Rustic Lantern: Easy and Affordable with 2x4s

This 2×4 rustic lantern is perfect for any season! Since starting our big Lake House Fixer Upper Project I always have that in mind when coming up with my next project. When I had the opportunity to participate in a 2×4 challenge I decided to do a project for the outside. I love the rustic feel of these lanterns!

 

You all know how much I love pallets so I keep a stack at my shop at all times.  Once I cut the pallets off of the frame, I am left with a stack of 2 x 4’s…woohoo!  I use them for all sorts of projects and these rustic lanterns are now one of my favorites ways to upcycle those old, and yes free 2×4’s!

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Supplies needed for this rustic lantern:

• Two 2′ x 4′ x 8′ boards (I used 181.5  total inches of 2 x 4 wood.  I put this measurement in total inches in case you are using scrap wood like I am)
• 2.5″ wood screws
• Wood Glue
• Baling Wire
• Drill
• Drill Bit
• Kreg Jig
• Finial (This is very similar to the one I used)

 

Rustic Lantern cut list:

• (A)   6x    2 x 4 x 9.5″ for base and top
• (B)   4x    2 x 4 x 18″  for tall structure posts
• (C)   5x    2 x 4 x 6.5″ for longer sides and upper top piece
• (D)   4x    2 x 4 x 3.5″ for the short sides
• (E)   4x    2 x 4 x 1.5″  for the feet

Lantern Instructions:

If you have never used a Kreg Jig you should give it a try.  It makes joining 2 pieces of wood together fast and easy.

Step 1)  Using the kreg jig, drill 4 pocket holes in 4 of the “A” boards.

Step 2)  Screw 2 of the pocket-hole-drilled “A” boards to one of the undrilled “A” boards.  Repeat with the other 3 “A” boards.   This creates the top and bottom of your lantern.

Flip the boards over.  Just ignore the holes on the board above.  It has nothing to do with this project.  Remember, I am using recycled boards.

Step 3)  Apply a small amount of wood glue to the end of one of your “B” boards.  

Note:  Apply a small bead of wood glue at each joint where wood touches wood.

Step 4)  Attach the “B” board to the bottom of your lantern using 2″ screws.  Repeat with the other three “B” boards.

Step 5)  Flip the lantern over and start attaching “C” and “D” boards.  Because these are rustic lanterns, I used 2.5″ wood screws and drilled them in from the sides but you could use your Kreg Jig for a cleaner look as well.

Step 6)  Set the top of the lantern in place over the upright “B” boards.  Secure with wood screws.

Step 7)  Using wood screws, attach your remaining “C” board to the top of lantern for added dimension.  Attach optional finial if desired.

Step 8)  Screw in a 1.5″ screw to each side of your topper board.  Attach baling wire to create a handle.

So what do you think? These can obviously also be done with new 2×4’s for a cleaner look, it’s a perfect way to use up scraps from building projects! Of course once I made this one my mind went crazy with designs for others. Check back Wednesday for another option.  Make sure and check out all the amazing 2×4 projects made for this challenge. There is something for everyone!

Each and everyone of you inspire me and I LOVE to see the work that you’ve created. Feel free to share with me on Instagram, Twitter or Facebook. And as always, be sure to follow Diva Of DIY on Pinterest and sign up for our FREE Newsletter to receive the latest projects delivered straight to your inbox!

If you like this project, check out these:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Check out all the 2×4 Challenge projects:

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