Incorporating art into your garden is becoming all the rage and for good reason. Rusted metal fixtures look great in any backyard, giving it a rustic, antique feel. Here are 12 incredible rusted metal backyard DIY projects that you can make.
Rusted Metal Backyard DIY: Lawn Edging
Rusted Metal Edging
Rusted metal edging is a great way to edge your garden while adding a great rustic feel. Pick up the metal needed for the project at Home Depot, and just make sure that you measure correctly before installing.
Metal Piping Edging
For another great variation on rusted metal edging, we recommend using galvanized pipe. Cut the pipe so that they are a few inches differing in height and then stick them into the ground with the holes facing up. Fill with gravel, and then plant succulents in the tops of the reclaimed industrial piping to create a gorgeous contrast.
Rusted Metal Backyard DIY: Firepit
Fire Pit
A fire pit is a backyard summer staple. They are great for entertaining and look incredible when built the correct way. To create one in your own backyard, use an old metal container cut to fit around your firepit.
Fire Torches
Bring light into your backyard with an incredible rusted metal torch. Not only will this solve any lighting problems that you might be dealing with in your yard, but they look gorgeous, too. Purchase them on Houzz.
Rusted Metal Backyard DIY: Flower Pots
Planters
If you are looking for smaller, more subtle rusted metal touches, turn an old metal chair into a fabulous piece of garden art. All you need to do is replace the seat with a planter and sit back and wait for Mother Nature to do what she does best!
Flower Pails
Instead of throwing out your old steel pails, hang them on your fence and plant a gorgeous array of flowers inside of each one of them. Even if the pails are not yet rusted, you just need a little rain they will be soon! Fill your pails with gorgeous, sweet-smelling flowers like Lavender, Phlox, and more.
Old Car Planter
Visit your local junkyard to find great rusted metal bumpers. The older and more rusted, the better it looks. Fill the bumpers with plants and other pieces of greenery to give your yard a rustic, but totally chic look.
Rusted Metal Backyard DIY: Fountain
Rusted Metal Fountain
Use stainless steel piping (painted to look rusty) to create an overhead shower for your garden. Whether your kids use it to play, or you use it to water your plants, this is sure to be a statement-making piece.
Rusted Metal Backyard DIY: Art
Old Shovel Art
This is an idea that requires a little bit more effort and artistic ability. Use the metal part of an old shovel (remove the handle) and other old pieces of metal to create pieces of art. You could even turn it into something clever like the face of an owl! Hang or display anywhere you feel needs an artistic touch.
Use Old Tools
Instead of tossing that old shovel, you left in the garden last spring, use it as decoration. Hang your rusty tools on a piece of pallet wood for a unique decoration anyone is sure to love.
Horseshoe Sculpture
Another terrific idea for the artistically inclined. Use old horseshoes to create a wonderful sculpture. Feel free to make an animal, a nature scene, and more. And you don’t even have to only use horseshoes. Feel free to use anything that you think would be amazing to pull off this DIY project.
Rusted Metal Backyard DIY: Pergola
Backyard Pergola
Looking for a bit more of a modern feel for your backyard? Creating a DIY pergola out of reclaimed metal can help you create that vibe! You’ll want to build it just like you would a wooden pergola (use our tutorial, found here), but use pieces of metal instead.
Editor’s note: This post was originally published in November 2015 and has been updated in August 2020 for accuracy and comprehensiveness.
I love the creativity!!!