The small touches we add to our decks and patios can really add to the overall coziness of a space. Dollar Tree has attractive metal thermometers and they’re pretty sturdy but rather flat. I thought I’d have a try at making one look more substantial. Here’s how to upgrade a Dollar Tree thermometer for your patio using a plastic frame also found at Dollar Tree.

Upgrade a Dollar Tree Thermometer for Your Patio

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Supplies Used and Recommendations:

• metal thermometer (Dollar Tree)
• long frame (Dollar Tree)
• 2 flexible cutting mats
• water bottle stickers

 

 

Of the styles of thermometers available, I liked this one with dragonflies and muted foliage.

Step 1: Prep The Dollar Tree Frame

 

I really love the shape of this long plastic frame. It came from Dollar Tree and originally held a mirror, which I removed and plan on using for another project. It’s the perfect height, width and depth for housing the thermometer. 

 

I removed the decorative knob from the frame and added it to my collection of odds and ends for possible use down the road.

Step 2: Trace Frame Backing Onto Flexible Cutting Mats

 

This thermometer will be out in the weather so the cardboard backing on the frame would need to be replaced with something waterproof. The thin plastic cutting mats from Dollar Tree seemed an ideal replacement. 

I placed the frame backing on the cutting mat and used an extra fine tipped Sharpie marker to trace the pattern onto the mat, then cut it out with some scissors.

Because these cutting mats are so thin, I found that I had to cut three replacement backings so that they would hold the thermometer firmly in place. You can get two plastic frame backings from one Dollar Tree flexible cutting mat. 

Step 3: Fit Backings Into Frame and Mark Where Hanger Goes

 

 

Next, I tested the fit of my new backings with the thermometer in place and trimmed them as needed. Then I used my pokey tool to mark each backing, so they lined up with the original hole for hanging on the thermometer.

 

 

When everything is assembled, be sure to tighten the screws on the plastic paddles holding the backings and thermometer in place.

Step 4: Enlarge the Holes for Hanging the Thermometer

 

 

I removed the backings from the frame and used a small screwdriver to enlarge the hole on each of the plastic backings.

Step 6: Decorate Thermometer Frame 

 

 

After the the thermometer and the backings were secured, I decided the frame needed a little something.

I had a water bottle sticker left in my stash that worked perfectly to cover the hole where the knob was removed. It filled in the space at the bottom of the frame nicely while adding some much-needed colour to this plain white frame. I used a water bottle sticker on a mason jar last year and, although the colours did fade over the course of the season, they stayed stuck to the glass.

 

 

I also added a puffy sticker to the top of the frame. Later, I replaced this flower with a butterfly sticker from the same set. For outside use, I would suggest using a strong glue on the back of this sticker.

Finished Thermometer

 

All that was left to do was to add a nail where I wanted to hang the thermometer, first making sure the nail head would fit in the holes provided.

 

Alternately, you could attach a length of clothesline rope to the back of the frame to use as a hanger.  

I like how my new framed thermometer looks on my patio. The white frame helps the thermometer stand out and adds a decorative touch to my outdoor space. I’d be interested in knowing how you would upgrade one of these thermometers.

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