iron patio furniture’s times are behind us. We are all about moving green and reclaiming materials for new purposes! Nowadays the possibilities with pallets are endless, and the materials are usually free. If you have got access to pallet timber and basic power tools (and the abilities to utilize them), this project shouldn’t take longer than an afternoon.
Make sure you’re obtaining your pallets legally. Just because you find a stack of pallets behind a shop doesn’t mean they’re free and available for you to take. Always ask. You could also search online to find free stashes in your area. If you may find pallet wood that’s already disassembled, I suggest taking that path — some towns and cities have pallet reconditioning businesses that give away pieces they can not use.
Ability level: Medium to advanced. You should be comfortable with basic power tools, like saws and drills. Recognizing measurements and angles is essential, also.
Period: 2 to 4 hours
Price: About $10
security precautions: Pallet timber is tough and contains its share of splinters and nails, so take your time and be careful while handling it. Pallet wood also has, or has had, nails in it, so be extra careful when trimming it avoid those claws! Safety glasses and gloves are a must for this job
Jared Erwin
Materials:
1-pound box of 2-inch exterior wood screws. I prefer to acquire self-drilling screws ; although I still predrill a pit for each screw, they grip better longer. Pallet timber. If you can be picky with your pallet timber, avoid picking wood with lots of nails, splits or cracks. I like to start looking for a brand mark — it gives character to the seat. Disclaimer: You are responsible for the structural integrity of your seat. Please ensure that you construct.
Jared Erwin
We were lucky enough to get our pallet wood disassembled. If you need to take your toenails apart, be sure to own a pry bar and a hammer. If you have access to a reciprocating saw, it is going to make your life much easier, but disassembling could be done without one. As soon as you have your timber, divide it by depth.
Jared Erwin
I made this cheat sheet to allow me to cut and mark my pallet wood at the appropriate angles. The railings on the seat base is going to be cut on a 20-degree angle on the front and about the finish (see first photo for the last result).
Each of the chair base railings will be 371/2 inches. Cut the angle beginning 11/4 inch from the border of the timber.
Jared Erwin
Here are all the chair base railings with the proper front and rear angles. Square cut each slat to your chair base — each one should be 24 inches. There will be a 3/4-inch space between each piece.
Make sure you have sufficient slats to cover 20 inches of seating area.
Jared Erwin
You’ll assemble the chair back in the exact same fashion as the foundation, but using different measurements. The chair rear rails should be 36 inches long each, using a 10-degree angle cut at the bottom of each rail piece.
The slats for the chair back will be 22 inches long, using a 3/4-inch space between each slat. These measurements should allow the whole seat back and railings to fit within the chair base rails. Ensure you have sufficient pliers to pay 24 inches from the top of the seat back.
Jared Erwin
In the front part of the seat base, mark and measure at 203/4 inches; this is where the chair rear rail will intersect the chair base rail.
Attach the seat base and seat rear sections at your marks with four screws on the interior of the seat rear railings.
Jared Erwin
Cut two 20-inch seat posts from your pallet timber and mark them each at 131/4 inches from the finish. Raise the front part of the chair base railings to a mark and attach them to the articles with three wooden screws each.
Jared Erwin
Measure 20 inches from the floor to the chair back and make a mark on each side rail. Cut two 33-inch long armrests from your pallet timber. Place each armrest in addition to the front pole and just over the mark you made on the chair back. Attach each armrest with wooden screws on front pole and chair back.
Jared Erwin
Use an electric palm sander and 80-grit paper to discuss every one of the slats, side railings, armrests and articles. Round off some corners which might be sharp, and spend extra time rounding off the front edge of your chair, as shown here.
Jared Erwin
Your results should look something like this. I made a high-armrest version also, shown here on the left side.
Your turn: Post images of your own DIY salvaged wood projects. What are you made from this ecofriendly building resource?
More: 14 Power Tools for the Home Shop