Over the years we have built many things from pallets, some very simple taking an afternoon to put together. Others were long and complex to build (like our pallet shed). Here are some of my favourite pallet builds that I hope will inspire you to do a bit of upcycling in your garden.
Fruit and Vegetable Growing
1. Pallet Salad or Herb Bed
The key thing with this type of bed is that the volume of compost is small, so you need to grow shallow rooted plants that are not heavy feeders such as herbs or salads and water regularly.
If I were to build this again, I would go vertically, like this example to take up less space.
2. Pallet Vegetable Bed
There are so many ways to use pallets for the sides of raised vegetable or flower beds. This is how we have done it, but don’t be limited! Any vegetables, fruits or flowers can be grown in this type of bed. Make sure to fill it with some great compost or organic matter.
3. Deep Raised Pallet Bed using Hugelkultur
This use of pallets was for a very deep raised bed using a hugelkultur technique to fill it. The key thing with making very deep beds is to know how you plan to fill it beforehand.
4. Use Pallets as a Stand to Put Potted Plants In
I love these visually appealing ways of displaying plants, the vertical growing means that you can fit a lot more greenery in a small space.
Animals
5. Pallet Chicken Coop
This is a more complicated project involving deconstructing pallets and using the wood to build to build a chicken coop.
6. Pallet fence
There are lots of ways to use pallets for fencing. In this case they can provide additional reinforcement to an existing fence as I saw in action to keep little weaners from escaping. Or they can be supported with their own fence posts to hold them in place.
Furniture
7. Pallet Tables
From the simple use of one or two pallets stacked on top of eachother for a low table, to this more complex design using a filled in pallet top and legs. There are so many different ways to make tables.
8. Pallet Chairs
Pallets make a great base to which any sort of cushions and blankets can be added to make them comfortable. Pallets can be painted to make them look uniform
9. Pallet Day Beds
Pallets laid together on a flat surface, built to a suitable height can make a great daybed. You just need to add the right cushioning!
How do you treat pallet wood for outdoor use?
Pallets can be painted or stained to protect them from the elements. If you are using them for furniture they might need a bit of sanding if they are rough.