11 Unique Ways To Repurpose Wooden Spools In Your Backyard And Garden

Wooden cable spools are the new wood block pallets. If you get your hands on one, they are a goldmine for repurposing. The sizable structure is made from durable wood, which can be used as an entire unit or stripped for parts. Plus, it has a natural rustic style perfect for incorporating outdoor designs. Beginner DIYers and certified pros alike will have fun creating unique pieces with these giant reels. To get your mind reeling with all the possibilities, we have 11 projects to upcycle wooden spools into stylish decor and DIY outdoor furniture for your home.

All of these projects were done with large wooden spools, but you can substitute the spools with cable reels of different sizes to make alternate versions. Instead of a backyard table to dine around, it could transition to a cute coffee table. Further, even though these upcycling ideas are perfect for your outdoor space, some of them can be tailored for the indoors, too. So, grab your wooden spool and enjoy its transformation.

If you're going to repurpose an item in your backyard, it might as well become a plant bed to increase gardening space. The shape of the wooden spool allows for various ways you can turn it into a planter. Lay the reel horizontally to create a garden bed in the spool's barrel, or keep it upright and make the center a planter for a vertical garden. Just cut an opening, layer the soil, and add your seedlings. You can also attach planters on the sides of the rounds to maximize the growing space.

Another way to use the cable reel in your garden is as a plant stand. The flat top and bottom have ample space to house a few potted plants. Further, optimize the space by adding hooks along the edge of the wood tabletop to display hanging plants. Then, you'll have greenery wrapped around the reel on the top and bottom. Or leave the table top clear and use it as a potting station, so the wooden reel doubles as a display and work area.

Wooden spools were meant to carry miles of electrical wire, not make a design statement, but with a little styling, it can do just that. The unique shape and wood grain detailing make it chic decor for your outdoor space. A layer of clear sealant will help it shine, and you can style it with other trinkets like bird cages, windchimes, or vintage signs. The wooden reel still makes fabulous decor even if your backyard doesn't fall into the rustic aesthetic. A new coat of stain or paint will help the piece match your exterior's style, and instead of rustic decor, add pieces that speak to your home.

Do you know what your backyard is missing? A giant clock. The large wooden timepiece is the functional decor you don't see every day. It'll be a focal point in your backyard. Plus, you can make two from one wooden spool. The end rounds are perfect for the clock as is, but a fresh coat of stain or paint also upgrades the simple planks. Style the clock face with the numbers and hands however you like. Make the timepieces a matching set, or give them contrast. A clock is a classic decor piece that will stand the test of time.

If you step back, the wooden spool looks like a table. It is a great base for precisely that, and there are several variations for how your outdoor table can be. For example, leave the spool as is and set some chairs around it, or sculpt the bottom round and center barrel into a unique table leg. You can also use the top round from the spool and attach it to another table base or remove the top round and exchange it for a different counter material. The spool is truly customizable.

You can upgrade your wooden spool table by adding a cooler in the center. Use a double insulated bowl to create the cooler and nestle it inside the spool so the container is flush with the tabletop. Then, you can have ice cold drinks at arm's reach. It's also great for stashing chilled hand towels for a refreshing way to cool off during the summer. For the colder seasons, trade the ice for heat packs to keep your goodies toasty. Leave the cooler uncovered, or add a top with a lid to create more table space and have easy access to your built-in ice box.

To take things a step further, enhance the table with a BBQ grill. It would be like your very own hibachi table. Instead of a cooler with ice, insert a mini box grill with coals in the center of the wooden spool. It's a neat outdoor grill station idea perfect for entertaining guests. When it's time to clean, just remove the grill from the spool and take it to the sink. For safety, treat the wood with a fire-resistant or retardant coating so it stands up to the heat.

Similar to the BBQ table, you can make a fire pit. It's a nice feature for gathering around to tell stories, light up the backyard, or roast s'mores. Because it is an open flame, you want to ensure you're taking the proper safety precautions, like applying a fire-resistant or retardant coating, securing the bowl with fire barrier sealant, keeping the flame low, and setting up the pit away from structures. Then, you can enjoy your unique backyard feature.

With all the different wooden spool tables, you're going to need some chairs to match. In this project, the top and bottom rounds will become the sides of an outdoor chair while the center barrel is swapped out for a seat and backrest. You can use the leftover wood pieces to create a shelf on the side of the chair, perfect for drinks and snacks. A wooden spool doesn't make for the most comfy lounge chair, so you'll want to add pillows or padding.

Instead of a single-seater chair, make a DIY garden bench to fit more people. It's a similar style to the lawn chair, as the wood rounds are the armrest, and the barrel is removed to make the seat. A bench is an excellent feature for your front porch or to accompany your wooden spool table. It has a natural rustic design, but you can outfit it with a new coat of paint or stain and outdoor pillows to give it an upcycled, modern look.

Finally, after all those DIYs, don't you just want to sit back and kick your feet up? Well, you'll have to build the ottoman first. It's the missing piece to complete your wooden spool patio set. You won't need the reel's top and bottom rounds for your ottoman, just the center barrel. So save the end pieces for another project. Add a cushion top, and your ottoman will be complete. It also doubles as a storage area if you make the top removable. Then, you'll really maximize the wooden spool's potential.