Despite the fact that this year's summer weather does not allow sitting in the garden as much as you might like, it doesn't mean you shouldn't decorate your garden. If you are one of the many individuals who want to update your garden, but don't know where to start, you are in the right place. For example, why not try garden furniture made from pallets?
Garden furniture made of pallets is charming, rustic and fits perfectly into any outdoor space. One of the best things about pallet furniture is that you can easily learn how to make it in a very budget-friendly way.
Making your own garden furniture may sound daunting, but it's a challenge that even beginners can take on. Among the different decorating ideas, pallet furniture is one of the cheapest projects you can undertake. But you need to know where you can find good quality and affordable pallets.
Upgrading pallets and turning them into furniture is not only incredibly simple, but also extremely rewarding, as with a little hard work you can create beautiful pieces of furniture in a relatively short amount of time. In addition, when making your own furniture, you are free to choose the right size, shape and colour to suit your needs.
That is why we've created a simple guide, which will show you how to start making the furniture yourself.
How to make furniture from pallets
We know several types of pallets that you as a beginner don't have to concern yourself with. But it is worth knowing the difference between ordinary and EPAL pallets, which are mostly used for industrial purposes. EPAL pallets have standardized dimensions of 800 x 1200 x 144 mm, which is ideal for production of individual pieces of furniture. Pallets are often made of pine or oak wood, which absorb paint well and are easy to work with, that includes drilling, gluing and sawing.
There are many possible ideas for creating different furniture pieces from pallets that you can make yourself: from various benches to low coffee tables and chairs - it all depends on your wishes and needs. If you are undecided about the pieces of furniture you would like to make, we advise you to visit social networks such as Pinterest, where you search the keyword "pallet furniture".
Our mini guide will focus on making a simple two-seater bench, which is the easiest to make, but don't worry, you can make other, larger pieces of furniture using the same method.
Where to get pallets?
At LCP d.o.o. we have a wide range of different types of pallets: from ordinary weaker pallets to different types of EPAL pallets (often also called Europallets). If you don't know what kind of pallets to use to make your furniture, contact our employees via e-mail or phone, where we'll be happy to advise you. (link to contact)
Prepare pallets
When preparing the pallets, each pallet must be well sanded with a sanding tool and ensured that all sides, edges and surfaces of the pallets are smooth and free of cracked wood. It's always a good idea to make sure you're working in the direction of the grain of the wood. Sanding in the opposite direction will leave scratches that will be obvious if you paint or repaint the furniture. An electric sander will create a very smooth finish, but if you don't feel like investing in one, sandpaper will work just fine. Always wear safety glasses and protective gloves when using the sander.
Protect the wood
For long-term protection of the wood, experts recommend that you first coat the pallets with a wood preservative that is widely available in garden and home stores. Treating the wood will protect it and eliminate any possible rotting. Apply it according to the manufacturer's instructions and wait for it to dry before proceeding to the next step.
Start coloring
When learning to make furniture with pallets, it is important to have the right colour. The best furniture paints can be oil or water based and come in a variety of finishes. Chalk coatings have a charming rustic effect that works well with pallet furniture.
Mix the selected color thoroughly and then apply it in the direction of the wood structure. We recommend using a mini roller for an even finish, but you may need to use a brush for hard to reach areas. You will need a few coats, and then let the paint dry for a good few hours before turning the pallet over and painting the underside. When painting, it is also worth considering the weather conditions.
Attach the base and design the back
Place the pallets on top of each other, then connect them with metal or wooden boards by drilling a screw through the board of one of the pallets, and then into the other pallet. Use a plate on each corner and nail four screws per corner to ensure the safety and stability of the new bench. The base must be assembled by stacking the pallets to the correct height and then screwing them in place with a drill. Then add another pallet supported in a vertical position to create the back of your chair. Again, fasten it in place with a drill and screws.
Dress up your new bench
Look at home stores for special cushions for pallet furniture that perfectly fit the top and dimensions of the pallets. For a more aesthetic look of your new furniture, add cushions and some potted plants. If one bench is not enough, you can consider placing two benches side by side to accommodate more people.
Comments