Supplies
- Washboard
- (2) 13 1/4” pieces of fence slats for side rails
- (1) 1x2 cut to 13” for top of footboard
- (1) 1x2 cut to 10 3/4 ” for back of headboard
- (8) 1 3/4 wood screws
- (4) 1 1/2" wood screws (for footboard top and back headboard rail)
- (2) 5 1/2” wide wood pieces (fence slats) cut at 10 3/4” and 1 piece cut down to 2” to fill the 13” bottom of flower bed.
- Reuse rungs of washboard on side rails to hold the bottom of the bed
- Tin snips
- Drill
- Khaki craft paint (for wash)
- Water
- Paint brush
- Washcloth
- Plasti Dip
- Label paper (optional)
- Mod Podge (optional)
Directions
1. Cut standard washboard in tow using a jig saw. (larger half will be around 13.5” and smaller half will be around 7” depending on the washboard.)
2. Cut tin portion of washboard with tin snips. ( you will cut about 3” of tin out of washboard.)
3. Using spare 1x2 create a top for the smaller portion of the washboard (about 13” long) to match the existing top portion and screw in place. You can round the corners of the new wood with sand paper to make it match the existing wood.
4. Use a fence slat (usually around $1.28 at home improvement store) and cut 2 pieces at 13.25” each for side rails.
5. Screw side rails in place (using wood screws) through the washboard “headboard” and “footboard.”
6. Using the rungs from the washboard, create a lip around the interior of the “bed” on all 4 sides using nails or screws. This will hold the wood for the bottom of the bed.
7. Place 2 pieces of wood (barn wood or fence slats) in the bottom of the “bed" on the new “rails” and drill random drainage holes.
8. To ensure the wood in the flower bed does not rot, you can use Plasti Dip ( a rubberized spray) along the inside of the bed. Use multiple coats.
9. Now, to age the new wood to match the vintage headboard wood, put khaki craft paint in a small cup and add water. Usually a 4:1 ratio. In another small cup, add black craft paint and water. (4:1 ratio) 4parts water to 1 part craft paint)
10. Apply the khaki wash paint brush to the new wood. Immediately wipe away with old wash cloth.
11. You can then add the black wash (using same technique) and repeat step 10 until the new wood matches the existing wood.
12. If the logo on your washboard is too faded ( or non existent) you can print off a custom label using full sheet label paper and adhering it to the head board of your new washboard flower bed. To make sure the new label is secure, coat with a layer of Mod Podge and make sure to seal the seams.
13. For added protection from the outdoor elements, you can spray with a clear sealer or paint a layer of mod Podge on the entire flower bed.
14. Now you can fill the flower bed with soil and plant your favorite pants. You can also just set potted plants in the flower bed as well.
This will not only look great outside amongst your flowers but can be a great indoor plant stand too.
15. Now you can enjoy the beauty of your “LITERAL” Flower Bed! Recycle, Reuse, Repurpose!
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