Trash Bin Enclosures: An Attractive and Practical Solution for Any L.A. Yard

Why Hide Your Trash Cans?

• Cleaner Curb Appeal. Even the neatest front yard loses charm when colorful plastic bins sit in full view. A wooden enclosure turns that "utility corner" into a tidy landscape feature.

• Protection from Animals and Wind. Locking doors and lift‑up lids keep raccoons, coyotes, and strong Santa Ana gusts from spreading garbage around the property.

• Longer Bin Life. Southern California sun destroys plastic over time. A shaded enclosure reduces UV exposure and extends the life of your cans.

• Neighborhood Standards. Many HOAs require trash to be hidden from sight. A custom box solves that rule in one step.

Main Construction Styles

Single – fits one 64–96 gal can (about 24–30 ft³). Frame: 2 × 4 lumber or 1 × 1 in steel tubing. Cladding: cedar, pressure‑treated pine, or larch. Lid on heavy‑duty hinges with gas strut or chain assist.

Double – holds two cans (≈ 48–60 ft³). Same material options; two independent lids, each with its own assist.

Triple / Quad – built for three or four cans (≈ 72–120 ft³). We usually weld a 1¼ × 1¼ in steel frame and add cedar or thermally‑modified ash slats. Lid can be one large panel or several sections.

Tip: existing metal fence posts can double as enclosure supports, reducing framing cost and install time.

Best Woods for SoCal Climate

Western Red Cedar. Naturally rot‑resistant, light weight, pleasant aroma. Con: higher cost than PT pine. Service life 15–20 years with routine care.

Pressure‑Treated Pine. Budget‑friendly and stocked at any Home Depot. Needs thorough drying and regular paint or stain; resin pockets possible. Service life 10–12 years.

Thermally‑Modified Ash. Perfectly straight boards, rich color without stain, high density. More expensive than cedar and special‑order only. Service life 20 + years.

IPE / Cumaru (tropical hardwoods). Maximum hardness and durability; nearly immune to insects and moisture. Downsides: heavy, hard on tools, highest price point. Service life 25 + years.

All lifespans assume annual washing and re‑oiling or restaining every three years.

ProHands Handyman Build Process

1. Site Measure & Design
   • Record can sizes (L.A. Sanitation 64 gal — 26 × 26 × 44 in; 96 gal — 26 × 35 × 46 in) and available space.
   • Create a 3‑D sketch and confirm overall height (typically 48–55 in so the bin lid clears freely).

2. Framing
   • Wood option — 2 × 4 studs, corners locked with ⅜ in galvanized bolts.
   • Steel option — 1 × 1 in × 0.065 in tube, primed and powder‑coated RAL 7016 or 9005.

3. Slat Cladding
   • ⅜–½ in gaps between boards provide ventilation and a lighter visual profile.
   • Smooth plywood infill or tongue‑and‑groove available for a panel look.

4. Lid Assembly
   • 304 stainless hinges.
   • 50–80 N gas struts or marine‑grade chain.
   • Optional sync‑link so the decorative lid lifts the bin lid for one‑handed use.

5. Hardware
   • Adjustable latch clamps, aluminum bar pulls, concealed pocket screws rated for exterior use.

6. Finish
   • Sand to 120–180 grit.
   • Two coats of penetrating toner (Cabot Australian Timber Oil).
   • Final coat of exterior‑grade polyurethane.

7. Installation
   • Laser‑level placement.
   • Simpson Titen HD ½ in anchors into 4‑in concrete pad.
   • On earth, posts are set 18 in deep in concrete footings.

Care & Maintenance

1. Wash yearly with a soft‑bristle brush and mild soap; rinse with a garden hose (skip 2 500 psi pressure washers).

2. Ventilation – keep a ¼ in gap under the lid so moisture and odors can escape.

3. Refinish every 30 months with oil or solid‑color stain

4. Lubricate hardware twice a year with silicone spray to prevent squeaks and corrosion.

Why Homeowners Choose ProHands

• Made‑to‑measure builds—no need to force‑fit an off‑the‑shelf plastic box.

• Shop fabrication + one‑day install keeps noise and dust at your home to a minimum.

• Premium hardware only—Simpson, GRK, Sugatsune; no mystery screws.

• Three‑year warranty on structure and installation, plus optional maintenance plan.

• Flexible aesthetics—from rustic chalet boards to clean Scandinavian slats with a steel frame.

Ready to Hide Those Bins in Style?

Call or message us to discuss wood species, color options, and receive a free concept sketch within 48 hours.

Contact: 818‑401‑7766 | info@prohandshandyman.com — ProHands Handyman, serving Glendale, Burbank, Pasadena and nearby areas, daily 8 AM – 6 PM. We’ll make your yard cleaner and more inviting!