Metal drum planter: DIY rustic planters made from an old drum

Steel drums have a way of accumulating over time - no one can remember where they came from or what they were originally used for but the end result is the same: what to do with them? One way to repurpose a collection of old metal drums is to put it to good use in the garden.

In this DIY garden project, a few coats of spray paint, some good-quality potting soil, mulch and plants transform unsightly drums into a feature in their own right.

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Gather your supplies

Dulux Design Rust Base Paint
Dulux Design Rust Solution
Old drums, cut to various heights (planters do not need a base, so open barrel sections are perfect)
Good-quality garden soil
Plants
Mulch
Shovel

Here's how

Step 1

Wearing safety gear, use grinding disc to level cut surface and remove undulations. Follow this with buffing disc to remove any burrs or sharp edges.

Step 2

Paint inside base of drum using exterior acrylic. Once dry, paint outside and inside walls of drum with rust base – you will need to apply this base coat twice.

Step 3

When base coat is dry, apply rust solution. Apply first coat generously over all surfaces. For final coat, allow to dribble in some places so effect is more natural. Rust will appear within 24 hours. Arrange drums in position, with taller sections to the rear and shorter ones toward the front, always with the safest edge (usually rolled edge) at top.

Step 4

Ensure drums are level in position.

Step 5

Fill drums with soil. Water, then allow soil to settle. Add more soil. Arrange plants in their pots first to get desired effect, then plant and mulch.