Stock tanks have been a common sight on the farm for years, frequently used to provide water for livestock. However, the rugged, multipurpose metal containers have quickly expanded far beyond the field; today, increasingly, homeowners, gardeners, and outdoor lovers use stock tanks in innovative ways in their homes and yards. If you’re wondering how you might use a stock tank other than for which it was designed, keep reading for several intriguing ideas.
Stock Tank Pools
Stock tank pools, especially those that call for water to be capped off from a hose, have lately skyrocketed in popularity owing to the rise of do-it-yourself projects driven by public demand. A stock tank swimming pool, complemented by a simple pump and filter system, allows individuals to read and sunbathe in the convenience of their backyards for a fraction of what an actual pool costs. Stock tank pools, which are resistant to the elements because of their galvanized steel composition, are low-cost additions when compared to the decline of an in-ground pool or spa and occupy significantly less space.
Elevated Garden Beds
Raised garden beds, housed in stock tanks, are an attractive and straightforward garden answer for those who don’t want to cope with pests. The stonewall built by the metal tank shields vegetation from the area critical. That distance is provided by the pile of dirt as a root breath for the friends. Your bank will be more helpful if you don’t have to get down or squat on the soil when planning for an elevated plot. The whole visual category brings a faintly industrial opinion to your unique area, and you make sense for the shade scheme.
Outdoor Beverage Cooler
Hosting a party? Ice down large cans of beverages in a stock tank. Load it up with ice and stock your drinks of choice — beer, soda, bottled water — and you have a place for guests to grab drinks outside. The tank is a good size for making a lot of drinks, and it’s built well, so it will not tip over easily. This use is great for summer barbeques, tailgates, or casual hangouts.
Stock Tank Fire Pit
Give your backyard a homey touch by turning a stock tank or trough into a fire pit. Install fire retardant materials in your gas tank or put a fire pit insert to keep away the chill on a cool night without ever worrying about it catching on fire. It’s a lot of function and a little funky form, thanks to the galvanized metal stock tank that’s both rugged and stylish in a modern or rustic backyard of any size.
Livestock-Inspired Planters
If you’re a fan of the farmhouse look and need to go to town with it, use stock tanks for large planters. Their generously sized design permits you to make dramatic multi-plant presentations with flowers, shrubs, or even small trees. Place tanks on a deck or patio to bring some greenery and texture. The metal will weather over time, so you may get a nice patina forming, which gives character.
Pond Or Water Feature In A Stock Tank
For those who desire to incorporate water into their garden without the complication of a traditional pond, a stock tank garden may be the ideal choice. You can easily make a straightforward water feature or pond to attract birds and other critters with a little waterproofing and a pump. The stock tank is just simple to keep up and still offers the desired sound and attraction of moving water.
Indoor or Outdoor Pet Bath
For pet owners needing a more convenient way to wash their dogs or other animals, stock tanks work well, too. They are large, which is good for medium or large pets, made of sturdy metal that can last for a long time, or wash, and wash, and wash. This configuration keeps the mess out or isolates it to a specific area and makes for cleaner, safer pet grooming.
Why Choose Stock Tanks?
Stock tanks are constructed of heavy-gauge galvanized steel or occasionally plastic and withstand demanding ranch and farm conditions. They are affordable and come in a variety of sizes that will suit all your crafting needs. If you’re looking to beat the heat, grow plants, entertain, or simply add some eye-catching decor to your outdoor living space, these sizzling stock tank pool ideas are for you!
If you’re prepared to think outside the stock-acreage box, here are some fresh ideas for how to use these tanks on your plot beyond farm work. A little head scratching can get the right tool to serve more than one role, which is making your countryside life better than it would have been without it.
So you see, the plain ol’ stock tank is not just for the farm anymore. Pools, garden beds, drink coolers, fire pits, planters, water features, and even pet baths are also possibilities with its versatility. Not only are these non-traditional uses incredibly versatile, keeping stock tanks in the spotlight, but they also add a ton of visual appeal to any place of rest (of course, into any resting place, too). Next time you spot a stock tank, think about how it might cheer up your environment in unexpected ways.