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Create a well-ventilated bin stable by making a box-like frame and cladding it in fence panels. This D.I.Y. design features three hinged doors on the front and a lid supported by gas struts for easy access. The end result will house three large wheelie bins, with the finished structure 2210mm wide, 915mm deep and 1260mm high. However, it can be modified for other equipment, too. To screen outdoor objects that don’t need moving but still require access (such as pool pumps or hot water systems), tweak this design by replacing the doors or lid with fixed panels – just work out the dimensions around the original 600mm panel width to keep the slats intact. All you need to finish things off are coats of an oil-based primer and exterior paint to suit your colour scheme. (We chose white for a coastal look.)
Tip: We painted the panels but, for a natural finish, swap primed H3-treated pine for Merbau screening in similar sizes and stain the pine frame inside to match.
Safety tip: Always wear the appropriate safety equipment (safety glasses, ear muffs, gloves and a mask, for example) and always follow the instructions for the product or equipment.
Assemble two centre frames with the stiles (vertical pieces) against the top and base rails, and the middle rails centred sideways. Assemble two end frames with the base and centre rails sideways, flush with one side. Pre-drill with a 5mm bit, securing each join with two 50mm batten screws.
Set a circular saw blade to 20mm deep, cutting the panel stiles using a rafter square as a straight edge. Cut three doors of 26 slats, two side panels of 27 slats, and four with seven slats to position vertically.
Position the side panels on the end frames, flush with the front. Position two infills each at the top and base, clamping to pre-drill with an 8G countersinking bit, securing with 50mm decking screws. Cover the rest of each end frame with vertical panels, countersinking between the slats and securing with decking screws.
Set out the frames using the spacers. At the back, position a 2140mm rail along the inside base, securing with batten screws. Secure the other 2140mm rail through the centre, and the 2180mm rail along the top, in-line with the vertical panels. Attach the 2180mm support rail along the back, securing with 30mm screws.
Trim a panel offcut to nine slats long, positioning it upside-down, end-to-end with a full panel. Position the 2120mm lid supports inside the stiles and to reinforce the join, securing into the slats with 20mm button screws. Secure infills to the ends with 30mm screws.
Cut four panel offcuts of five slats long, trimming the slats of one to be 360mm long. Set them out along the support rail with the end cover pieces, securing with decking screws.
Sand over the screws with 120-grit abrasive paper, apply exterior filler, leave to dry and then sand the excess. Apply oil-based primer all over, painting the stiles between the slats with an angled brush. Finish with a mini roller, dragging it along the gaps between the slats. Apply two coats of exterior paint, leaving to dry after each coat.
Attach the lid to the top rail, with hinges eight slats in from the ends and at the centre. On the doors, position a hinge five slats from either end, using it as a template to pre-drill with a 3mm bit, securing with the supplied screws.
Install hooks on the doors, two slats down, 15mm in, pre-drilling with a 2.5mm bit and securing. Centre the catches on the frame, checking that the hook fits, then mark the holes, pre-drill and secure. Attach strut brackets under the lid and inside the box, pre-drilling to secure with the supplied screws, then install the struts.
Asbestos, lead-based paints and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber are health hazards you need to look out for when renovating older homes. These substances can easily be disturbed when renovating and exposure to them can cause a range of life-threatening diseases and conditions including cancer. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer or visit our Health & Safety page.
When following our advice in our D.I.Y. videos, make sure you use all equipment, including PPE, safely by following the manufacturer’s instructions. Check that the equipment is suitable for the task and that PPE fits properly. If you are unsure, hire an expert to do the job or talk to a Bunnings Team Member.
