DIY Garden Signs from Grill Forks

DIY Garden Signs from Grill Forks

Ok- I will fully admit that this is a truly zany idea of mine! There I was at the thrift store, looking for inspiration on the shelves. I was going to move aside this grill fork when it dawned on me that the barbecue fork could BE the inspiration I was looking for. What if I transformed it as part of some DIY garden signs? In other words, what if I used it as a stake instead of for steak?

Grill fork at a thrift store for upcycling as a sign stake

I bought it, filed the idea away, and then it was as if the universe was listening. Because I started seeing the exact same BBQ fork at nearly every thrift I visited! Apparently, this zany idea was something I was meant to attempt.

To bring my idea to life, I needed something to act as little signs. And thrift store cheese boards were the perfect size to go with each grill fork! 

Making the decorative garden stakes with a grill fork or barbecue fork

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Grill Forks as Stakes for Yard and Garden Signs

Once I had the basics lined up to build my barbecue fork signs, I simply had to decide what to put on the signs. I definitely wanted to create a new address sign, but I also wanted whimsical signs that served no purpose other than being cute.

Stencils and house numbers to make the garden plaques with a BBQ forkThen I got to work, starting with the address sign.

First, I painted both the BBQ fork and the cheese board in the same shade of blue. It wasn’t the exact same shade as our house, but it was pretty darn close.

Painting a barbecue fork to use as decorative garden stakes

After the paint had dried, I sprayed the grill fork and the wooden cheese board with matte topcoat to weather-proof it.

Then, I attached the house numbers to the center of the cheese board. 

They’re new-old-stock vintage! I found them on Etsy.

Garden plaque or address sign with a grill fork

Then, I used a single wood screw to attach the sign to the BBQ fork, carefully drilling pilot holes in each piece to avoid wood splitting.

Once it was securely fastened, I touched some paint onto the screw head to help it blend in.

Address sign on a small cutting board and sign stake

And that was it. A perfect little address sign on a cheese board with a grill fork as the sign stake!

Upcycling a grill fork as a decorative stake for a garden plaque

All that was left to do was brush on a top coat to the wooden portion of the grill fork and sign. That would waterproof it so that it could safely live outside!

DIY Garden Signs from Grill Forks

I created a second sign right away, this one for whimsy.

I still have materials for yet another wooden garden sign, but I’m happy with these two for the time being. Aren’t they cute?

garden plaques and signs

But now for the real test…would they stick in the ground easily? Would they seem solid and secure?

And I’m happy to the report that the answer is a resounding YES! The grill fork was PERFECT as a sign stake for my DIY garden signs.

DIY yard sign

Now, truthfully, it had rained a day or two before I put them outside. But they went in the ground with no effort at all, were easy to adjust, and weren’t top heavy whatsoever (which I was worried about).

So, as long as your wooden cheese board (or scrap wood) isn’t too large or heavy, these will work out brilliantly. So keep an eye out for a BBQ fork or two the next time you go thrifting!

DIY garden signs with grill forks

Gotta love it when a zany idea turns into something quite awesome. I honestly couldn’t be happier with how they look AND how well they work as DIY garden signs.

And if you liked this upcycling idea for a grill fork as a sign stake, then you’ll also love this collection of ideas for upcycled garden decor!

Quirky garden ideas and upcycling projects for garden decor and yard art

Craft on!

S

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BBQ forks as stakes for DIY garden signs

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Sarah Ramberg is the owner of Sadie Seasongoods, a website that celebrates all things secondhand. From upcycling ideas and thrifted decor to vintage-centric travel itineraries, Sadie Seasongoods is a one-stop shop for anyone who loves thrifting and approachable repurposing ideas. Sarah is also the author of “Crafting with Flannel” and has been featured in numerous media outlets and magazines.

Comments

  1. This is such a wonderful idea!!! I have a fork like that now, was going to donate, but now I won’t! New inspiration!!

  2. Tracie Davis says

    Genius – so many barbecue forks in the thrift store world! I might be a little less ambitious than you and just paint the handles of a few and use them for seedling IDs.

    • Sadie Seasongoods says

      I think a LOT of folks will be doing that with you, Tracie- many BBQ fork garden markers were talked about on my Facebook page yesterday! 🙂

  3. I love this idea! I see those forks all the time at one of our local thrift stores – thanks for sharing, as I plan on making some of these. You rock, Sadie.

  4. Wow Sarah, another totally amazing vision of yours! These signs are great, and so unique. Love them

    • Sadie Seasongoods says

      Thanks, Kaycee- I think we’ll be seeing fewer and fewer barbecue forks at the thrifts now. 😉 Lots of garden markers to be made!

  5. Robyn Wright says

    WHAT?! This is one of the most clever-est ideas I’ve ever seen. HOW do you come up with them? I’m SOOOOO going to do this. Thank you! Keep those “ZANY” ideas coming!

    • Sadie Seasongoods says

      Hahaha, my zany mind just works a little differently, I guess. 😉 Thank you so much, Robyn!

  6. This is adorable!! You have given me inspiration for a new project. Love the color you chose too. perfect for spring!

  7. Great idea Sadie! Fun looking back at all your wonderful ideas. Keep up the great work!

  8. Wendy Oyler says

    What a super cool idea! Now I am going to have to find some!

  9. This came to my mind too when you sent out the picture of your finds. Great job … as always 🙂

  10. OMG! I think I need to make one like the little trailer one you made! I have a vintage trailer and it would be so cute to put that sign up when I travel with it!

    Tania

    • Sadie Seasongoods says

      It’s a sweet little stencil!! I can’t remember which craft store I found it at, but it was one of the major chains.

  11. I love this idea. I have several forks from thrift stores but hadn’t thought how to repurpose them. I will use your idea. Thanks.

  12. Yup, totally cute and awesome! Great idea.

  13. You are just so clever, outstanding idea and repurpose!!

  14. Just wanted to tell you I saw your lovely article in the magazine about making soaps, essential oils, etc. Very NICE! Now come and visit us in Fletcher! Maybe you could teach a class in our art studio? Susan Brady The Garage on 25 828-376-0198

    • Sadie Seasongoods says

      Hey, Susan! Thanks so much and YES, I seriously need to come see your shop! I’ll plan on doing so soon- I promise!

  15. you always think outside the box, and with amazing results!

  16. One day I’m going to fly over to your side of the world and go thrifting with you. Mind blown. How do you think of these things Sarah? Love what you did.

  17. Love this idea! I do believe I will never pass by a barbecue fork at a yard sale, thrift store or Dollar Store again. Two thumbs up.

  18. Annette Wells says

    Love this idea! Going to grab some forks next time I see them!

  19. Omg. This is the cutest sign ever

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