Rusted Metal Outdoor DIY Projects and Landscape Ideas

Nothing seems to be more useless and ruined than our metal tools and objects that get all rusty. However, with a little creativity and an artistic touch, you can turn that used-to-be rusted junk into great decorations and projects for your backyard! Here are just a few rusted metal outdoor DIY projects to get you started!

Rusted Metal Outdoor DIY Projects

Pails

Don’t toss those old rusty pails out! Put some colorful flowers in them, hang them on a fence or on the wall, and see their lifespan double. The brownish-red color of the rust can really complement certain flowers.

Faucet and Bucket

This is a great idea, and it’s really fun! Take an old faucet and rusted bucket, and put them together to look like a pump. Then get a teardrop glass bead and attach to the faucet tip! In just a few hours, you’ll have a great garden decoration!

Shovel Owls

Here’s a creative idea, but it can take quite a bit of effort and time. Take old and rusted shovelheads, and use them as the owl’s face. Then take other pieces of metal and twist them to make whatever fun owl features you want!

Shovel Sign

If that suggestion is too artsy for you, then here’s an idea with shovels that doesn’t require as much effort. Simply use a rusted shovel as a signpost for your garden or yard. Use whatever color paint you want, just have fun with it!

 Gate

This is a great option because there’s lots of ideas you can use it for. Take an old, rusted gate and find a place to use it as decoration in your yard. Either use it as an actual entrance, or you can mix it in with your plants to give your garden a real rustic look.

Lawn Edging

Although this involves lots of attaching and arranging, it’s definitely worth all the work. Put rusted wagon wheels together and use them to line flowerbeds or garden areas. Not only does it add color and style, but it’s just as effective as normal edging.

Tools

If you have a whole set of tools that got stuck out in the rain or have just gotten old and rusty, use them as decoration! Put them on the wall, fence, or a colorful piece of wood and make your backyard shine with rusty beauty!

Chair and Jars

This is a fun and simple design, yet one that has numerous possibilities. The jars don’t necessarily have to be rusty, but they could be if that’s what works for you! Arrange the flowers however you want to take full advantage of the chair’s features.

Planters

Anything rusty can be turned into a planter! From car fenders to metal jars, put a flower in it and you’re good. Place as many or as few rusty planters around your yard to give it that chic appearance without looking like a junkyard!

Birdhouses

If you have just little pieces of rusted metal, then here’s a great idea for you. Take the bits of metal and use them to create the roofs for any number of birdhouses you may have around the yard!

Art

If none of these ideas suit your fancy, then make your own rusty metal art with whatever you want! You can make faux birdcages or fun lawn decorations out of all sorts of material. Your imagination is the limit for what sort of projects you can come up with for yourself.

I hope you feel inspired by these rusted metal outdoor DIY projects!