DIY Network

Trash Can Holder A simple wooden case keeps the trash out of sight. From "Wasted Spaces" episode DWSP-311

The kitchen trash never looked so good.

Marcus and Keyetta's kitchen is really coming together with help from host Karl Champley: Their overflowing food storage — once relegated to the garage — now is close at hand in a new compact pantry cupboard that extends out into the garage through a custom wall opening. And fitted shelves in the laundry and kitchen make use of otherwise wasted nooks and crannies.

For a finishing touch, Karl helps Marcus build something to dress up the least-attractive storage in their kitchen: the trash can.

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Trash Can Holder

Tools: measuring tape level pencil circular saw chop saw or miter saw jigsaw work table safety glasses nail gun straight edge router rags plastic gloves paint brush

Materials: oak plywood angled oak trim wood glue furniture feet dark wood glue polyurethane oak wood stain nails hinges screws furniture feet

• Design the new holder. Measure the trash can and sketch out a design for a pedestal box to hold it. The box needs to be slightly wider and taller than the trash can.

• Cut plywood. Use a circular saw to cut oak plywood for the top, bottom and sides of the box.
  

  	Figure A
  	Figure B
  	Figure C

  Safety Alert: Always wear safety glasses and use caution when using a circular saw, nail gun or any power tool.

• Cut the holder opening. Lay out the piece of plywood for the top of the holder. Center the trash can on the wood, upside down, and trace the top of the trash can. Use a jigsaw to cut an opening slightly smaller than the top of the trash can. Test-fit the trash can to make sure it will slip into — but not all the way through — the top (figure A).

• Assemble the box. Use wood glue and nails to assemble the box.

• Trim the box. Use a chop saw or miter saw to cut oak trim to size and install around the edges of the box.

• Build the lid. Cut and router a simple oak plywood frame to fit the top of the box. Cut a square of oak plywood the same size as the frame and attach it to the frame. Cut and install trim around the plywood square to form the box lid (figure B).

• Stain and seal. Wearing plastic gloves, stain the holder and lid to match the surrounding cabinetry. If the furniture feet are unfinished, stain them also. Apply polyurethane sealer according to the manufacturer's instructions.

• Attach hinges and feet. Use screws to attach the furniture feet to the bottom of the holder. Attach the lid using hinges and screws (figure C).