This project is perfect for those who love gardening but are short on space. With just a few used wood pallets, you can create a vertical garden that’s functional and a beautiful addition to any outdoor space.
We’ll guide you through each step, ensuring you can follow along no matter your skill level. For a step-by-step video tutorial on how to make your own reclaimed wood garden trellis, check out our video tutorial on YouTube.
The Tools You Need
While you can embark on your woodworking journey using the tools you have available, here’s a list of tools we used to craft our clip-on pallet wood vertical garden:
- Crow Bar
- Pound Hammer
- Jigsaw
- Claw Hammer
- Jointer Sled
- Table Saw
- Sliding Compound Miter Saw
- Brad Nailer
- Angle Grinder
- Drill
- Impact Driver
Materials
For this project, we used one wood pallet, which are often available locally. Reddit and social media are good places to start your search. You can ask a warehouse if they have any old pallets they are ready to throw out, contact a pallet company, or visit a lumber yard that handles reclaimed wood.
You’ll also need:
- Waterproof Wood Glue
- 38mm 18 Gauge Brad Nails
- 40 Grit Sanding Disc
- Pair Of Steel Hooks
- 4x 40mm Chipboard Screws
And, approximately two hours to complete the project, though this may vary based on skill level and available tools and materials.
Vertical Garden Specifications
The design and layout of your vertical garden will depend on the type of pallet used. Elaine Parry has shared a variety of ideas on Pinterest. Get creative and plan a layout that suits your needs and taste. Determine the layout/pattern for the pallet you have and take measurements accordingly for the strips you wish to use.
Step-by-Step Process
- Remove the two narrow boards from the pallet using a crow bar and pound hammer.
- Extract nails using a claw hammer.
- Use a jigsaw to cut out half of the central board, ensuring a straight cut with a speed square.
- Straighten the edges of the boards using a jointer sled and table saw.
- Cut the boards into appropriate sizes using a fence and stop block on the miter saw.
- Fix the strips onto the pallet with waterproof wood glue and brad nails.
- Utilize an angle grinder to clean and smooth the wood surface.
- Attach hooks to the back of the vertical garden, avoiding nails in the pallet blocks.
- Drill pilot holes and secure the hooks with screws using an impact driver.
- Place the vertical garden onto a vibracrete wall, ensuring hooks sit securely.
- Fill the garden with preferred plants, such as succulents or herbs, in suitable pots.
- Allow the wood to weather naturally; no special treatment is necessary.
- Water the plants using a watering can for easy irrigation.
Embrace the process and enjoy the results of your pallet wood vertical garden, adding a touch of greenery to your outdoor space. Enjoy the project!
About the Authors
Michael Martin and Nikki Rixon started their business Reclaim Design in 2013. Subscribe to their YouTube channel for more videos filled with practical advice, eco-friendly tips, and inspiration to help you live a more sustainable life.