Old garden rakes: 12 brilliant ways to recycle them creatively
Indispensable for garden maintenance, regular rakes and metal leaf rakes are tools that eventually need replacing. The heads of these tools, however, are unlikely to be badly damaged (the handles are more likely to break first) - but their tines can wear out and become blunt and less effective. But instead of just throwing these items away, you can recycle them creatively. Check out the 12 suggestions listed below:
1. Key holder at the entrance
A coat of paint, a nail for the wall and you can turn a metal rake into a wall-mounted key holder at the entrance to your home.
2. Utensil holder in the kitchen
The same idea, but this time for the kitchen. An old rake head can become a rustic holder on which to hang ladles and various other kitchen utensils. And you could also consider turning it into a proper shabby chic-decoration by hanging up vintage utensils on it!
3. Rustic wine glass holder
The space between one prong/tine and another on the head of a rake can be ideal for slotting wine glasses into: each wine glass base would rest on two prongs (as shown here).
4. Wall-mounted jewelry holder
A restored, painted rake head can become a support to be mounted to a wall, or behind a door, to hang up your necklaces, bracelets, anklets and more.
5. Tidying up hats
If, however, you have a whole rake, you could use it as a hat stand.
6. Garden tools holder
Moving outdoors, the prongs of an old rake will be perfect for hanging up trowels, scoops and other gardening tools.
7. A creative, alternative door wreath
If you like rustic decor, the idea of converting the head of an old rake or metal leaf rake into a for your front door (or garden shed door!) is one for you to consider.
8. To decorate the outdoors with lanterns
Since rake heads are very robust, they are particurly suitable as outdoor decorations. And so you could also use them to hang lanterns on!
9. Rustic, hanging art
Any vintage object you want can be hung up on a rake to create a unique decoration!
10. From rake to artistic ornament
An old metal leaf rake can become a unique decoration if you insert photos, notes and other similar objects between the prongs!
11. To decorate a gardening workbench
A sturdy-enough rake will also be able to support the weight of baskets into which you can even put decorative potted plants to spruce up your gardening workbench!
12. As a support for planters
Another idea is to use a whole rake - firmly stuck into the ground - as a support from which to hang baskets/pots/vases of flowers!
So, don't throw your old rakes into the trash!
