After a flooring project, figuring out what to do with leftover wood flooring can be quite the conundrum. Your instinct might be to toss it out, but hold on—those spare planks can become valuable assets for creative home improvement projects. With a little imagination, you can repurpose them into something both functional and visually appealing.
The versatility of wood means that leftover flooring can be transformed into a wide array of household items. Whether you’re into crafting or handy with tools, there’s something to be made for every skill level. Wondering how to get started? With a bit of guidance and the right tools, you can turn those remnants into striking pieces that add charm and character to your home.
Creative DIY Projects with Leftover Wood Flooring
When you find yourself with extra wood flooring pieces, embracing your inner DIY enthusiast can transform them into both functional furniture and aesthetic home decor. With basic tools and a sprinkle of creativity, these leftover pieces can be reborn as bespoke elements in your home.
Custom Furniture Creations
Hardwood flooring is ideal for creating custom furniture, such as a new coffee table or a set of shelves. To start, measure and cut your flooring pieces to fit the frame of your proposed furniture item.
- Coffee Table: Assemble the flooring planks side by side and secure them using adhesive or screws to create the tabletop. Attach prefab legs underneath to elevate the table to the desired height.
- Bench Tops: Similar to a coffee table, but you might want a narrower top. Cut the wood to size, fasten it together, and mount it on a frame or legs. A padded cushion could add a comfy touch.
Unique Home Decor Items
Leftover flooring can be revamped into eye-catching home decor that adds a personal touch to your space.
- Frames: Create picture frames by cutting the flooring into strips to form the four sides of a frame. The unique patterns of the hardwood give an exceptional look to your framed memories.
- Signs and Wall Paneling: You can craft decorative wall signs by cutting the planks into the required size and painting or stenciling on your favorite quotes or sayings. As for wall paneling, affix the flooring directly to your wall with adhesive for a chic, textural effect. Placing a heavy object against the panel or using ropes to maintain pressure will ensure strong adhesion.
Revamping Your Living Space
When you find yourself with extra wood flooring, consider using those materials to enhance the aesthetics and functionality of your living space with creative home improvements.
Accent Walls and Wainscoting
- Accent Walls: Create a stunning accent wall using leftover hardwood or engineered wood. Arrange the flooring planks in your preferred pattern to add warmth and texture to any room. This can be a focal point behind your bed or sofa.
- Wainscoting: Install wainscoting by trimming your wood scraps to uniform size and securing them to the lower portion of your walls. This not only protects your walls but also elevates the room’s design.
Functional Additions and Storage Solutions
- Shelving: Utilize hardwood scraps to craft sturdy and appealing shelving. Whether floating or bracketed, shelves add both character and practical storage space.
- Cabinet Doors: If you’re adept at DIY, you can even use your extra flooring planks to refashion the doors of your cabinets, giving a cohesive and custom appearance to your kitchen or bathroom.
Outdoor and Garden Projects
Leftover wood flooring offers a unique opportunity to craft durable and attractive outdoor and garden pieces. These wood pieces add a touch of elegance and sustainability to your outdoor space.
Durable Outdoor Furniture
With your extra flooring, you can construct robust outdoor furniture such as tables or bench tops. Start by laying out your wood pieces and measure with a T-square to ensure even cuts. Attach the pieces with construction adhesive and secure them using screws for added durability. Consider adding prefab legs to create a custom-built table or bench. Place your new furniture in a sheltered area to protect it from the elements.
- Tools & Materials: T-square, construction adhesive, screws, prefab legs
- Steps:
- Measure and cut flooring.
- Apply adhesive and arrange pieces.
- Attach legs for support.
Garden Enhancements
Your surplus hardwood scraps can also enrich your garden areas. Construct a charming garden path using the wood as stepping stones, leveling sand underneath for stability. Alternatively, leftover pieces can be transformed into raised bed borders or plant markers, giving your garden a polished look while repurposing materials that might otherwise go to a landfill.
- Garden Path:
- Materials: Leftover flooring, sand
- Instructions:
- Pour and spread sand over desired path area.
- Lay the flooring pieces as stepping stones and press firmly over the leveled sand.
- Raised Borders or Plant Markers:
- Materials: Hardwood scraps, soil, adhesive (if needed)
- Instructions:
- Cut scraps to desired size and shape.
- Embed scraps as borders or mark them accordingly and insert into soil.
Frequently Asked Questions
In this section, you’ll find practical ideas and tips for maximizing the use of your leftover wood flooring and ensuring it doesn’t go to waste.
How can I repurpose leftover laminate flooring in home projects?
You can use leftover laminate pieces to create unique tabletop surfaces, decorative wall art, or custom shelving. The material is versatile and easily cut to fit various small-scale projects.
What are creative uses for old wood flooring?
Old wood flooring can be transformed into picture frames, coasters, or even refinished to create a vintage-style headboard. Its rustic charm adds a warm aesthetic to any handcrafted item.
Is there a way to sell unused hardwood flooring pieces?
Yes, you can sell unused hardwood flooring pieces on marketplace websites, through local classified ads, or at a garage sale. Make sure to accurately describe the quantity and condition for potential buyers.
Can you suggest some DIY crafts with leftover engineered flooring?
Consider making serving trays, cutting boards, or wooden signs with your engineered flooring leftovers. The material is durable and often has a finish that suits various craft purposes.
What’s the best method for storing extra flooring planks safely?
Store extra flooring planks in a dry, climate-controlled environment, stacked horizontally with support at multiple points to prevent bowing. Keep them away from direct sunlight and moisture.
Should I keep excess flooring and, if so, for how long?
It’s wise to keep some excess flooring for repairs or to match future extensions. Generally, keeping them for the lifetime of your installed flooring is recommended, as matching products may be discontinued.