Pallet Workshop

I was lucky enough to go to the latest workshop by Greener Kirkcaldy and learn how to upcycle an old wooden pallet which would have otherwise been set for landfill. Pallets are really versatile, you only need to google pallet project and you will not believe the amount of things you can make! The class was taken by the well experienced Johno from 4eyedimensions  who showed a group of 5 of us how to make-over the pallet from start to finish.

At the start we got a safety chat and introduced to all the tools we’d be getting familiar with throughout the day. Then, because it was (mostly) a nice day we got to work in the lovely Greener Kirkcaldy garden. A few rain delays but definitely better to be outside once you start breaking a sweat.

The first step was taking the original pallet apart  with a crowbar, hammer and some brute force. I don’t know about anyone else but I definitely felt like I’d done a workout after this! We each got a pallet and once Johno showed us the technique we were let loose to demolish our own and try not to split the wood in the process.

After this we hammered and pulled all the nails out to leave us with some fresh wood to work with.

Johno was really helpful with all the tricky bits, or in my case all the bits I was too weak to finish myself.

A well deserved lunch break was welcomed when the typical Scottish weather decided to turn on us. Some delicious soup and bread provided by our own Greener Kirkcaldy masterchef and a nice chance to relax and recharge for the rest of the afternoon. Homemade biscuits also went down a treat!

Once we had all the wood separated and had discussed what we wanted to make, Johno helped plan out the measurements and design. Then the sawing started…another workout!

The planter was very popular and most people in the group decided to go for this however I thought a shoe rack would be much more welcome in my house full of dirty dog walking shoes and wellies. Johno came up with a design off the top of his head and before I knew it, it started materialising before my eyes.

This was my first time ever using a drill and after a few dodgy misses I got the hang of it and was really enjoying piecing it all together. A few battery issues with the drills but Johno was a hero and sourced us some replacements really quickly.

Another group member Martin made a planter with his partner and they even got part of the way there to making a second one which they’ll now be able to finish off at home.

My welly/shoe rack has pride of place in the kitchen, should save my floor from being so muddy all the time and save this pallet from a lifetime in landfill.

I highly recommend this workshop to anyone wanting to give this a try. A few top tips – have a google and see what you want to make before you go…be realistic as you’ve only got a day and it’s hard work! Wear old clothes, lots of sawdust around. Be prepared to sweat a bit and just have a laugh as well!

Millions of pallets go to waste every year. If you see any that are going to landfill it’s always worth asking if you can have them and even if you don’t have a use, someone will! A nice new lease of life for the tree that made them.