Pallet Planter

Use pallets to make planters or plant pots.

Step 1: Basic Frame

The worst bit is first. Take apart a few pallets and de-nail them. I used a Pallet Reclamation Bar.

Cut 4 legs the same length.
Cut 8 side bars to the length you'd like the width of your planter.

Step 2: Frame Assembly 1

Build two matching sides as pictured.
The lower side piece shouldn't touch the ground to avoid water, I left around an inch free.

Step 3: Frame Assembly 2

Use the 4 remaining side pieces to construct a very simple cube. I used screws for this whole process.

Step 4: Side Panels

Cut side panls from pallet boards. You'll need a load if you're building a big planter like this.

Since I was using lots of different pallets here, I attached the boards in a random order to give it that rustic look.

I used nails for the sides as they look nicer and aren't load bearing. Try and re-use the nails you took out of the pallets if they're straight enough

Step 5: Top

When you're done with the siding, cut four more pieces for the top as shown.
Cut these pieces at 45 degrees to make a nice looking top.

Step 6: Done

These planters would rot pretty quickly if I put soil in them (not to mention I didn't build a bottom).

Instead, I used an old bin to put the plant in. Hopefully whatever you plant will hide a bit of the bin or barrel.

The other pictures show another planter I build from half a leaky water butt.

Comments

[jsakutu]

I'd also suggest spraying the work with some water repellent to give the wood some 'extra' life - great with any outdoor project, after which you might consider painting (if desired)

[spectaculareyedcat]

if you think about a tub or liner before you start you can be sure your tub is covered because you can build it to size. measure twice cut once... ;)

[sladek]

Totally agree, all that wasted space between the tub and the wood is a waste and makes it unnecessarily big

[Devenger]

If you used something as simple as a thick Heafty bag as an inside liner, you could fill it with dirt without a real problem. At least as long as you were planting flowers or some such and not a tree, as the root system would most likely puncture the bag before long.

Otherwise I would recommend something like an old scrap from a swimming pool liner and caulk, if you want to save some money. A rubber membrane can be bought new at most Lowes and Home Depot stores too, if that is hard to come by.

[spylock]

Very nice job,like the pine tree also,looks like someone knows a little about pruning,

[envirolutionary]

@peterbryenton, I was about to say the same thing. I cannot believe I didn't know such things existed! I use a crowbar and rubber mallet when I take them apart, works pretty well. Nice instructable!

[peterbryenton]

Good to see reclaimed wood being used. Please would you add a photo of your pallet reclamation bar? I have never seen one.

[sladek]

Coincidence: I made a video demonstrating it: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IpLZgPt_K_k

[peterbryenton]

Thank you.

[racoontnn]

Very timely project! With the arrival of spring, many owners of summer cottages want to hide your rusty barrels, here in handy this project.

[Gareth0123]

Nice project!

[sladek]

Small World Gareth! I bought the tool I used to dismantle these pallets from you last August!

[Eye Poker]

Make sure you know where your pallets come from and don't use one's labeled MB.

http://www.organicauthority.com/sanctuary/repurposed-wood-pallet-toxic.html

[sladek]

Apart from rot, this is why I have separated the wood from the soil by use of a container as I know that some of these pallets were treated with methyl bromide.

[audreyobscura]

This is totally adorable! I love it! Thank you so much for posting this project.