Want an outdoor furniture set that’s easy to do, easy on the pocket, and beautiful? Here’s one idea that checks off all three criteria :)
Putting together a furniture set in your garden, patio or deck can seem like a big job and be costly. It can be difficult to come up with a good-looking setup, too, if you think you’re not artistic enough.
The solution to making this home improvement project easier is to work with pallets! They are easy to build with, inexpensive yet an effective alternative for making pallet patio furniture.
You don’t even have to worry much about designing because pallets already look good as they are when set up outdoors. You can add the simplest cushions and pillows and it will still look great in your outdoor area.
Need some inspiration? Have a look at our album of creative pallet furniture below. And check out the great tutorial from Sassy Sparrow!
Here are some of the things you might need when building a furniture set with pallets…
Contents
Building a Pallet Patio Furniture
Materials
- Pallets
- Wheel Casters
- Paint
- Outdoor Urethane
- Deck Screws
- Seat Cushions
- Throw Pillows
Tools
- Pallet Breaker
- Cordless Drill
- Jigsaw
- Nail Gun
- Paintbrush
Instructions
Step 1: Gather Your Materials and Tools
Ensure you have everything listed:
- Materials: Pallets, wheel casters, paint, outdoor urethane, deck screws, seat cushions, throw pillows.
- Tools: Pallet breaker, cordless drill, jigsaw, nail gun, paintbrush.
Step 2: Prepare the Pallets
- Inspect and Clean: Check pallets for any nails, splinters, or damaged wood. Clean them thoroughly to remove any dirt or debris.
- Dismantle Pallets: Use the pallet breaker to carefully dismantle the pallets into planks and blocks.
Step 3: Design Your Bench
- Measure and Cut: Decide on the dimensions of your bench. Use the jigsaw to cut the pallet wood to your desired size.
- Sanding: Sand all the surfaces of the wood to smooth out rough edges and surfaces for a more finished look.
Step 4: Assemble the Frame
- Construct the Frame: Arrange the cut planks to form the bench’s seat and backrest. Use the nail gun to secure the planks to the supporting blocks or strips of wood.
- Strengthen with Screws: For additional durability, drill deck screws into the frame using the cordless drill.
Step 5: Attach the Wheel Casters
- Position Casters: Flip the bench over and position the wheel casters at each corner of the bench’s underside.
- Secure Casters: Attach the casters with screws, ensuring they’re tight and secure for easy mobility.
Step 6: Painting and Finishing
- Paint: Apply your chosen paint with a paintbrush for a personalized touch. Let the paint dry completely.
- Apply Outdoor Urethane: To protect the painted surface and ensure durability against the elements, apply a coat of outdoor urethane. Allow it to dry as instructed by the product’s guidelines.
Step 7: Add Cushions and Pillows
- Place Seat Cushions: Fit the seat cushions on the bench’s seating area for comfort.
- Arrange Throw Pillows: Add throw pillows for back support and an added aesthetic touch.
Step 8: Final Setup
- Inspect: Check all parts of the bench to ensure everything is securely attached and there are no sharp edges or splinters.
- Position in Your Outdoor Space: Move the bench to a desired location on your patio, deck, or garden. Use the wheel casters to easily adjust its position.
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You can get more step-by-step instructions here…
Safety Tips for Handling and Preparing Pallets
One common do-it-yourself project is working with pallets, particularly for original outdoor furniture like pallet patio chairs. But guaranteeing safety during pallet handling and preparation is absolutely vital to prevent damage and guarantee the lifetime of your works of art. Particularly targeted at building pallet patio furniture, these are some crucial safety precautions for handling and preparing pallets.
Inspect Pallets Before Use
Identify the Type of Pallet: Determine the type of pallet by looking for marks or stamps showing treatment of the pallet. Safe to use and heat-treated, pallets stamped with “HT” are Steer clear of pallets labeled “MB,” which have been treated with the poisonous pesticide methyl bromide.
Look for Contamination: Chemicals, oils, or other hazardous materials may find their way on pallets used in transportation. These should be avoided since they are not safe for usage in pallet patio furniture.
Check for Damage: Examine pallets for broken planks or protruding nails which can pose serious safety risks. Opt for pallets that are in good condition to reduce the risk of injury.
Wear Appropriate Safety Gear
Gloves: Always wear sturdy gloves to protect your hands from splinters and nails. Gloves also provide a better grip on the wood, reducing the risk of slipping and causing injury.
Eye Protection: When dismantling or cutting pallets, wear safety goggles to protect your eyes from flying debris.
Dust Mask: Sanding or sawing pallets can create fine dust which can be harmful if inhaled. Wear a dust mask or a respirator to protect your lungs.
Handling Techniques
Lifting Techniques: Lift pallets using your legs rather than your back to prevent strain or damage. Get assistance or use a trolley if a pallet seems overly weighty.
Disassembly: Break down a pallet for your pallet patio furniture gently and methodically to prevent snapping the wood or cutting yourself with tools.
Preparing the Pallets
Sanding: once taken down, sand every surface of the wood. For pallet patio furniture, this is absolutely essential since it smooths out the finish for painting or sealing and stops splinters.
Cleaning: Making sure the pallet wood is dry and clean will help you paint or apply sealant. Clear any trash, dirt, or traces of former labels.
As you get pallets ready for pallet patio furniture, your first concern should always be safety. These guidelines will help you to guarantee that your do-it-yourself project is not only fun but also safe from beginning to end. Recall that properly preparing takes time and can make all the difference between a possible hazard and a successful project.
Weatherproofing Pallet Furniture
One creative and reasonably priced approach to outfit your outdoor areas is building pallet patio furniture. But you really should properly weatherproof your furniture to make sure it stays in good shape and resists the elements. This thorough guide will help you guard your pallet patio furniture against damage from the elements.
Choosing the Right Finish
Choosing the correct kind of finish comes first in weatherproofing pallet patio furniture. There are several choices here with advantages of their own. Under the sun, a good outdoor urethane with UV protection helps stop the wood from fading and turning brittle. On the other hand, you could want to think about applying a waterproof sealant made especially for outdoor wood furniture to help stop rotting and water rejection is facilitated.
Cleaning and Preparing the Surface
Make sure your pallet patio furniture is spotless, free of dirt, grime, and trash before applying any finish. Scrub the surfaces completely with a stiff brush; if necessary, a wood cleaner will assist to remove tough stains. Once cleaned, let the furniture dry totally. This stage is crucial to avoid trapping moisture under the finish, so preventing wood rot.
Applying Protective Coatings
Once your pallet patio furniture is clean and dry, you can begin applying the protective finish. If you’re using paint, choose a high-quality exterior paint that includes a weather-resistant formula. Apply at least two coats, allowing sufficient drying time between layers. For stains or sealants, follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully. Generally, a roller can be used for large flat surfaces, while a brush is better for getting into the nooks and crannies of the pallets.
Reinforcing with Water Repellent
After the initial finish has dried, applying an additional water-repellent treatment can provide extra protection for your pallet patio furniture. These products help to further repel water and protect against moisture, which is particularly beneficial in wet climates. Make sure to cover all surfaces evenly, including the undersides and back areas that might be more exposed to the elements.
Regular Maintenance and Care
Your pallet patio furniture needs regular maintenance to last for as long as it should. Look often for any wear or damage, including a worn sealant or chipped paint. Beginning to show wear areas should be cleaned, lightly sanded, and either resealed or painted. This not only maintains the great appearance of your furniture but also strengthens its weather resistance.
Covering When Not in Use
Covering your pallet patio furniture when not in use is one basic but efficient approach to preserve it. By shielding your furniture from UV light, rain, and snow, furniture covers—available in many sizes and materials—can greatly extend the lifetime of your furniture. Make sure the covers are tightly fitting and fastened to resist windy conditions.
Making sure your pallet patio furniture stays beautiful and useful for many years to come depends mostly on weatherproofing it. Whether the weather is hot or cold, you can enjoy your handcrafted furniture by selecting appropriate finishes, applying them correctly, and keeping regular maintenance done. Recall that by offering a comfortable and fashionable outdoor living area, the time and effort you spend in getting and safeguarding your pallet patio furniture will pay off in the long run.
Conclusion
Pallet patio furniture that has been upcycled provides a creative and environmentally friendly way to accentuate outside areas. Every piece not only brings special appeal and character but also shows how creatively materials might be used to cut waste. Any house would find great satisfaction in adopting this environmentally friendly approach since it offers not only aesthetic but also practical advantages.
We have more projects to enhance your patio. Check out our weatherproofing guide next!
