After: Potting station

What we did: We took an old-style ladder with rungs on both sides* and created two slatted shelves using eight scrap 2-by-2½s, each screwed into its respective rung. Loose potting soil falls neatly into a dresser drawer below.

Extra credit: For a more finished look, cap the shelf ends with scrap shelving brackets painted white.

Time: 2–3 hours

Cost: $76

*If your rungs aren’t at parallel heights, level shelves with shims.

Note: Costs don’t include toolbox basics—screwdriver, screws, hand drill, nails, paintbrushes, etc.