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Wooden pallets are an amazing solution if you’re looking for low-budget garden ideas. With a bit of creativity, a few basic tools, and a list of inspirational ideas, you can build some truly unique furniture and gardening equipment for your outdoor space.
Here are our favourite DIYs from the web that you can try for yourself:
A Corner Sofa made from Pallets
Building a pallet sofa isn’t as difficult as you might think. Take measurements to prepare the number of pallets you’ll need. The size can depend on however you like, so make the most of your raw materials.
Sand down any rough areas to avoid getting blisters while sitting. Paint the pallets on both sides with your chosen outdoor paint using a mini roller. Once dry, create a base by stacking one or more pallets to the right height, then secure them with screws. You may add another pallet propped in a vertical position to create the back of the sofa.
Complete the look with garden seat cushions — and voila, you have new outdoor seating!
Use Pallets as a Coffee Table
Pair your pallet sofa with a matching coffee table with an included shelf below to store magazines and books. Cut the plywood to your desired tabletop size. Consider resizing the pallet boards to 2.5 inches if you want them to be narrower and complement the chevron pattern.
Draw a centerline on your plywood to guide the boards’ alignment. Lightly sand the pallets or perform more detailed sanding for a less rustic appearance. Optionally, stain a few boards for a darker finish.
Follow this pallet coffee table guide for further instructions.
Turn Pallets into a Pet Bed
It’s only fair for your pet to have its own outdoor seat! A pallet cut in half makes the perfect base for a dog or cat bed. Use an existing bed or mattress as a size guide, then split the pallet in half: one half for the base and the other to form the back panel. Paint it in a bright, cheerful colour like blue or pink, and add your furry friend’s name for a personal touch.
Vertical Pallet Planter
This is probably one of the easiest DIY wooden pallet ideas for your garden. Simply flip a pallet over and attach planks from another pallet to the undersides of the legs to create small pockets. Line these pockets with trash bags, fill them with compost, and then plant a selection of your favourite herbs or plants. It’s a great way to introduce some herb garden ideas for your small green space!
Tip: You can also repurpose this pallet vertical planter as a shed shelving in your garden storage shed or garden workshop.
Bench Swing
Provide extra seating with a bench swing made from pallets for true relaxation. Even better, this can save you at least several pounds instead of buying a fabricated version.
To give you an idea, use 2×4 lumber to reinforce two wood pallets and top them off with a vinyl zippered mattress. You could also make your own cushion if you’re handy with a sewing machine. Use ropes with a high working load limit to hang on a tree branch, on the patio, or your wooden gazebo.
Dining Table
Do you have a partially broken pallet lying in your garage or basement? It’s time to put it to good use and create a useful and beautiful piece for your garden — a pallet table.
The number of boards you’ll need will depend on the size of your table. Also, prepare plywood cut to the desired tabletop size – it will serve as the base. Arrange the pallet boards on the plywood in your desired design. Mark the edges and trim off any excess that extends beyond the plywood.
Secure the boards in place with liquid nails, adjust them as needed, and allow them to dry overnight. Once dry, flip the tabletop over and mark where the legs will be attached.
Refer to this DIY pallet table guide for more detailed instructions.
Of course, if you would prefer to buy professionally made garden furniture, you might find that more attractive.
Round-up
Creativity knows no bounds, and with pallets as your blank canvas, the sky’s the limit for what you can create. We hope you feel inspired to explore the potential of repurposing your used pallets.
Be mindful of the markings on the pallets, though, as not all are safe for edible plants. If you see “MB” marks on the boards, they may have been treated with methyl bromide, a toxic chemical. Avoid using them for your vertical planter.
Up next on your reading list: DIY Log Store Ideas for Your Garden
