Introduction: Pallet Deck Chair

About: I know... I should really post something of my own instead of commenting on everyone else's. Problem is, I'm a SITCOM. (Single Income, Two Children, Oppressive Mortgage) Not a whole lot of time to spend on wha…

I just moved to Knoxville TN. I love the weather here. I also love sitting on the back deck to read or just relax in the wonderful weather. I got kind of tired of picking up the folding chairs and bringing them in every night, so I wanted something that could just stay there. I don't have a lot of money after the move and I've been watching Craigslist for something cheap and sturdy. I saw and add for barn wood chairs. They are basically chairs made from salvaged barn wood. They looked simple enough to make but, again being new to the area, where would I get the salvaged wood. Then I see an ad in CL for "Free Pallets" all you want just come get them. I'm thinking, "Pallets are strong, and free, I can do something with that."

Step 1:

Insert standard safety and anti-stupidity disclaimers here. Safety goggles (not Googles) Don't cut nails with your skill saw. Don't cut yourself. Yadda...

Step 2:

To start with, use your favorite way of dismantling your pallets. Just prying with a claw hammer will usually splinter the boards pretty good. I think they pry apart easier if they are totally soaking wet. It may have been a coincidence but I started dismantling when they were wet after a good all night storm. The first batch came apart pretty well. A couple days later, after things had dried out, I worked on some more and they mostly broke apart.

I based my design on a small standard 40"x40" pallet. I used less than one pallet for one chair.

With just a couple of exceptions, all of the boards should be cut in half to 20". I don't count the number of boards because the size of pallet boards can differ. Only the lengths of the boards and the angles matter mostly. 

See image for clarification.
1. - Two of the thicker 2"x3" boards should be notched at approx 45deg about an inch and a half from the corner
2. - Two of the thicker 2"x3" boards should be cut to 18" with a 10deg angle at one end.
3. - Two of the 1"x4" boards are 20" with a 10deg angle on one end.
4. - Two of the thicker 2"x3" boards should be cut to 16" with a 10deg angle at one end.
       4a. - The two little 4ish inch pieces left from the 16" boards will work well under the arm rest.

You will also need to rip one of the pieces of 1"x4" pieces for the upper front part of the seat.
(You can notch the corners of the arm rest if you like.)

Step 3:

From here just use deck screws (or salvaged pallet nails) :o) Things kinda fit together well with out much percussive persuasion.

To make it last longer, use wood glue on all of the structural joints, legs, chair back, arm rest.

My wife said I should sand things, but I kinda like the rough look. They are a little bit small, but they fit a normal sized butt pretty well. They are pretty low profile but they make judicious use of the size wood that is available. (besides, it is a pain in the tuckus to dismantle a pallet, without splintering it horribly)

Woodworking Challenge

Participated in the
Woodworking Challenge

Make It Real Challenge

Participated in the
Make It Real Challenge