How To Hide An Electrical Box In The Front Yard (Do This!)

Upgraded Home Team
by Upgraded Home Team

Many things are placed on our property that we need but aren’t exactly the best things to see every day. Electrical boxes are one of those things that can be unsightly when we want to enjoy our front yards. However, many creative ideas to hide an electrical box in the front yard can divert people’s attention from those unsightly bulky boxes.

To hide an electric box in the front yard you can use landscaping and add potted plants to camouflage the utility box. You can also use a trellis, fencing, plant ornamental trees or grasses, or build a wooden cabinet around the box. Some of the best ways to hid an electrical box are movable ones so you can still access the box easily.

These ideas and many more can give credit to the homeowner in their talents and efforts. It will also provide the neighbors with something positive to talk about while they pass in front of your home. Perhaps it may inspire others with the same problems in subdivisions where everyone deals with this issue.

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Popular Ways To Hide An Electrical Box In The Front Yard

Landscaping is often the most popular way to hide unappealing electrical boxes that you need to have in your front yard. There are several ways landscaping hides unsightly electrical boxes, septic tanks, water pumps, trash can bins, and other items.

Many people agree that these items are eyesores, but everyone has them because they are necessary. Here are some ideas for landscaping that can help you hide the electrical box in your front yard perfectly.

1. Plant A Small Garden To Hide The Electrical Box In Your Front Yard

Small gardens are useful in their demeanor, but they can help hide the obvious. Gathering fresh soil, borders, mulch, gravel, herbs, and tall produce plants can serve as a coverup. They can also give you food to eat as you pick tomatoes, herbs, cucumbers, and other items.

Tall flowers and plants can take away the dullness and add beauty to the area. Any areas where people can still see the electrical box can add a fence post with wood that has your address. Adding additional landscaping around the home will add value to the property and paint a pretty picture for the neighborhood.

Gardens have picket fences, benches, statues, and other peaceful things that go well with the plants. There is an option to add solar lamps or tiki torches for tropical lovers. It will take a little maintenance, but it is well worth the effort.

2. Planting Trees And Shrubs

Planting small trees and shrubs around the electrical box can add to the scenery while hiding the box. However, it is critical to make sure the roots grow down and not move or mess up the electrical system. It is also important to keep the trees and shrubs neatly trimmed not to cover the box.

Keeping easy access to the electrical box is critical for both the homeowner and the electrical workers. Should a problem arise, the power will need to be cut off. Not allowing easy access can be the start of a fire or burnout of a significant component.

3. Use Steel Or Iron Pipe Planters To Hide The Electrical Box In The Front Yard

No one said all plants have to be planted in the ground. You can place steel or iron pipe all around the electrical box and plant flowers in each of them. Painting them can also be a creative way to add color to the scene.

Adding colorful stones inside the pipe can catch people’s eyes. The colorful stones and painting the pipes add for looks, but the paint will also keep the pipes from rusting. Just make sure the pipes you cut are high enough to hide the box but not stop easy and quick access.

You can also opt for basic, decorative planters to showcase various trees and plants. However, consider that smaller items are easier targets for thieves. Therefore, consider your neighborhood before using such methods.

4. Plant Ornamental Grasses

There are both short and tall ornamental types of grass that you can plant around the box. People who plant the short ornamental grasses around the box make it more of a landscape scene. The top of the box holds flower pots with beautiful flowers in them.

The all-green grass at the bottom, the electrical box top, and the plants look like a pyramid of beauty. Shorter ornamental grass is easier to maintain and control. Other people demand their box not show at all, which is fine.

The tall ornamental grasses will hide anything. Many are used as fences around their home properties. It serves its purpose in hiding the boxes, but they are tough to keep up.

Get Crafty To Hide The Electrical Box In The Front Yard

So, what do you do if landscaping and gardening just aren’t your thing? Can you still hide the electrical box in your front yard? Of course, you can.

There are so many options in wooden fixtures that hardly cost anything to make. Most handicrafts are made from wood. Many do not realize how easy it is to get the wood at little to no cost.

These are some ideas on how to create wooden barriers around their electrical box. Plus, you can find items made from other materials that will work just as well.

1. Using Pallets For Barriers

People can pick up pallets for free at some locations. Many companies throw the damaged ones away, and you can gather them and rebuild them quickly. If you find the pallets with the same size boards, replace the damaged ones with the good ones.

Once you repair them, you can use them as fences or walls. Many people add designs or outdoor pictures to make them unique. Indeed, with the methods people come up with, others forget what is behind the barrier.

2. Cabinets For The Boxes

For people who really want to show off their talents, they build cabinets around the electrical boxes. These work excellent for the boxes that are visible in front or on the side of the house. It hides the electrical box without a trace, and with the door, it has easy and quick access.

Some people do not want to go through the extreme. It is okay to build regular wooden boxes. They leave access through a panel door or gain entry through the top.

When doing cabinets or boxes, it is critical to leave airflow through the wood. That is why pallets work the best because of the way they are built. Once the boxes or cabinets are created, you can add flower pots to add beauty if there is enough room.

3. Wooden Fences

Wooden fences are another simple way to get the objective completed. As mentioned earlier, pallets can be used, but people also appreciate a good old fashion Pickett Fence. As long as the fence leaves airflow and there is a gateway for entry, it is perfectly safe.

One thing to keep in mind when installing the fence post or any landscape. Since it deals with working around an electrical box and digging is involved, the homeowner must keep specific codes. All digging must be met with a phone call to 811.

There is nothing more dangerous than digging around electrical wires and equipment when you are not sure. If you do not know where the wires are, do not attempt to do anything. Calling 811 will give you the information you need to stay safe and have that barrier you desire.

4. Use A Trellis Or Screen

You can also get a decorative trellis or screen that you can place in front of the box for a more appealing cover. You can find these at home improvement stores, garden stores, and even online.

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Using Camouflage And Artwork

One of the most extraordinary things is to have a talent for painting. The creativity in crafts and artwork can bring attention to the eyes and mind. These are the crafty ideas some people came up with, and amazingly, it works.

1. Camouflage The Electrical Box

Some people have their electrical box in the front or on the side of their home. Either way, they do not want people to see it at all. Those with a great talent for painting can camouflage the boxes.

They did this by painting the box the same colors as the background, whether it was brick or wood. If it was brick, they even painted the bricks on the box. With the same colors, the human eye has to take a triple look to see the box.

The painters went as far as to paint the box, the PVC pipe, and the top and bottom wires. At first glance, you can see the meter, but the electrical box is wholly engulfed in the background. Those who are not good painters have hired professionals to do the job.

2. Hang Artwork In Front Of The Electrical Box

If you can suspend a hook on the wall above the box and extend it out far enough, you could hang outdoor-friendly artwork in front of the box to help disguise it. Whether it’s some sort of mobile, wind-chime, or another item, it can help soften the harshness of such a utilitarian feature in the front yard. But, just make sure that a service person can still access the box.


Related Questions

Can you paint an electrical box?

This method can be a tricky one that may cause problems, and you should not paint it without doing the proper research first. It would be wise to check with the locals and the municipal government before performing this task. What one person may call artwork, others may call graffiti.Painting pictures on the electrical box adds spice to the mixture. Some people appreciate the talents, but others feel it may persuade teenagers or others to graffiti up the town. The electrical box serves as a vast canvas to express the artist’s emotions.The rules and regulations may not allow this, but it does not hurt to ask.  Of course, you can also use any combination of the above ideas to find the best way to hide the electrical box in your front yard.


Do I need to check with the utility company before I hide the electrical box in the front yard?

No matter what you choose to hide an electrical box in the front yard, you should ensure that it is easy to move. Plus, check the box for any regulations or warnings regarding what you place around it.You should also determine what the minimum offset distance is for items near the box so that it has proper airflow. The offset distance is simply how far items need to be from the box. You’ll also need to know if there are wires, cables, or similar items that travel underground from the box, especially if you plan to plant or dig nearby.if you can’t find any information on the box, it’s your responsibility to call the appropriate utility company to find out this information. Service professionals and other workers need to be able to access the box, and if anything is blocking it, they might rip it out or break it in an emergency. For this reason, it’s imperative to hide your electrical box with something easy to move.

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Upgraded Home Team
Upgraded Home Team

We are a team of passionate homeowners, home improvement pros, and DIY enthusiasts who enjoy sharing home improvement, housekeeping, decorating, and more with other homeowners! Whether you're looking for a step-by-step guide on fixing an appliance or the cost of installing a fence, we've here to help.

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