Trash Bin Enclosures: An Attractive and Practical Solution for Any L.A. Yard
Custom wooden trash-bin enclosures by ProHands Handyman—hide cans, resist SoCal sun, and boost curb appeal across Los Angeles.
ARTICLES
6/14/20253 min read
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
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).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.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.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.Hardware
• Adjustable latch clamps, aluminum bar pulls, concealed pocket screws rated for exterior use.Finish
• Sand to 120–180 grit.
• Two coats of penetrating toner (Cabot Australian Timber Oil).
• Final coat of exterior‑grade polyurethane.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
Wash yearly with a soft‑bristle brush and mild soap; rinse with a garden hose (skip 2 500 psi pressure washers).
Ventilation – keep a ¼ in gap under the lid so moisture and odors can escape.
Refinish every 30 months with oil or solid‑color stain
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!




