Building with pallets is a trend that has taken off, and for good reason. Keeping pallets out of a landfill while turning them into something useful is a great thing, as is free building materials. We have featured a few outdoor pallet projects in the past, such as a vertical pallet garden, a potting bench and a lounge chair. To celebrate the launch of our Outdoor channel, here are five more outdoor pallet projects worth considering.
Before you get started, read the excellent Instructables article 'How to Determine if a Wood Pallet is Safe for Use,' which will answer all of your questions about chemical treatments and toxicity. Then take your new-found knowledge and get building.
• Bike Rack at Bike Hacks
• Rolling Table at Joy Ever After
• Outdoor Sofa at Funky Junk
• Compost Bin at Young House Love
• Patio Shelf at Ribbonwood Cottage
(Images: as credited above)
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I like them all but the bike rack gave me a chuckle because it's so genius. :oD
these are fabulous.... I'm heading out to look for pallets.
So I guess we're not done with pallets yet...
Love the bike rack...simple and functional.
Thanks AT for the mention of the potting bench as well! It's been years since I did that weekend project and nice to see it appreciated. I still do some projects with pallets and locally salvaged lumber too. www.thedesignpallet.com
Keep up the great site!
I love the bike rack. Stealing that idea. Yoink!
The bike rack may be simple, but wouldn't kickstands be simpler?
I much prefer the other applications shown.
Not all bikes have kickstands, especially mountain or trail bikes. Even more strangely, not all cyclists want a kickstand on their bike. To each their own, I guess. I'm just bummed I didn't think of it first.
I love the outdoor sofa! And the table! And the bikestand... shoot, I just love it all. :)
Where are the best places to go to get pallets?
@ the10thJenerator
Craigslist
If Craigslist doesn't get a lot of traffic in your area, any industrial part of the town you live in will have them sitting besides dumpsters and stacked. Just be sure and ask if it's ok to take 'em unless it is otherwise obvious. One of other bit of advice...most pallets here in the USA aren't treated with chemicals in anyway but it is always good to give em a good spray down or pressure wash. Pallets live long interesting lives, and you never know what they carried once before. Have fun!