How to Make Wooden Pallet Benches
There are many ways to create a bench. One quick method is to use a pallet made from hardwood. Most pallets are constructed from material that cannot be used in construction or has been milled just for pallet use. The material is usually rough sawn and not in very good condition; however, if a bench is desired for outdoor use, such as a planter, then any pallet may do. If the bench is purposed for indoor use, some refining of the lumber may be needed. In either case, making a bench from wooden pallets is an option for getting the job done quickly.
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Things You'll Need
- Claw hammer
- Hand saw or circular saw
- 2-by-4-inch lumber (optional)
- Wood glue
- Framing square
- Variable speed drill
- Philips head screw tip
- 2½-inch deck screws
Instructions
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1
Measure and mark the center of the 2-by-4s of the pallet. If the center falls on one of the slats, move the mark so it falls between them. If the pallet has slats on both sides, remove the slats from one side with a claw hammer before proceeding to Step 2.
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2
Cut the pallet at the center marks on the 2-by-4s with a hand saw or circular saw. Try to keep the cuts as straight as possible. Sand the cut areas smooth with 100-grit sandpaper.
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3
Take the remaining parts of the pallet apart. If the remaining 2-by-4s are long enough to make the legs to the bench, cut them in half to make four legs. The legs will differ in length and depend on the purpose for the bench.
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4
Turn the bench top over so the top is facing down. Apply wood glue to the 2-by-4 edge of the pallet where the four legs will be secured. Next, place one of the 2-by-4s for the legs on the glue. Set the framing square against the bottom of the bench top and the leg to be certain they are square.
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5
Secure the leg to the bench top with the variable speed drill and the deck screws. Be sure to drive the screws from the outside of the bench top 2-by-4s into the 2-by-4 legs. Repeat Steps 4 and 5 for the remaining legs.
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Tips & Warnings
Sand the bench top before staining or painting for indoor use.
Seal or paint the bench (with exterior paint) for prolonged outdoor use.
Do not leave tools unattended in the presence of children.
Do not paint or stain the bench without proper ventilation.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit dumpster and pallet image by Lucid_Exposure from Fotolia.com
