Pallet Planter

This project was designed for a sustainability class. It's a wooden planter created entirely out of pallet scrap would that would normally just be tossed into the trash. This project can be customized based on what your needs are.

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Step 1: Take apart the boards

We started by trying to simply pry off the boards from the center support system. With the rusted nails pretty deep in the wood, we decided just to cut the edges off. We used a hand held circular saw to cut straight through all of the boards on the edges. This way all you have to do is just disassemble the boards from the center support.

halogen17 says: Apr 7, 2010. 12:43 PM

what about simply stapling some plastic to the inside of the box/over the edge to create a barrier against the chemicals? -thats what i was planning anyways!

kiwiman says: Sep 15, 2009. 5:21 PM

Great job. I have two concerns about making this myself: 1. Is the wood chemically treated, and will these chemicals leach into the herbs and other food I grow? 2. How long would this be likely to last outdoors? Thanks, Kiwiman

seles23 in reply to kiwimanSep 17, 2009. 8:27 AM

yeah I'm not excited about chemically treated wood as planter box either. How would one find out if it was?

liz.mckibbon (author) in reply to seles23Sep 17, 2009. 10:58 AM

1. Some pallets ARE chemically treated and some are not. Supposedly they are all marked with a number and you can look it up online to see if they are chemically treated or not. I think there is another instructable on here using pallets that talks more about it. 2. My pallet planter lasted very well outside. As long as you have decent drainage, it should be very long lasting.

coolcatch says: May 12, 2009. 10:40 AM

sweet I was just going to home depot to buy some wood, to do the same thing and I have 3 pallets in the back yard. yippee! now I can get some shoes instead. and i love the squarefoot gardening idea! implementing now!

liz.mckibbon (author) in reply to coolcatchMay 15, 2009. 7:18 PM

Also, the planter seemed to work better with no bottom slats. Even if the soil below is in terrible shape, it's very advantageous to allow the roots more space to grow!

scmtngirl says: May 15, 2009. 4:10 PM

This is a bit off subject, but I built a planter box recently out of some leftover 2"x4"s using galvanized nails. I realized later on that drilling and screwing using 2.5" deck screws makes for a much sturdier box and doesn't require any glue. Just a thought!

liz.mckibbon (author) in reply to scmtngirlMay 15, 2009. 7:17 PM

Yes... agreed! The second time around I used supports at the corners and screws. Worked very well.

niquattx says: Apr 9, 2009. 7:34 AM

USE A HACKSAW AND SAW THE NAILS OFF!!!!!! DONT BOTHER WITH THIS EXTRA WORK!