Pallet furniture for the garden: five DIY ideas and tips

Pallets: how, what, where?

You will of course need a few pallets, depending on the project, if you want to build your own garden furniture using pallets. There are different sizes, but most projects assume you’re using the standard EUR pallets, which are 1,200 x 800 mm. These are available new or second-hand in many online shops or in DIY shops in your area. They are usually quite heavy, so you should definitely organise transportation and someone to help you.

There aren’t any special tricks or skills required when working with pallets, but check their condition before working with them. You may need to remove protruding nails, for example. In any case, you should use a multi-sander to sand them down thoroughly. Check out our sanding guide for everything you need to know about sanding.
A reciprocating saw is particularly handy if you need to cut items to specific sizes or saw out sections in wood. But a jigsaw will do, as well. Otherwise, all you really need for most projects dealing with pallets is a cordless combi drill and enough wood screws in the right length. And if you are using our 18-volt system, you’ll only need one battery for the different parts of the projects.

In addition, pallets can also be painted quite conveniently. It makes sense to use a paint spray system for larger surfaces and bigger pieces of wood. Our guide will tell you everything you need to know.

Once you have a plan and know how many pallets you need for your project, you’re ready to go.

To get comfy and cosy, make your own pallet sofa.

Let’s start with the most comfortable part of our project: one or two pallets can be used to build a lounge chair or a sofa. You simply sand down a few pallets and screw them together based on the length and height you want. In the meantime, you can also find extra large cushions in various shops that fit perfectly on pallets. Then you just need to sit down and make yourself comfortable.

But you can bump things up a notch: Why not also build a backrest and drawers for your pallet sofa? It just takes a few steps. This will make your lounge chair and patio even cosier than before.
 

It’s time for the party: with a garden bar made from pallets

But of course you don’t want to just lie around doing nothing in your garden. If you like to spend time with friends or family there and want to provide cold refreshments, you should absolutely have a small bar. It’s very easy to assemble if you have a EUR pallet and a few boards. Of course, this requires some sawing and screwing skills. Our step-by-step guide will show you how to integrate a cool box, as well. You can paint it by hand, or even faster, with a paint spray system to make the bar look really fashionable.

You can also build a cool barbecue to ensure that there is also something tasty to accompany the cool drinks. You can find out here how to convert an old washing drum for it even.

For more privacy: a privacy screen made from pallets

Sometimes you just want a little more privacy for yourself, even if your neighbours are really nice. For example, when sunbathing, celebrating with friends or simply enjoying the garden in peace and quiet. Pallets can also be used for this. You only need two EUR pallets stacked upright on top of each other to build a beautiful privacy screen including small plant boxes. You just need to add a few boards to close off the bottom of the plant boxes. In no time at all you can create a stylish privacy screen by adding a little colour. You can position wherever you want and even make it bigger at a future point in time. You should stabilise the privacy screen using post supports that are driven into the ground. They ensure that the screen remains standing even in strong winds. By the way, this privacy screen is also ideal for small balconies in tight living spaces and as an ideal means of visual shielding.

Check out the above-mentioned video or our step-by-step guide for all the steps you need to build it.

By the way, vertical gardens are not only available in the form of privacy screens. The world of vertical gardening and all the options it offers are vast. Our All about DIY magazine also features step-by-step guides for projects using reclaimed wooden frames, door signs and rain gutters.

For those interested in growing flowers and herbs: a vertical garden made from pallets

If you don’t need a privacy screen and don’t have a lot of space, you can build a small vertical garden using a EUR pallet. This is perfect for flowers or a variety of herbs. You can follow steps 1, 2 and 7 from our step-by-step guide for a privacy screen made from pallets if you want to build three levels of plant boxes. You can also find out here how to line the beds with pond liner so that the water does not seep through. If you like, you can also label the boards of the plant boxes with paint or chalk. This way you can keep track of what is planted and where. We have a few useful tips for you on how to plant your herbal garden. However, these naturally apply to any type of herbal garden, such as a DIY raised bed.

Have you had enough of pallets? We have lots more ideas for improving your garden. Our All about DIY magazine will show you even more garden projects as well as offer exciting information about plants, hedges, compost and more. Find out here how to clean and maintain a wooden patio or how to sand down your garden furniture