Friday, May 11, 2012

Pallet Bench Tutorial

I finally remembered to take some pictures in process so thought I'd share a pallet bench/ coffee table tutorial with you.  You can use this same tutorial to make a pallet sofa table or step stool.
Here is the pallet I started with:
Pallet Bench Tutorial http://bec4-beyondthepicketfence.blogspot.com/2012/05/pallet-bench-tutorial.html Using a jigsaw I cut off this piece to use for my bench/coffee table.
Oops, one side, what was the middle piece, is in rough shape.
Oh well, it is pallet wood, not going for perfection here so I glued and screwed it.
Pallet Bench Tutorial http://bec4-beyondthepicketfence.blogspot.com/2012/05/pallet-bench-tutorial.html
I then added end pieces for looks, but also to make the piece more sturdy.  These too are from a pallet. 
Next come legs--as you can see these are cut from pallets as well, see all those nails?  Remember, pallet wood is less than perfect, look carefully to get straight pieces.  
Pallet Bench Tutorial http://bec4-beyondthepicketfence.blogspot.com/2012/05/pallet-bench-tutorial.html Put the legs in place
I put 2 screws in from the side, 3 along the front--usually I only use 2 screws in each place--But I got a little excited this time :).
Pallet Bench Tutorial http://bec4-beyondthepicketfence.blogspot.com/2012/05/pallet-bench-tutorial.html
This next step is crucial for squaring up the piece.  Add a piece of wood between the legs.  Measure the distance at the top part of the legs and cut your board this length.  Use a clamp to help hold it on place.  It was at this point with this particular bench that I realized the two ends were a half of an inch different in widths.  PALLET WOOD IS NOT PERFECT and working with it is not for those who cannot go with the flow, i.e. my once a math teacher husband who likes percision.  Pallet Bench Tutorial http://bec4-beyondthepicketfence.blogspot.com/2012/05/pallet-bench-tutorial.html
Here is the bench at this point:
Pallet Bench Tutorial http://bec4-beyondthepicketfence.blogspot.com/2012/05/pallet-bench-tutorial.html
Next comes cutting the wood to fill in the bench or table.  This too was from a pallet.  Because this bench is a little more narrow on one end, I had to cut and number my pieces.  Normally I randomly cut and paint wood pieces and then fill them in where they fit.  I decided since I was painting wood for the bench, I might as well paint some other pieces for future projects.
Pallet Bench Tutorial http://bec4-beyondthepicketfence.blogspot.com/2012/05/pallet-bench-tutorial.html
I was a little concerned with this color scheme that I chose--am I resurrecting the 80's?  Peach, teal, grey--really Becky?  What can I say?  I was feeling it!
Pallet Bench Tutorial http://bec4-beyondthepicketfence.blogspot.com/2012/05/pallet-bench-tutorial.html
I painted the legs and "frame" also:
Pallet Bench Tutorial http://bec4-beyondthepicketfence.blogspot.com/2012/05/pallet-bench-tutorial.html
Okay, I forgot to take any pictures after this point, but I used the nail gun to the attach the boards, sanded and stained it.  So many possibilities to make this your own--use different colors, different sizes of pallets, add a shelf to the bottom and have fun!
Pallet Bench Tutorial http://bec4-beyondthepicketfence.blogspot.com/2012/05/pallet-bench-tutorial.html


Pallet Bench Tutorial http://bec4-beyondthepicketfence.blogspot.com/2012/05/pallet-bench-tutorial.html
Find more ideas at Funky Junk Interiors.

38 comments:

  1. Great tutorial, thank you for sharing it. It's amazing what can be done with a pile of wood stripes, the colors are wonderful and it looks aged. I liked it very much.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Fabulous! I love your multi-coloured projects!!

    ReplyDelete
  3. You've inspired me once again!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Great Job I love it! - thank you so much for sharing this. CJ

    ReplyDelete
  5. Love this! Your use of colors is always so fun and interesting.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Fantastic Becky!!! I am going to do this. I need some benches/tables around the back yard and in my laundry room-these are perfect. I am also thinking that this technique would work on an extra long serving table for outside on the patio too. Thanks for showing the steps here.

    @ 3Beeze Homestead

    ReplyDelete
  7. LOVE this! It looks so easy and that top is just so eclectically cool.

    Shared on FJI Facebook and pinned for SNS 133. :)

    https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10150910128306141&set=a.192514281140.164586.175378011140&type=1&theater

    Donna

    ReplyDelete
  8. Very nice!! I just saw a commercial for Living Spaces and they are featuring furniture in "reclaimed wood". Once item is painted almost identical to yours!!!

    ReplyDelete
  9. ohhh, you've gone and done it again. I want to be like you when I grow up! Love your paint technique. I'm going to try it one of these days!

    gail

    ReplyDelete
  10. Seriously, I love everything you do with pallets. I'm going to have to get going and make just one of something you have done.

    ~Bliss~

    ReplyDelete
  11. Question, did you sand after you painted to get the weathered look? Or is that the technique you used to paint?
    Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  12. Sooo how do you achieve the wonderful PAINT TECHNIQUE? That's what I'm interested in... beautiful table!

    ReplyDelete
  13. I love the bench and the colors are just amazing! It totally rocks!

    ReplyDelete
  14. I am in love! I wish I owned the tools to make these amazing projects.

    ReplyDelete
  15. I just love your pallet bench and am sharing it today on Friday Finds.

    ReplyDelete
  16. Must. learn. paint. technique. Please share.

    ReplyDelete
  17. LOOOOOOVE this Becky! Such great style.

    ReplyDelete
  18. Can you please share your paint technique?

    ReplyDelete
  19. I LOVE LOVE LOVE this...thank you for the tutorial, I needed a little shove in the right direction!

    ReplyDelete
  20. It´s sooooooo beautifull!!!!! I love it!!!! Thanx for shearing it!!!

    ReplyDelete
  21. Thank you for sharing. It's very nice and helpful.

    ReplyDelete
  22. Your spelling isn't all that great.

    ReplyDelete
  23. I Love this tutorial...can I Pin It?

    ReplyDelete
  24. Beautiful work Becky! Love your eclectic style!
    Val @artsybuildinglady.blogspot.ca

    ReplyDelete
  25. This is beautiful! Great inspiration, thank you!

    ReplyDelete
  26. Ok, I'm so making this!!! Way too cute! Thanks Becky!

    ReplyDelete
  27. I love this idea! I am pretty good with power tools and I love rustic furniture, so this is just a perfect fit for me. I will have to build this soon.

    Jane | http://www.palletworks.net.au/services-guarantees

    ReplyDelete
  28. I the the originality with the several colors. Beautiful work! Another site that has awesome pictures and DIY articles is www.palletfurnitureonline.com

    ReplyDelete
  29. Buenísima idea. Queda preciosa.
    Saludos.

    ReplyDelete
  30. What kind of paint did you use? Latex? Was the stain oil based?

    ReplyDelete
  31. Tell us more on how to paint to look like this please.

    ReplyDelete

Thanks so much for taking the time to comment, I really appreciate your kind words!