Build a carefree summer kitchen from pallets—see our instructions!

Pallets are ready-made box structures that can easily be turned into sturdy furniture. Ask around at store loading docks, construction sites, or recycling centers. It’s also worth checking dumpsters, where even slightly damaged pallets often end up. Broken pallets are still usable, since you can remove boards from them for other projects. You can also buy new or used pallets from specialized suppliers.

Keep a variety of nails and screws on hand. Nail heads look neater than screw heads, but screws hold more securely and are easier to remove or reattach. Use screws when assembling so you can easily fix any mistakes or misalignments.

You can transform a dirty pallet into a clean, light, and beautifully worn piece by sanding it. You may also finish your summer kitchen with outdoor furniture paint or tinted wood oil. If you leave the furniture untreated, it will develop a natural gray patina over time but will also absorb dirt more easily.

Summer kitchen from pallets—materials:

Summer kitchen from pallets—instructions:

Dish shelf

1. Choose three relatively small pallets of the same size for building the dish shelf. You’ll also need four long boards, such as those around 220 cm in length, for the legs. Sand the boards until they’re smooth.

2. Attach boards along the long edges of the pallets so the sides are flush with the top side. Pre-drill the holes, then secure the boards with nails for a neater look.

3. Position the pallets at suitable intervals. The top gap can be slightly smaller than the bottom one. Choose the right angle for the legs, then measure diagonally to check alignment. Fasten the legs to the shelves with screws.

4. Next, clamp an extra guide board about 40 cm above the bottom shelf and saw the legs at an angle along this board. Round off the board ends by sanding.

5. Complete the shelf by securing support boards at the top with screws and connecting the legs with a crosspiece. Stand the shelf upright and check with a level to make sure the shelves are straight.

6. The finished dish shelf offers spots for both tall and short dishes, plus compartments for serving bowls and pans.

Island

1. Choose a large pallet for the countertop and two pallets of the same size for the sides. Use boards and square blocks to create a shelf underneath. Pre-drill and fasten with screws. Then secure the countertop to the side pallets with screws.

2. Take one pallet that’s the same width as the countertop and use it as the back. Position it at your preferred height and clamp it in place. Pre-drill, then attach the pallets to each other with long screws.

3. The finished dish shelf has dedicated spots for tall and short dishes, as well as spaces for serving dishes and pans.

4. Fill in the other half of the countertop—or the entire surface if you prefer—with reclaimed boards to form a solid top. Pre-drill for nails at the board ends so they won’t split.

5. Finish the island by sanding, either with a sander or with coarse sandpaper around a wooden block. Any dark marks disappear, and the wood ends up with a lovely worn finish.

6. Finally, add hooks to the back for pot holders, graters, whisks, towels, and other cookware. If you’d like extra surface space, install a shelf board on top of the back pallet for, say, a summery potted plant.

Stool

1. Build the stool from leftover pallet pieces. Add boards or saw off parts to shape an appropriately sized seat.

2. Attach a couple of short boards to the partial side so it’s level with the seat edge. Pre-drill for nails, then hammer them in to prevent splitting.

3. Remove four thick boards from an extra pallet for the legs. Position them at an angle, clamp in place, and secure from inside with screws.

4. Finish the bottom by adding a couple of boards, creating a hollow space for storing a seat cushion.

Pallets come in many sizes, but their measurements work like building blocks. One pallet’s long side matches another pallet’s short side, making them easy to combine.