Making a Backyard Recliner from Used Pallets

There were many things that I learned while I was in the Marine Corps. Many of these things had to do with bringing the comforts of home out to the field. When you are in the middle of different country, living in tents in the desert or at an abandoned airstrip, you don't have to be uncomfortable. One of these little tricks that you can bring to your home is a simple recliner for your lawn. You can either make the disposable field style chair, or add some stain and lacquer for a permanent and attractive piece of furniture for your yard. If a bunch of Marines can handle making these in a few minutes, anyone can do the same. The only thing you will need for these chairs is four nails and two pallets. If you want to get elaborate, you can use one 4' long 2x4, wood stain and lacquer, and two cushions. Here is how to do it.

If you do not use the optional 2x4, just pop off the bottom slat of one of the pallets. Cut this slat in half. If you are using the 2x4, cut it in half. Once you have this done, put the end of the pallet that is missing the slat on the ground. Lean this back to the position that you want your recliner in. Once you have your perfect angle, place the boards that you cut earlier in a position so that the pallet rests on the boards and keeps that angle. Using two nails per side, attach the boards to the pallet. Now you have the back rest completed. Putting the seat portion together is even simpler. Take the second pallet and put it up against the back. That is all there is to it. You may want to nail the bottom to the top for a more permanent chair.

There are a couple tips and tricks you can use to make these a little more cozy. One option is to remove the bottom slat from both pallets and use a full slat to prop the back. You can then saw off the "nubs" left on one of the pallets. If you are using this method, you can attach the two pallets at a 90 degree angle. On the seat pallet, attach the "nubs" to the bottom front edge to prop it off the ground. You can then attach the two slats to the back piece to keep it stable and upright. These are the real deluxe versions that can actually make attractive lawn furniture. Add a couple seat cushions to these and you have some designer, wooden chairs for next to nothing.

You can often find pallets for free from places like Craigslist, or by asking some big box stores like Sam's Club or Costco. Not only is this furniture easy to make, but it is very inexpensive and it saves a lot of trees. This great recycling idea can not only improve your patio, but it can be a simple source of income as well. They only take about five to ten minutes to make and you can sell them for $20, easily. The only hard part about these is the stain and lacquer that it takes to make them really beautiful. When done, right, most people won't even realize they are just old pallets either.