Pallet Bench Tutorial

I finally remembered to take some pictures in process so thought I'd share a pallet bench/ coffee table tutorial with you.  You can use this same tutorial to make a pallet sofa table or step stool.
Here is the pallet I started with:

Using a jigsaw I cut off this piece to use for my bench/coffee table.

 

Oops, one side, what was the middle piece, is in rough shape.

 

Oh well, it is pallet wood, not going for perfection here so I glued and screwed it.

I then added end pieces for looks, but also to make the piece more sturdy.  These too are from a pallet. 

 

Next come legs--as you can see these are cut from pallets as well, see all those nails?  Remember, pallet wood is less than perfect, look carefully to get straight pieces.  

Put the legs in place

 

I put 2 screws in from the side, 3 along the front--usually I only use 2 screws in each place--But I got a little excited this time :).

This next step is crucial for squaring up the piece.  Add a piece of wood between the legs.  Measure the distance at the top part of the legs and cut your board this length.  Use a clamp to help hold it on place.  It was at this point with this particular bench that I realized the two ends were a half of an inch different in widths.  PALLET WOOD IS NOT PERFECT and working with it is not for those who cannot go with the flow, i.e. my once a math teacher husband who likes percision.  

Here is the bench at this point:

Next comes cutting the wood to fill in the bench or table.  This too was from a pallet.  Because this bench is a little more narrow on one end, I had to cut and number my pieces.  Normally I randomly cut and paint wood pieces and then fill them in where they fit.  I decided since I was painting wood for the bench, I might as well paint some other pieces for future projects.

I was a little concerned with this color scheme that I chose--am I resurrecting the 80's?  Peach, teal, grey--really Becky?  What can I say?  I was feeling it!

I painted the legs and "frame" also:

Okay, I forgot to take any pictures after this point, but I used the nail gun to the attach the boards, sanded and stained it.  So many possibilities to make this your own--use different colors, different sizes of pallets, add a shelf to the bottom and have fun!

 

Find more ideas at Funky Junk Interiors.