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How to make a wooden vase with timber dowel

timber dowel vase with flowers

Overview

Give an old jar a new lease on life using timber dowel. You can keep the natural timber tones or introduce a pop of colour with some spray paint. 

Always wear the appropriate safety equipment (safety glasses, ear muffs and a mask, for example) and always follow the instructions for the product or equipment. 

Steps

  1. 1

    Measure and cut

    Timber dowel comes in several sizes, so choose the width that most appeals to you. Measure and mark your dowel to be a minimum of 50mm longer than your vessel. Using a handsaw and mitre box, cut the dowel to size. 

    Tip: You can also cut the dowel with a power saw if you have one.

     
  2. 2

    Apply adhesive

    Apply adhesive onto the jar and stick on your dowel, repeating until the exterior of the jar is covered. Stand your jar upright and push each piece of dowel downwards to ensure the bottom is straight. Wrap the dowel with a few pieces of masking tape – this will hold it in place until it’s dried.

    Tip: Apply one line of adhesive at a time and stick on the dowel immediately. If the adhesive is left for more than five minutes, it will dry out.

  3. 3

    Trim your wooden dowel

    If some of the dowel pieces are different heights, use a pencil to mark a line around the perimeter of your vase. Once the adhesive is dry, cut off the excess bits with a handsaw. 

     
  4. 4

    Sand the edges

    Wrap a sanding block with 180-grit abrasive paper. Sand, down the edges and between the dowel to remove splinters and excess adhesive. Wipe off any sawdust with a microfibre cloth.
  5. 5

    Decorate your vase

    Depending on your preferred finish, apply timber varnish or spray paint.

    Tip: For best results, apply at least two coats, leaving to dry between each coat. Always work in a well-ventilated area when using spray paint.

  6. 6

    Like the look?

    Integrate more dowel into your space with our timber dowel feature wall project.  

     

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Health & Safety

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.