Outdoor landscaping with wooden pallets

There’s been growing interest in exterior landscaping in recent years. It’s a trend that can be very expensive. But did you know that you can create an array of outdoor furniture with wooden pallets in a few simple steps? No need to be an expert cabinet maker! Whether your style preference is industrial, vintage or country, this furniture is durable, original and inexpensive. By applying a few basic rules, you can create a wide range of custom-made, design furniture!

Where can I find wooden pallets?

Many companies receive daily merchandise requiring wooden pallets for ease of transport. These are occasionally stored outdoors, and there’s no ban on retrieving and repurposing them. You can also go directly to a public or private worksite to confirm the possibility of picking up the wooden pallets in due course. This often provides a service to companies that would otherwise need to hire a firm to dispose of pallets.

Five basic rules before getting started:

-Disassemble the wooden pallet (unless your project requires the wooden pallet to remain as is).  This will allow you to determine the size and colour of the boards for your intended project.

-Measure and organize the planks. This will let you know exactly how many boards you have and their various dimensions. Prepare to use them strategically based on their condition and to conceal those with less attractive surfaces.

-Draw up a plan of the furniture you want to make to help you with the building process. It doesn’t have to be an architectural drawing! The idea is to have a visual guide of the logical steps to follow and determine the number of boards you’ll need as well as their length.

-Gather your tools and organize your workspace. Use the appropriate tools for each of the steps in your diagram. Nail, saw and sand. Finish with a coat of varnish or wood stain. Since the furniture is intended for the outdoors, use stainless-steel nails and weatherproof, exterior paint.

-Rule number one: Have fun! Unleash your creativity. Wooden pallets offer a multitude of possibilities, each one more inspiring than the next and with its own unique cachet.

Create a sofa and coffee table for the garden:

Sofa:

Stack the pallets to the desired height. Then determine the configuration you want to create: "L-shaped" or straight, etc. If you find that an entire wooden pallet is too large, you can saw it through the middle while retaining the core part of the structure that will serve as support. Then secure all the levels by nailing each plank on top of the other. Position a wooden pallet vertically for the backrest and simply nail the desired side to the stacked wooden slats.

Coffee Table:

Pile up the wooden pallets until you reach the desired height. To even out the surface of your coffee table, remove the boards from the top pallet and reattach them side by side, so that there are no spaces in between. You may need to use some extra boards to ensure the entire surface is covered. Secure the pallets together with nails or screws. If desired, screw four wheels to the bottom of your table to make it easier to move around.

Create a wall for your fresh herbs and plants:

Positioned vertically, a wooden pallet can provide you with perfect shelving for your favorite herbs. Arrange small jars horizontally, attaching them to the lateral planks with hooks. You can also nail a board underneath, providing a backdrop for your potted plants. Attach the shelving to a wooden fence or to the front of your house; let your imagination run free. You can identify the herbs by writing directly on the board with a marker or chalk.

Tips & Tricks:

Using stainless-steel nails and screws will prevent corrosion and possible rust stains that may make your furniture less attractive. Protect wood with varnish or an appropriate undercoat to prevent deterioration and to weatherproof your furniture.

Unleash your creativity. You’ll be delighted with the results!