10 Creative Ways to Use Dollar Tree Sink Mat for Outdoor Decor

Why Dollar Tree Sink Mat is Perfect for Outdoor Decor

Before diving into our creative projects, let’s talk about why Dollar Tree sink mats make such excellent materials for outdoor decor. These flexible, durable plastic grids cost just $1 each but offer incredible versatility for crafters and DIY enthusiasts.

The plastic material is naturally weather-resistant, making it ideal for outdoor use. The grid pattern allows for drainage when used with plants, and the structure is sturdy enough to withstand wind and rain. Plus, they come in various colors, though you can always paint them to match your outdoor aesthetic.

1. Vibrant Outdoor Wall Art

Turn plain sink mats into stunning outdoor wall art that adds a pop of color to any fence, shed, or exterior wall. This project takes less than 30 minutes but creates a big visual impact.

Materials You’ll Need:

• 3-4 Dollar Tree sink mats
• Outdoor acrylic paint in your choice of colors
• Paintbrush or small foam roller
• Outdoor clear sealer spray
• Picture hanging strips or outdoor command hooks
• Optional: artificial flowers, butterfly decorations, etc.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Clean your sink mats with soap and water, then let them dry completely.
2. Apply a base coat of outdoor acrylic paint using a brush or small roller. Allow to dry.
3. Add a second coat if needed for a more vibrant color.
4. Optional: Add patterns, stripes, or designs with contrasting colors.
5. Once dry, spray with clear outdoor sealer to protect from the elements.
6. Attach to your fence or wall using picture hanging strips or outdoor command hooks.

2. Hanging Planters from Sink Mats

Create charming hanging planters that add vertical interest to your porch or patio. These lightweight planters are perfect for small succulents, air plants, or trailing vines.

Materials You’ll Need:

• Dollar Tree sink mats (1 per planter)
• Spray paint in your choice of color
• Jute rope or macrame cord
• Small plastic containers that fit inside the folded mat
• Small plants or succulents
• Potting soil
• Hot glue gun and glue sticks

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Spray paint your sink mat in your desired color and allow to dry completely.
2. Fold the sides of the mat up to create a basket shape.
3. Secure the corners with hot glue to maintain the shape.
4. Cut four equal lengths of jute rope or macrame cord (about 2 feet each).
5. Attach the cords to each corner of your basket using hot glue.
6. Knot the cords together at the top to create a hanger.
7. Place a small plastic container inside the basket.
8. Add potting soil and your chosen plants.

These hanging planters add a beautiful vertical element to your outdoor space and cost less than $5 each to make. Try creating several in coordinating colors for a cohesive look!

3. Outdoor Table Centerpiece Caddy

Create a practical and stylish table centerpiece that keeps your outdoor dining essentials organized and adds a decorative touch to your patio table.

Materials You’ll Need:

• 2 Dollar Tree sink mats
• Spray paint in your choice of color
• 4 small Dollar Tree plastic cups or containers
• Hot glue gun and glue sticks
• Optional: decorative ribbon, twine, or embellishments

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Spray paint both sink mats in your chosen color and allow to dry completely.
2. Cut one sink mat in half to create two equal pieces.
3. Fold up the sides of the whole sink mat to create the base of your caddy.
4. Use the two half pieces to create dividers by folding them into “U” shapes.
5. Secure all pieces together with hot glue to create compartments.
6. Glue the plastic cups into some of the compartments for holding utensils or condiments.
7. Add any decorative elements like ribbon around the edges or twine handles.

This functional centerpiece keeps napkins, utensils, condiments, and even small plants organized while adding a decorative element to your outdoor dining area. It’s also easy to clean—just rinse with a hose when needed!

4. Decorative Garden Path Markers

Create whimsical garden path markers that add color to your landscape and help define walking areas. These durable markers can withstand the elements and add personality to your garden.

Materials You’ll Need:

• Dollar Tree sink mats
• Scissors or craft knife
• Outdoor acrylic paint in various colors
• Paintbrushes
• Clear outdoor sealer spray
• Optional: stencils for designs

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Cut your sink mats into desired shapes (circles, flowers, butterflies, etc.).
2. Paint each shape with outdoor acrylic paint in bright colors.
3. Add patterns or designs using stencils if desired.
4. Once dry, spray with clear outdoor sealer to protect from the elements.
5. Place along garden paths, around plants, or to mark different sections of your garden.

5. Outdoor Rug from Multiple Sink Mats

Create a custom-sized outdoor rug by connecting multiple sink mats together. This budget-friendly alternative to expensive outdoor rugs is fully customizable to match your decor and can be made to fit any space.

Materials You’ll Need:

• 6-12 Dollar Tree sink mats (depending on desired size)
• Spray paint in your choice of colors
• Clear outdoor sealer spray
• Zip ties or strong string
• Scissors
• Optional: stencils for creating patterns

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Decide on your rug design and lay out the mats in your desired pattern.
2. Spray paint each mat according to your design plan. Allow to dry completely.
3. Optional: Add patterns or designs using stencils and contrasting paint colors.
4. Once dry, spray with clear outdoor sealer for weather protection.
5. Connect the mats together using zip ties or strong string through the grid holes.
6. Trim any excess zip tie ends for a clean finish.

6. Decorative Trellis for Climbing Plants

Create a beautiful trellis for your climbing plants using Dollar Tree sink mats. This project adds vertical interest to your garden while providing support for vines and climbing flowers.

Materials You’ll Need:

• 4-6 Dollar Tree sink mats
• Spray paint in your choice of color
• Zip ties or garden wire
• Garden stakes or bamboo poles
• Clear outdoor sealer spray

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Spray paint all sink mats in your chosen color and allow to dry completely.
2. Spray with clear outdoor sealer for added weather protection.
3. Connect the mats together vertically using zip ties or garden wire.
4. Secure garden stakes or bamboo poles to the sides for stability.
5. Install in your garden near climbing plants or vines.
6. Gently train your plants to begin climbing the trellis.

7. Outdoor Lantern from Sink Mats

Create magical outdoor lighting with this simple sink mat lantern project. These lanterns cast beautiful patterned shadows and add ambiance to your outdoor space.

Materials You’ll Need:

• 4 Dollar Tree sink mats
• Spray paint in metallic copper, bronze, or black
• Hot glue gun and glue sticks
• Wire or jute rope for handle
• Solar garden light or battery-operated LED candle
• Scissors

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Spray paint all sink mats in your chosen metallic color and allow to dry completely.
2. Cut one sink mat into a square to serve as the bottom of your lantern.
3. Form the remaining three mats into a three-sided structure by folding and gluing the edges together.
4. Attach the square bottom piece with hot glue.
5. Create a handle using wire or jute rope and attach to opposite sides.
6. Place a solar garden light or LED candle inside.

These lanterns look stunning lining a pathway or hanging from shepherd’s hooks around your patio. The grid pattern creates beautiful light patterns when illuminated at night!

8. Decorative Outdoor Privacy Screen

Create a decorative privacy screen for your patio or balcony using Dollar Tree sink mats. This project adds both privacy and visual interest to your outdoor space.

Materials You’ll Need:

• 8-12 Dollar Tree sink mats (depending on desired size)
• Spray paint in coordinating colors
• Zip ties or strong string
• Clear outdoor sealer spray
• Bamboo poles or wooden dowels
• Optional: artificial vines or flowers for decoration

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Spray paint all sink mats in your chosen colors and allow to dry completely.
2. Spray with clear outdoor sealer for weather protection.
3. Connect the mats in your desired configuration using zip ties.
4. Thread bamboo poles or wooden dowels through the grid holes at the top and bottom for stability.
5. Stand the screen in your desired location or hang it from hooks.
6. Optional: Weave artificial vines or flowers through the grid for added decoration.

9. Outdoor Serving Tray

Create a practical and stylish serving tray for outdoor entertaining using Dollar Tree sink mats. This lightweight tray is perfect for carrying drinks and snacks to your patio or garden.

Materials You’ll Need:

• 2 Dollar Tree sink mats
• Spray paint in your choice of color
• 2 cabinet handles or drawer pulls
• Hot glue gun and glue sticks
• Clear outdoor sealer spray
• Optional: stencils for adding patterns

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Spray paint both sink mats in your chosen color and allow them to dry completely.
2. Optional: Add patterns or designs using stencils and contrasting paint.
3. Spray with clear outdoor sealer for durability.
4. Stack the two mats together and secure with hot glue around the edges.
5. Attach cabinet handles or drawer pulls to opposite sides to create handles.

This tray is perfect for outdoor entertaining and can be easily wiped clean after use. The grid pattern also helps prevent glasses from sliding around while carrying.

10. Floating Pool or Pond Decorations

Create charming floating decorations for your pool, pond, or water feature using Dollar Tree sink mats. These lightweight decorations add color and interest to any water surface.

Materials You’ll Need:

• Dollar Tree sink mats
• Waterproof spray paint in bright colors
• Scissors or craft knife
• Small pool noodle pieces or foam
• Waterproof hot glue or silicone adhesive
• Optional: solar floating lights

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Cut sink mats into desired shapes (lily pads, flowers, boats, etc.).
2. Paint with waterproof spray paint in bright colors and allow to dry completely.
3. Cut small pieces of pool noodle or foam to serve as flotation.
4. Attach foam pieces to the underside of your shapes using waterproof hot glue or silicone adhesive.
5. Optional: Attach small solar floating lights for nighttime illumination.
6. Place in your pool, pond, or water feature.

Pro Tips for Dollar Tree Sink Mat Projects

Transform Your Outdoor Space on a Budget

Who would have thought that simple Dollar Tree sink mats could be transformed into such stylish and functional outdoor decor? With just a few basic supplies and a little creativity, you can create custom pieces that look like they came from a high-end home decor store—all while spending just a fraction of the cost.

The best part about these projects is their versatility. You can customize colors, sizes, and designs to perfectly match your outdoor aesthetic. Whether you have a tiny apartment balcony or a sprawling backyard, these Dollar Tree sink mat projects can add personality and style to your space.