DIY lovers know how important it is to recycle and reuse materials, and pallets are one of those that are so versatile and resilient.
Pallets are easy to get hold of, with piles of them at most scrap and reclamation yard. They are cheap but strong, with the wood lasting years with the right care and treatment. Be careful of splinters, and watch out for nails and staples in them.
Furniture made from pallets have an industrial and rustic feel, adding style to any home. There are stunning pallet furniture for sale online, and a few tutorials below to inspire you.
Image SourceRaised vegetable beds are so easy to make, cut down your weeding time, and make gardening a lot more accessible.
You will need:
Wooden pallets
Scissors
Weed/garden fabric
Electric drill and screws
Staple gun and staples
Top soil
Plants ready for planting
Place your pallets into where you want them and make sure they line up correctly. Use the drill and screws to fix these into place. If the wood of your pallets are thick you may need to fit these with brackets instead. When they are all secure, line with the garden fabric and attached with the staple gun. Fill with top soil and add fertiliser and compost if needed. With the soil holding the fabric down, you can trim any excess from the edges. Then you’re ready to plant any plants and seeds you’d like. Make sure you water thoroughly to start off with, as the soil will be quite dry.
Image SourcePallets can also be used to make quirky shelving and display pieces in the home.
You will need:
Wooden pallets
Sandpaper
Shelf brackets
Nails
A spirit level
Use a nail punch and hammer to remove all the nails and tacks from the pallets.Take your time sanding the dismantled wood down, removing all splinters and jagged edges. Measure up the space and cut the pieces down to the lengths you require. You may need to nail boards together to get the desired width for your shelves. Now these are all prepared and attached, support to the wall with the brackets. Make sure you use the spirit level to ensure it is fitted straight.
Image SourceCoffee tables are also easily made from pallets, adding an interesting feature to your living room. These can be stained or painted to match your color scheme, with more pallets added for a larger piece.
You will need:
Wooden pallets
Sandpaper
Stain/paint
Table wheels
Sand the pallets down thoroughly to avoid injury later on. Take your time with this step and make sure the wood is as smooth as you can get it. Now use your chosen paint or dye to match the new piece to the rest of your room. Give paint a couple of coats and allow to to dry completely outside. Attach the roller wheels to each corner of the pallet, using the attachments they come with. Finish off with a decorative pieces and coasters for a functional item fit for any home!
