put the grill on top and with the drawer out you have a barbecue. Light the charcoal and push the drawer nearly closed, leaving a gap for air to get in, put meat etc in the upper drawers on the mesh and you have a smoker.