Sunday 20 November 2011

Pallets Become Outdoor Furniture

This has been one of my biggest challenges so far... and I have loved it.  First here is a pretty "after" picture of the couch.  Over the last week, you can often find me out here having morning tea with the kids.


This is how I went about it. 

I found these two pallets at an industrial park on Sunday afternoon.  Can you believe that they are giving these things away?!

I left one as is for the base of the couch, and cut the bottom off the second pallet to make the back rest.  To create the back of the couch I removed some planks, and cut the bits of wood underneath, so that the "back" of the couch could fit into the "base" of the couch.  I hope you can follow my technical language.  :-/


I attached the "back" to the base using screws.  The top of the back rest had quite a few issues as seen in the below picture.

The plank I pulled off early was repurposed and I screwed it along the top to hide the mess underneath.


But afterlooking at it for a few days, I just felt that the back rest was a bit top heavy, and the screws holding it in place may not have been able to hold it.  I got out the trusty hand saw and cut the top section off.  I bought a piece of heavy duty foam cut to size, and I literally sat on the project for a week or two, pondering what I was going to cover the foam with. 

Marine grade material, which is weather resistant, was out of the question...too expensive.  But I needed something hardwaring, as it is outside (although protected), it will be exposed to some weather elements.  I have covered a couch using drop sheet material (as seen in this project).  So I was willing to have a go my self, just I lacked this inspiration.  Then one day when I was getting out of the car I noticed the orange and pink cushions ('cause I had them in the garage).  I had bought them for $5 each several months ago at Target - not because I liked the colours, but because they were cheap inserts.  They were in the garage, because I never managed to bring them inside.

Anyhoo, I threw them against the couch, and BINGO they looked great, and then I remembered I had some left over drop cloth, and the colour of the drop sheet looked good as well.  And out came the sewing machine.



I also added some locking castors, so it is easy to move aournd.  And here is some pretty pictures of the finished project.


The flowers are looking good too.

Linking to these awesome blogs here









39 comments:

  1. Well done Sarah - that's amazing!
    Kylie x

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  2. Thanks Kylie, I am chuffed with how it came up. Even better than what I imagined in my head :-) Sarah

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  3. Sarah, You are talented!!! I'm off to the mall area to pick up some pallets! I've been thinking I could use them for headboards for the boys, but seeing yours I'm thinking why limit myself!?! And I noticed your daughter light fixture...SWEET! I'm your newest follower FOR SURE!!!

    Aimee @ ItsOverflowing.com

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  4. Looks comfy! It has such industrial presence. Love the pillows.

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  5. Hi Joselyn and Aimee, Thanks for the lovely comments. Sarah

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  6. Sarah, this turned out wonderful! I've seen these pallet couches on Pinterest, and I can't wait until the day I have an outdoor space large enough to make one! Great job!

    Lauren @ www.fromourhidingplace.com

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  7. What a wonderful project! I love it!

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  8. What a great idea and you did a fantastic job!

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  9. This turned out great....I would love for you to share it at my "Anything Goes" Linky party...

    www.mydailyphotojourney.blogspot.com/2011/11/anything-goes-linky-party.html

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  10. love pallets! i did a project with one for our headboard & just posted about it.

    http://jjaddox.blogspot.com/2011/11/diy-pallet-headboard.html

    visiting from nifty sunday!

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  11. Great job, pallets are the rage now, and now I know why. It really is nice, and I so wish I could be sitting outside now, but it's winter her. Im so jealous. Thanks for sharing at Sunday's Best.

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  12. Sarah, wanted to let you know that I've awarded you and your blog The Liebster Award! Go to this post to find out how to accept, http://www.mamawithadashofdiydrama.com/2011/11/its-major-award-even-better-than-leg.html

    New follower! xo - Lori

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  13. I just found your blog and am your newest follower. This project is stunning and super inspiring. Thanks for creating such a fab blog!!

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  14. Hi, Sarah!

    This turned out fantastic, how inspiring! I'm going to be on the lookout for pallets now.

    I'm your newest follower and would love for you to stop by for a visit!

    Abbie (www.fivedaysfiveways.com

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  15. Very cool project! Thanks for linking up to I Made It! Monday. I'm featuring you, so be sure and grab a button!

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  16. Love seeing such simple items transformed into fantastic furnishings. Found you via My Crazy Beautiful Life's blog party. Have a great week, fondly, Roberta

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  17. This is gorgeous! Absolutely love it! I've found some palettes myself and was considering of doing something like that. Did you have to sand the piece or paint it?
    love, Olga
    www.stardust-decorstyle.blogspot.com

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  18. Thank you for sharing your talent! It is pretty overwhelming how you came up with that furniture project! Congratulations to you !:)

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