Turn Free Wood into $100 Flower Boxes (Side Hustle You Can Start This Week)
Need a way to make real money without a bunch of startup cash or experience? Here’s a simple, hands-on income idea that checks all the boxes: build raised wooden flower boxes from free or reclaimed wood, and sell them for $100+ each on Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist.
I know it works — because there’s literally a kid in my town doing this right now. He’s using old fence boards, pallets, and scrap lumber… and he’s charging $100 per box. People are lining up to buy them.
What’s the business?
You’re building rustic, handmade flower boxes or garden beds. Think 2’x4’ or 2’x6’ wooden planters that can sit on patios, porches, or in backyards. The twist? You’re using free or cheap wood that people throw away — and turning it into cash.
It’s a perfect low-cost hustle for anyone who’s got basic tools and a little bit of free time. Great for teens, side hustlers, retirees — or anyone who wants to make some fast, satisfying money with their hands.
Who buys this stuff?
All kinds of people want these boxes:
- Homeowners who want raised beds for veggies
- Renters who can’t build permanent fixtures
- Older adults who need elevated planters for accessibility
- Folks who just want their patio or porch to look cute
Most of these customers don’t want to build the boxes themselves. They either don’t have the time, the tools, or the know-how — so you’re solving a real problem and saving them a ton of effort.
How much can you actually make?
The short answer: a lot more than you’d think.
If you use free wood and only pay for screws or stain, your total build cost is about $10–15 per box.
At $100 per box, you’re looking at $85–90 in profit — each time.
Income examples:
- Sell 5 boxes/week = $2,000/month
- Sell 10 boxes/week = $4,000/month
- Even 2–3 boxes/week = $600–1,200/month in side cash
Once you get your system down, you can build one in under an hour. Batch them together to save time, and it gets even more efficient.
How to start in 7 days
This is a hustle you can launch in less than a week. Here’s the plan:
- Find free wood: Check Craigslist’s “free” section, Facebook Buy Nothing groups, or ask local fencing or construction companies for scraps.
- Build a simple prototype: Use a basic 2’x4’ layout with a drill and saw. Keep it rustic — it doesn’t have to be perfect.
- Take clean photos: Show it outdoors, maybe even filled with plants.
- Post listings: Use FB Marketplace, Craigslist, or OfferUp. Use terms like “raised flower bed,” “planter box,” “garden box.”
- Offer delivery or local pickup: You’ll close more sales if you make it convenient.
Want to grow it?
There’s so much room to expand:
- Offer custom sizes or colors
- Add wheels or legs for mobility
- Bundle with plants from a local nursery
- Sell seasonal versions (fall harvest, Christmas planters, herb kits)
- Partner with Airbnb hosts or restaurants that want rustic patio decor
But what if I’m not “handy”?
You don’t need to be a master carpenter to make this work. Just learn the basics — YouTube is packed with tutorials. Most buyers aren’t expecting perfection. They just want something that’s sturdy and looks nice. Rustic is in.
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💬 Got questions? Drop a comment below and I’ll help however I can.
🛠 Go build something. Money’s everywhere — you just need to be willing to pick up a drill.