5-Gallon Bucket: DIY Projects, Hacks, and Upcycles

by Chris Peterson

Five-gallon buckets are ubiquitous and cheap (indeed, they are often free). But did you know they can also be hacked, hot-rodded, reengineered, and upcycled to create dozens of useful DIY projects for homeowners, gardeners, small-scale farmers, and preppers?

5-Gallon Bucket Book contains 60+ ideas that put these humble and hard-working mainstays to work past their prime and keep them out of landfills. Simple step-by-step instructions, as well as parts lists and images of the completed projects, make sure you will have fun and love the results of your work. Projects include perfect additions to your yard and garden, tools to care for your animals, useful innovations, handy home helpers, and even family-oriented designs!

They range from simple things like chicken feeders to much more complex projects (small room air conditioner, anyone?). For anyone who doesn't already have fifteen of them cluttering up the garage, 5-Gallon Bucket Book also offers advice on where to get cheap and free buckets, and how to tell if a bucket is safe to use for food.

Genres: Nonfiction, Reference, Self Help

144 pages, Paperback

First published August 15, 2015

Reviews

[Debbyanne Southwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 gallon Bucket Fun

Some great fun and practical ideas with 5 gallon buckets and not too expensive. Great for budgeting ideas. Uses in different areas.

[Linda · Rating 2 out of 5]

The saying that comes to mind reading this is, "Just because you can, doesn't mean you should." Can you make some of these items from a bucket? Sure. Is it the best material for the job? In most cases, no. The only one I can actually see myself maybe trying is the hydroponic system.

[Kate TerHaar · Rating 5 out of 5]

So many useful and different uses for the lowly 5 gallon bucket. everything from air conditioners and washing machines to a scarecrow. Great resource.

[Shanley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Holy canoli, this author has some creative ideas. TIL: you can make anything your heart desires with a little ingenuity, and perhaps, a 5 gallon bucket.

[Deb · Rating 2 out of 5]

neat ideas.

[Ligaya · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some clever ideas in here but, unfortunately, nothing I could use right now. Just makes you think differently about basic everyday items and how they could be hacked to make life easier. I do wonder about how comfortable some finished pieces are (the toddler swing) and if things really work (the air conditioner). Instructions and step-by-step photos are clear.