Learn how to turn an old filing cabinet into a DIY flower planter with this viral hack—and give your patio a stylish upgrade.
Want to take your flower planter up a notch? Here’s the great news: This viral hack can help you transform a simple cabinet into a gorgeous and functional flower planter.
Want to hear the best part? It’s not too complicated, expensive or time-consuming, and you might already have most of what you need lying around the house or in the garage.
Let’s walk through the steps you will follow to upgrade your flower planter in spring. From your must-have equipment to instructions on putting it all together, plus a few bonus tips to keep your plants healthy and thriving, we’ve got you covered.
How Do You Turn a Filing Cabinet Into a Planter?
To make a flower planter from an old filing cabinet, we’ll follow a viral TikTok tutorial by @dawson.diy. Check it out yourself here:
@dawson.diy Bought the cabinet for $10 but you could probably find one for free! #diytutorial #furnitureflip #patiomakeover #patiofurniture #planter #planterdiy ♬ Love You So – The King Khan & BBQ Show
Once you’re ready to attempt making your DIY filing cabinet flower planter, it’s time to round up your must-have equipment. For starters, you’ll need a filing cabinet. If you don’t already have an old one you can use at home, they’re easy to find at thrift stores or flea markets.
What You’ll Need
- An old filing cabinet
- Hammer
- Paint and primer
- Rust-preventative enamel
- Drill
- Spray foam
- A piece of wood if your cabinet has no bottom
- Heavy-duty glue
Directions
1. Remove the drawers
First, remove the filing cabinet’s drawers using a hammer. Be careful, as this portion of the process requires some serious precision!
2. Prime and paint the cabinet
Next, once the drawers are out of the filing cabinet, prime and paint it. For the best results, we suggest you use spray paint. Diane Blazek of the National Garden Bureau likes to use a waterproof paint at this stage to prevent future rust. In a well-ventilated area, apply several thin coats, letting them dry in between.
“Drying times can vary depending on temperature, humidity and thickness of each layer. Once fully dry, you can paint your new cabinet/planter any color you want,” says Ashanti McKissic, product specialist for Flex Seal.
3. Add a bottom (If needed)
If your filing cabinet does not have a bottom, take the wood and adhere it there using heavy-duty glue.
4. Apply a rust-preventative finish
After you’ve successfully adhered the bottom and the entire cabinet is painted, grab your rust-preventative enamel and spray everything. We suggest a matte clear coat. This will also protect your cabinet from rust induced by the elements.
5. Create drainage and fill the planter
If your filing cabinet planter will be on a patio, you’ll also have to add a drainage hole with a drill. Then, take your spray foam to fill in any other holes or cracks. Additionally, Blazek suggests filling half the bottom of the planter with old Styrofoam coolers before adding potting soil.
“Completely filling the filing cabinets with soil will make them very heavy,” she adds, “but you would need to do that if you’re planning on planting small trees or large perennials.”
6. Plant your flowers
Last but certainly not least, lay it down so the open portion faces upwards. Then, you can add plants. Yes, it is that simple!
“Containers are perfect for growing most annual flowers and are an easy way to add color and pollinators,” Angela Judd, certified master gardener, author of How to Grow Your Own Food and founder of Growing in the Garden says.
Recommended Flowers for Your Planter
Angela recommends these easy-to-grow, pollinator-friendly plants:
“Allysum – a pollinator favorite and trails over the edge
Geraniums -classic choice for containers and easy to grow
Petunias – long bloom season and lots of color choices
Violas and Pansies – cool-season favorite
Angelonia – hot season favorite
Dwarf Zinnias – prolific blooms and the bees love them”.
FAQ
Do I need to drill drainage holes?
Yes, water will need to drain away from the planter to prevent rotting roots and oversaturated soil.
Is it safe to grow herbs or veggies in a filing cabinet planter?
Yes, vegetables and herbs will flourish in a filing cabinet planter. If you’re concerned about the paint contaminating the soil, add a plastic barrier along the sides to the depth of the soil.
About the Experts
- Angela Judd is a certified master gardener, author of How to Grow Your Own Food, and founder of Growing in the Garden.
- Diane Blazek is the Executive Director of the National Garden Bureau.
- Ashanti McKissic is a Product Specialist for Flex Seal.
