Man Turns Old Wood Pallets Into Cute And Colorful Deck Chairs With An Impressive DIY

That pile of wooden pallets that you've accumulated may look like they are destined for nothing but the dumpster, but think again. With a creative eye — and a little elbow grease — they can be transformed into colorful outdoor lounge chairs. Over on YouTube, Mat Builds cut down reclaimed pallets and assembled the pieces into a slatted chair. There are many backyard DIYs to reuse old wooden pallets, and this is one of the most creative. But before you start any DIY work, inspect your pallets for unusual smells, rot, or signs of chemical fumigation. Most importantly, avoid pallets marked MB, as they have been treated with toxic pesticides and are not suitable for your garden.

The YouTuber uses 1-by-4 lumber and thicker 2-by-4 pieces salvaged from the pallet runners for added support. For the DIY, you'll also need a hammer, a drill driver, 2-inch screws, a nail gun, and a jigsaw. While the video doesn't show every construction detail, the basic idea is to turn individual pallet boards into the seat and backrest and support them with a sturdy wooden frame. Start by using a hammer to pull the nails out of the boards, separating them into individual pallet pieces. Then build two matching side frames from the pallets, securing them with a drill driver and 2-inch screws.  Next, connect the frames to establish the chair's width, then attach the seat and backrest slats across the frame with a nail gun (you may need to cut the pallet pieces with the jigsaw so the sizes match). For the backrest, attach it at a slight angle to create a comfortable, reclining sitting position.

Once the basic structure is in place, there are a few more steps to take before you can enjoy your DIY chairs. The first step in spray painting wood furniture the right way is sanding. This will eliminate rough edges and painful splinters, which is the last thing you'll want. Then clean away any dust or grime before you apply the paint. Use an exterior, water-resistant paint suitable for wood, like the Rust-Oleum Ultra Cover Satin Oil-based Spray Paint, and follow the instructions for drying time and any additional coats that may be necessary. 

For paint color, the choice is ultimately up to you and your decor preferences. The YouTuber chose bright yellow and red for his chairs, but many colors could work just as well, such as sage green, sky blue, terracotta, or even a classic white. Painting in bold shades is one of many outdoor patio ideas that can revamp your space and add personality. This unique piece of garden furniture is a beautiful example of what you can do with materials that would otherwise go to waste.