You can make an attractive garden tool shed out of surplus ammunition boxes. These can be found at army navy surplus stores, and sometimes at country auctions. You can also keep your eyes open at garage sales.An Ammunition box shouldn’t run you more than about $10 to $12.00. They usually stand about 4′ high sometimes you can find bigger ones. These boxes come with a latch and are a long rectangular shape, you will be using them in a standing vertical position.. You have to make a roof for them, which just requires four pieces of scrap wood, two triangles and two rectangles… You can also stain the wood if you’re feeling industrious. I stain the wood and copper the roof to make it more attractive.
You will need:
One Ammunition box
Scrap wood
Old copper or tin (not a must) or roof tiles
Some old hooks
Decorative old garden tools
Sandpaper or a sanding machine
Screws
Screwgun
Nails for the roof
Hammer
Any ornamental garden tools for decorating the door. I’ve used old shovels, little wicker chair miniatures, mini wreeaths (you can find these at craft stores, like Michaels, JoAnns, Ragg Shopp)old faucets and door knobs.
First You need to sand off the old numbers that are on the box. These are usually black and on the sides.
Then if you have a box with an old rope handle cut the rope handles off, you won’t need them..
Turn the box vertically so it has height.
Make 2 triangle shapes out of the scrap wood and cut two rectangular pieces to create a roof
Using your screw gun or a screw driver screw some cup hooks or coat hooks into the inside of the door and into the back of the box. I look for old hooks at garage sales. I look for old ones at salvage yard sales. Sometimes you can find some really old interesting hooks.
I write with black magic marker on the front triangle, “Garden Tools”. I sometimes copper the roof or attach old flashing to the roof but this isn’t necessary. If you decide to copper or tin the roof use short nails . Having copper or tin over the wood helps to preserve it from the elements.You could also put old roof shingles on the roof. Often at demolition sales you can find a lot of these items.If you find old copper to use as a roof it will age and get a nice patina .I’ve left my shed out for years without a problem.
Mine holds my garden gloves, bug spray, digging tools, ball of string,wire ties and m ore. It’s so functional. You never have to scour the yard for your garden tools If you’re good about putting them back in the shed they will always be in one place.
These also make a terrific house warming gift. It’s something that is not likely to be something anyone already has. Mine have been given as engagement gifts, Father’s Day and Mother’s Day gifts and housewarming gifts. I also sell them locally.
You now have a great shed to store your garden tools, garden gloves, bug spray or a terrific gift. .
