Recycled Fences: 8 Clever Ways to Put Salvage to Good Use

If you’ve wondered what to do with old bikes and bike parts, here’s an idea. This fence has extra resonance; it belongs to RIBs (Recycle Ithaca’s Bicycles) in Ithaca, NY.  Local residents donate not only their unused bikes, but also their time and skills to service them back into circulation.

Related:  5 Things to do With… Old Bicycles

Seems odd to have a fence made of used surfboards, but when in Rome (Hawaii) do as the Romans (Hawaiians) do. The boards are an ideal height for privacy and their pointed design makes them the ultimate picket fence. The color and overall theme work especially well in this tropical paradise.

We’ve shown many uses for old doors, from ceiling-suspended pot racks to headboards, but found this fence truly poetic. No need to search for similar design styles or finishes; just find an interesting mix of doors and you’ll create an intriguing fence with lots of privacy.

Related:  10 New Uses for Old Doors

While not your typical bowling lane, you have to admire this inventive use of retired balls. Because the balls come with pre-drilled finger sockets, we surmise you just need to cement the chain in one of the existing holes and secure the balls from the top of an iron rail. Only a mighty wind—or a playful housemate—could get this fence moving.

A wood frame is all that was needed to put some salvaged corrugated sheet metal and tin ceiling tiles to good, serviceable use. If the look is a little too “down home” for your taste, stain the wood and paint the insets in a single hue, which will further enhance the embossed designs.

Related:  5 Things to do With… Tin Ceiling Tiles

We’ve seen wine bottles used for everything from landscape edging to lamps, so why not as spindle decorations on a railing? This example is made even more stunning by its focus on mostly green- and blue-colored bottles. If you think it looks beautiful here, try viewing it under a sunny sky. 

Related:  5 Things to do With… Empty Wine Bottles

The abundance of unused shipping pallets makes for a steady supply of inventive DIY projects. From beds to end tables, and wall shelves to kitchen islands, we love the ready-made flexibility that they offer. Here’s another great use for the wood units, offering interest and privacy.

If old doors are not in abundance, but windows are, consider this decorative fence. While it lacks privacy, it creates an open and attractive boundary for any landscape. Attach some chicken wire and it becomes a beautiful support for clinging and climbing vines.

Related:  5 Things to do With… Old Windows

If you are looking for more on salvage and clever ways to recycle old stuff, consider:

10 Reasons We Love Architectural Salvage

Paint Makeovers: An Expert Tells All

18 Brilliant Ways to Decorate with Rope