Beyond The Picket Fence: Patchwork Pallet

Another pallet project Becky?  Yes, I am afraid so :), and don't worry, there are more where these came from.  I have realized all pallets are different and each one speaks to me in a different way as to what it is to become.  This particular pallet was saying, "Bench me!"

I actually remembered to take a few process pictures.  I started by cutting the pallet in half lengthwise with a jigsaw, leaving the center board on the side I wanted.  I then cut the edges (one being the original outside edge or board, and one being what was the center board) straight, meaning I cut off the wood "scallops" pallets usually have.  I then added 2 boards underneath, which were needed for what I had planned for the top.

2x4 legs were screwed in from 2 sides of the top. 

 I then cut off the remaining boards from the side of the pallet I cut off.  These were not as long as the boards left on the pallet because of leaving the center board.  I did not have any other pallet pieces that were narrow and long enough to fit in between the existing pallet slats.  But with the remaining shorter pallet pieces I could patch the top together, thus the reason for the two boards underneath. 

After some sanding and painting, I cut the boards as needed and nail gunned them to the bench.  I also added a 2x4 perpendicularly to the legs for extra support.  This piece works well as either a bench or a great coffee table.