Friday, April 8, 2016

Pallet Plant Stepstool DIY

This pallet plant stepstool maybe should be entitled DIY...or not.  
pallets, step stool, DIY, plant stand, paint, stain, http://bec4-beyondthepicketfence.blogspot.com/2016/04/pallet-plant-stepstool-diy.html
This build was a first for me and so naturally, I had to make plenty of mistakes and will do it differently next time.  But, I am still happy with the results so I will share what I did and what I will do differently next time.

pallets, plant stand, step stool, DIY, http://bec4-beyondthepicketfence.blogspot.com/2016/04/pallet-plant-stepstool-diy.html
I added a 4th rung or step after I had it made, so the process pictures will show three steps, but the directions will be for four. 

I started by cutting 3 wide, thick pallet boards-- two 8", two 12", two 16".  I added a shorter riser so I cut two 4" pieces for the first step.  In the future and if I wanted to make this a step stool I think I would cut 3 risers, 5 1/2", 101/2", and 15 1/2".  You could make this from 
2"x 6" boards also to make a chunkier and heavier step stool. 
pallets, plant stand, step stool, DIY, http://bec4-beyondthepicketfence.blogspot.com/2016/04/pallet-plant-stepstool-diy.html
I cut a 3 1/2" pallet board to join the riser boards together.
pallets, plant stand, step stool, DIY, http://bec4-beyondthepicketfence.blogspot.com/2016/04/pallet-plant-stepstool-diy.html
I made the steps 16" long--these were cut from 5 1/2" pallet boards.  I also cut two 16" long
3 1/2" wide pallet boards for the front and back bottom of the step stool.  In the future, I would use a 51/2" board for the front of the stepstool rather than the 3 1/2" board.  (Thus the reason I would cut the first rise 5 1/2" tall).
pallets, plant stand, step stool, DIY, http://bec4-beyondthepicketfence.blogspot.com/2016/04/pallet-plant-stepstool-diy.html
I painted the risers at this point, and stained the steps and the front and back support boards.

I secured the front and back boards to the risers. (Pay no attention to the mess!)
pallets, plant stand, step stool, DIY, http://bec4-beyondthepicketfence.blogspot.com/2016/04/pallet-plant-stepstool-diy.html
I then added the steps.  The top boards were warping towards the middle so I used a board to push them apart to add the step.
pallets, plant stand, step stool, DIY, http://bec4-beyondthepicketfence.blogspot.com/2016/04/pallet-plant-stepstool-diy.html
I am showing this to you in my solarium with some house plants on it, but I plan on putting all my herbs on it on the back porch.  It would be really cute with colorful annuals in fun planters on it.  
pallets, plant stand, step stool, DIY, http://bec4-beyondthepicketfence.blogspot.com/2016/04/pallet-plant-stepstool-diy.html
It is sturdy enough to use as step stool, perfect for children's small feet or it would make a great step for a dog who needs a boost up.
pallets, build it, DIY, http://bec4-beyondthepicketfence.blogspot.com/2016/04/pallet-plant-stepstool-diy.html
Want more pallet ideas?  Buy my book HERE

6 comments:

  1. Made one of these last summer with 3 steps. Didn't even have time to stain or paint it. I sold it at our yearly community yard sale. The lady said she'd always wanted one. Love yours with 4 steps.

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    Replies
    1. Thanks Deb! I am keeping this one, but definitely making more to sell.

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  2. It turned out good, and so versatile as well.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Debra! I learned a lot making it, will be making more to sell!

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  3. Holy cow girl, that stool is awesomely incredible. And you never made one before this? Pretty blasted good job and how useful it is, should be proud of yourself. Great idea keeping your herbs on it. Always love projects which are so useful in variety of ways. Happy week.

    ReplyDelete
  4. This is so cute!! This will look cute with colorful plants on it! I love your style and your blog. I resisted signing up for a year because I get 50 emails a week but finally just had to do it and I'm so glad that I did. I just have to resign myself to always being weeks behind on everything. Oh Well.

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