I’ve wanted to make an easy one pallet project for a long time. I recently got a couple of great pallets from the neighborhood, so for this month’s Power Tool Challenge, I decided to make an easy one pallet potting table. You’re going to love the projects my friends are making this month!
One Pallet Project | Easy Potting Bench
I used the pallet on the right for this easy one pallet project.
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A duckbill deck wrecker takes apart pallets easily
I used my favorite pallet busting tool, my Duckbill Deck Wrecker (while wearing my steel toed flip flops).
This pallet came apart in record time. Only a few nails remained in the skid. Most of the nails were left in the pallet boards, and were easily tapped out and disposed of. I give full directions on how to do this in my post Pallet Projects Plus tips for How to Dismantle Pallets
I recommend exterior wood screws
As per usual, I didn’t really have a plan when I started this project. I knew I needed a base for the table top, an apron or skirt was the first order of business. First, I began by trying to figure out how I could get everything out of the three skid boards. I cut two smaller and two longer boards. It’s better to start the screws to make them easier to drive into the hard wood. I used 2 1/2” exterior wood screws for the thicker apron pieces.
Two screws were used in each end, I made sure to countersink them as I drove them in.
This pallet had four wide boards that were perfect for the legs of my one pallet potting table. I used shorter 1 5/8 exterior wood screws for this step. I rested the end of the leg up on the work table supported by a piece of scrap wood.
Should the potting bench have a lower shelf?
At this point I only have the four legs attached to the pallet potting table apron. I was trying to figure out how I was going to finish off the bottom with a shelf and sturdy up the legs. The pallet potting table is quite high, but it makes it more of a comfortable working height.
Using an Irwin Quick Clamp I attached a brace for the bottom shelf.
Using all the parts of the pallet
I used the smaller 1 5/8” screws, securing from the outside in, countersinking the screws.
Two of the smaller screws were used in each end of the bottom shelf boards.
Sand the rough pallet boards
I used my orbital sander to smooth out the boards. You can see my shaggy Miss Lulu Mae in the background.
I decided to put a small ledge on the back of the pallet potting table. In this image you see me using the long screws, but they went through the skid board so I switched them out for the 1 5/8” screws.
One Pallet Project | Easy Potting Table
I really love that you can see the shape of the skid—where the forklift picks it up. I think it offers a unique look for the easy potting table.
I purchased some small items from the Dollar General to accessorize the potting table, along with a reclaimed broken bow rake to hang the garden hand trowels and more.
I really like the mason jar sign that reads “to plant a garden is to believe in tomorrow”. The two little pots that say “grow love” and “plant hope” really caught my eye at the store! I love the colors and the font. Hanging on the fence will allow them to hold extra garden goodies if holes are drilled in the bottom for drainage. Small flowering plants would look cute in them as well.
I’m so thankful for this monthly challenge that makes me think about making fun and unique items! Be sure to check out all the great projects from my friends below:
The Kim Six Fix Vintage Surveyors Tripod Lamp
Virginia Sweet Pea DIY Candlesticks Using Upcycled Bedposts
H2OBungalow Upcycled Metal and Wood Table
Create and Babble Little Round Stool
My Love 2 Create Small Decorative Caddy
My Repurposed Life Easy One Pallet Project
Designed Decor Build Your Own Tufted Bench
gail
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Reclaimed Wood Potting Bench for Outdoor Entertaining
Love what you did Gail. It’s not easy finding plans that only use one pallet and your potting table looks so cool. We really need to get ourselves one of those Duckbill Deck Wreckers. Taking the pallets apart is always the hardest job
Thank you!
That duckbill Deck Wrecker is a game changer for sure! I really hurt my shoulder years ago trying to dismantle pallets.
gail
Great project. Did you know that the “To plant a garden…” quote was said by Audrey Hepburn!
Thanks Kathy! No, I had no idea where that quote came from. Thanks!
gail
This is so stinkin’ cute! I need one for my place in the worst way! Love your duckbill demo too too! Pinned for later when I’m back in FL thinking gardening which will be soon!
This is a really cool project. Love it!
Gail, This turned out great! I have been wanting a potting bench and now I know what to use to build it. I wear those steal top flip flops all the time to do my projects. My toes are splattered with stain after yesterday’s project.
Love this. Do you worry about termites in your area? Here in Arizona there are 2 types of house, those that have termites and those that will have termites. Is there a way to finish the bottoms of the boards that makes them termite proof? I love the desert I live in but it does create some problems.
What a great project Gail. I love your vision!
You come up with the best ideas! I loved the pallet bar that you created earlier this year and your pallet potting bench is another great project. I don’t have a potting bench and like that your design would be inexpensive to make and it doesn’t take a lot of room.