How to make a tall planter box from pallet wood.
We love working with pallet wood!
Check out this amazing how-to guide for creating a tall planter box from Pallet Wood by Theresa at MyFixItUpLife.com
Don’t forget to view other DIY Projects on our blog.[mk_image src=”https://habitattucson.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/3-tools-to-build-planter-box.jpg” image_size=”full” frame_style=”rounded”]The Supplies:
Pallet wood: You can find this material (when available) at the HabiStore located at 935 W. Grant Road., in Tucson.
Saw: A circular saw, miter saw, hand saw, table saw, or oscillating tool would all work.
Drill or impact driver: Use a countersink to make a pilot hole before using fasteners when working with pallet wood. Spax fasteners are also a preferred fastener because they are easy to work with for pallet wood.
Hand Tools: Tape measure, pencil, multi-tool, pliers, hammer, and utility knife are all part of the pallet DIY kit. Pliers, multi-tool, and utility knife are good tools for pallet board because of the shape and or possible old nails. Clamps are also handy to have if you’re working on the project by yourself.[mk_image src=”https://habitattucson.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/6-cutting-wood-with-miter-saw.jpg” image_size=”full” frame_style=”rounded”]Instructions:
Start off with parts of two pallets. To free pallet wood from a pallet, there are two ways that would work. The first way is to cross-cut them along the supports with a circular saw.
The second way is to cut the fasteners between the wood and the support with a reciprocating saw. Either a hand saw or oscillating saw can free the wood, but it will take a longer time.
Take safety precautions while working with saws by wearing safety glasses and closed-toed shoes.[mk_image src=”https://habitattucson.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/8-fastening-wood-using-clamp.jpg” image_size=”full” frame_style=”rounded”]Cross-cutting the wood along the supports with a circular saw is a fast way to free the wood. Another option is to cut the fasteners between the wood and the support with a reciprocating saw. It will take a longer time but it will cut longer stretches of wood.[mk_image src=”https://habitattucson.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/7-measuring-pallet-wood.jpg” image_size=”full” frame_style=”rounded”]The next step after freeing the wood and the support is to measure, mark and cut the wood to length. The pallet planter is 40 inches tall, so cut two 40-inch long pieces to make each of the four corners for the box.
If there are shorter lengths, add a block at the connection points to join the short points to make a 40-inch length.[mk_image src=”https://habitattucson.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/10-securing-90-degree-angle.jpg” image_size=”full” frame_style=”rounded”]When each piece is cut, fasten two 40-inch pieces together to make a corner of the planter. A clamp can be helpful when fastening wood at a 90 degree angle.
With pallet wood, there can be unexpected nails that may be proud of the wood, so a nail set and hammer will help push the nails back into the wood.[mk_image src=”https://habitattucson.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/11-fastening-sides-of-planter-with-screws.jpg” image_size=”full” frame_style=”rounded”]After all four corner supports are constructed, start laying out the planter box. A square is a handy tool belt tool that helps make sure the angles are exactly 90 degrees.[mk_image src=”https://habitattucson.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/12-fastening-other-sides-of-planter.jpg” image_size=”full” frame_style=”rounded”]Now it is time to fasten the planter box pieces with two screws in each side. After putting together one side, it is time to put the planter on a table to attach the other pieces. Each side is screwed together in two places.[mk_image src=”https://habitattucson.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/13-screwing-in-each-side-of-planter.jpg” image_size=”full” frame_style=”rounded”]After the frame of the planter is secured, the sides are filled with more pallet wood. To make the planter look cleaner, it is essential to hide the fasteners. In order to that, fasten the wood from the inside of the box.[mk_image src=”https://habitattucson.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/15-angle-screws-to-prevent-going-through-side.jpg” image_size=”full” frame_style=”rounded”]The wood thicknesses of pallets can vary slightly, and screws are spot-on the same length. An easy trick to make sure not to piece through the other side is to angle the way that the screws go in.[mk_image src=”https://habitattucson.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/14-hiding-fasterners-for-decorative-planter.jpg” image_size=”full” frame_style=”rounded”]For the planter box, the bottom is placed in without attaching the pieces. This will make it easier to clean out later.
Projects that incorporate pallet wood, opting to seal the wood is recommended. A clear sealer is idea, if you like the look of the wood.
Paint the wood with a colored wash. Mix water with the paint to give the planter color without compromising the rustic charm of the wood.[mk_image src=”https://habitattucson.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/21-choosing-right-wood-for-a-textured-look.jpg” image_size=”full” frame_style=”rounded”]After the wash, the inside of the planter is ready for plants. Those are all of the steps to make the planter box, enjoy this DIY planter box made from pallet wood.[mk_image src=”https://habitattucson.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/22-tall-planter-box-final-photo-1.jpg” image_size=”full” frame_style=”rounded”]Credit for this DIY project and photos goes to Theresa from MyFixItUpLife.com. If you have any questions about the project, get in touch with her on her twitter.