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!