Garden Wash Basin Out of Pallets

Materials Needed:

Used Pallets, screws (assorted sizes), pry bar, hammer, screw gun, table saw, jig saw, miter saw, sander, sealer and paint thinner.

This wash basin is made completely out of wood pallets (except for the sink of course). You can find these pallets in alleys and the managers of the stores a generally OK with you taking some of the ones they need to get rid of.

Step 1: Build Your Top

Start by deciding on the dimensions of your project. Our wash basin is 2' x 5'6" and is about 4' Tall.

Next lay out your boards short wise and then lay a second layer length wise on top of it. We thought it would be nice to have the top layer look random so as you can see in the picture some pieces are shorter and longer than others. After you have screwed the pieces in from the top turn the piece over and locate the remaining pieces that didn't get a screw in them to completely fasten the two top pieces together.

Step 2: Making the Hole for the Sink

Next you will need to make the hole for your basin in the top piece. Measure your basin (we found an old sink that used to be in an RV at a yard sale for $2). You can find these at a store too but we waited to find something that we liked and didn't have to pay a whole lot for.

Turn your sink or basin upside down on the top to draw your outline and drill holes in each of the corners for your sink. If you are using a circular basin then you may need to make several holes for your outline.

(You may want to add extra screws along the edge of where you will be cutting so that your wood will stay in place and already be fastened down after your cut)

Step 3: Cut Hole for Wash Basin

Using a Jig Saw start in one of the holes you drilled and cut out along the line shaped for your basin. Be careful to have a long enough blade to go through two layers of wood.

Fit your basin in the hole and see what areas you may need to cut away for it to fit in properly.

If you haven't done so yet you will need to screw down any loose boards from the cutting of the hole.

Step 4: Making the Bottom Frame

Using your top as a guide to make your bottom frame cut out pieces from the pallets. The cross pieces make a good sturdy frame.

Step 5: Bottom Frame Legs

Place a few blocks under the bottom frame so that when you screw the legs onto the frame the entire project is off the ground.

Step 6: Top Support

For the support for the top use the pieces of the pallet that the fork lift goes under. This provides a place to hang towels when the project is complete

Step 7: Optional Shelf

For an optional shelf and added support screw extra legs in the middle and screw slats across as well as slats along the bottom.

Step 8:

Sand entire job for a smooth finish and screw the top on the frame.

Step 9: Seal Job

Use a sealant to seal your work (make sure to take off wash tub and when it is dry place it back in). Use paint thinner to keep your brush clean if using an oil based sealer.

Step 10:

Here is the finished project. You can add extras like a holder for a hose (your access to water) and a bucket to catch the water as It drips down through the sink. Have Fun!

Comments

[tomatoskins]

This is awesome! I love how rustic, solid, and durable this looks!

[Joshua DianaB]

Thanks! Yeah, that was kinda the look we were going for.

[cop25781]

Woodworking is an excellent activity! Did you know: Woodworking is known as a "whole-brain activity?" This is because woodworking engages different areas of your brain and helps exercise creative logical and conceptual parts of your brain. Check Wood Prix.

[MARIELOUISE]

I THINK IT GREAT,I HAPPEN TO HAVE AN EXTRA KITCHEN BASING(FROM REMODELING MY HOME) I'LL USE ON THE GARDEN WASH BASIN,ONE SIDE TO MIX DIRT AND THE OTHER TO REPOT THE PLANTS,I'LL HAVE MY HUSBAND BUILT IT,THANKS FOR SHARING THE IDEA,I'M A HAPPY CAMPER :)

[Tater Zoid]

Great job, now I have to build one.

[Joshua DianaB]

Let me know how it turns out or what ideas I should included for more detailed instructions.

[buck2217]

was looking to build something similar to this (with hose connections) over my compost heap for gutting and filleting fish. bonus of fish blood and bone straight in your compost. cool instructable

[Joshua DianaB]

Yeah one of my friends mentioned that it would be good for cleaning fish. I am working on a kitchen island next.

[Omarsibles]

Brilliant!

*Voted*

[Joshua DianaB]

Thanks for the vote!

[hendrixma]

This is a great instructable

[Joshua DianaB]

Thanks, this is the first one I have done so far.

[doc.kennedy]

Great idea and good explanation. Now I'll have to build one! Thanks

[Joshua DianaB]

It was a lot of fun to build and we just worked on it on Saturdays for about a month. We didn't have a plan to go by so hopefully this will cut down on some time for you.

[webman3802]

I've been thinking of doing something similar next to my grill. You can find plumbing parts to connect a sink faucet to a garden hose. I'll also connect the drain to a cutoff section of old hose to direct the water away.

[Joshua DianaB]

Great ideas, I'll look into that sink faucet. The nice thing about the run off is if you can lead it to a container you can find a re-use for some of the water.

[jfree1]

This looks great! Have been meaning to get something to use for rinising off in the back yard when it is time to come in.

[Joshua DianaB]

Thanks! My wife will also use it as a potting bench