The Pros and Cons of Using Remanufactured Pallets in Your Garden
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Are you trying to find a way to accommodate more in your garden? Whether it be more space to plant, better organization of garden tools, or a new bench to work on, almost every gardener will agree that there's always something extra they'd like to have.
There are two main caveats here—the first is that finding what you want can be challenging. The second is that even if you find it, it could be really pricey.
Used, recycled, and remanufactured wood pallets are an excellent resource for any gardener. With some wood pallets, creativity, and a little DIY skill, you can give your garden nearly any structure it needs. This article will cover what wood pallets are, their pros and cons, and offer ideas for incorporating them into your garden.
What Are Wood Pallets?
Wood pallets are flat, horizontal structures that are integral to the container industry, typically constructed from several panels, panes, and blocks of solid, sawed wood. They're used to transport goods, providing a solid base to support containers or other heavy loads. These pallets fit a forklift, making it easier to stack containers atop one another.
Many different types of wood are used to manufacture pallets for various applications. Oak, maple, pine, birch, poplar, and cedar are among the most common, but there are many more. The strength of the wood determines the price, strength, durability, and possible uses of each pallet.
Hardwood pallets—like those made from maple or birch—are more robust and used to support heavier loads. Softwood pallets—like those made from pine or cedar—aren't as durable but work well for light to medium loads and cost less.
One thing all wood pallets have in common is that they're only used a handful of times before they're replaced. The used pallets are sold, discarded, remanufactured, or recycled. You can visit this website, https://challengerpallet.com/, if you want more details on pallets.
Intact parts of used pallets are integrated with other used pallets or new pieces of wood to make remanufactured pallets. These often get resold to shippers. But anyone can get their hands on used or remanufactured pallets, which presents a great opportunity for gardeners.
Pros
If you've never used wood pallets before, you must be wondering why everyone who has seems to love them. Here are the main pros you get from using used, recycled, or remanufactured wood pallets in your garden:
They're Cost-Effective
One of the most significant appealing factors of wood pallets is that, in most cases, you can buy them at a relatively low cost. You can even get them for free if you're lucky. They're a cheap, reliable source of ready-to-use lumber.
That said, used pallets may be slightly damaged and you may have to work around cracks or bends in the wood. Still, you can use them in your garden. Remanufactured pallets are the exception here, as the remanufacturing process tries to eliminate broken and bent panels or blocks.
Wide Availability
The number of pallets in circulation is estimated to be nearly two billion. Moreover, most of these are regularly replaced to prevent worn pallets from breaking down in transit. So, there are almost as many used pallets waiting to be recycled or remanufactured.
You can find a seller who'll provide used and remanufactured directly to you. However, look around places that would use and discard them, like shipping harbors or storage warehouses. You may be sent home with some spare pallets if you ask. You can also check social media marketplaces for anyone selling or giving pallets away.
Durable Enough For Most Gardens
Remember, these pallets are made to carry heavy containers. The wood is durable, even if it's no longer used for shipping. And unless you're planning an extensive and heavy-duty garden project, pallets will handle any load you give them.
Nevertheless, you must always check each pallet for cracks, breaks, or weaknesses before using it.
They Can Become Anything You Need
One of the best things about pallets is they're versatile. You can do much with a wood pallet and basic DIY and woodworking skills. When you bring your creative side into the mix, wood pallets can be turned into nearly anything you want in your garden (find ideas down below).
Pallets come in panels and blocks. This could be good or bad depending on what you want to do with them. You might have to flatten and glue panels together to make bigger and thicker pieces. However, the pre-cut panel and block shapes are convenient and applicable to various DIY projects.
Environmentally Friendly
Although manufacturing so many wood pallets might not be considered environmentally conscious, reusing them in your garden could be. If you think about it, you're reusing a biodegradable material that might've been discarded or left to rot.
This can be a pro to those who are particularly environmentally conscious. Additionally, you might agree that reusing scrap wood is a better option than buying plastic products.
Recycle Them When You're Done
Wood is recyclable. And although reusing pallets in a garden is a form of recycling, it can be taken a step further. When you're through using your pallets or if they've broken over time, you can always drop them off at a recycling facility to be turned into something new once again.
Cons
As great as they are, there are some downsides you must consider when using wood pallets. Here are the main cons to keep in mind while using them:
They Aren't Waterproof
Wood is a porous material. Water can penetrate it, potentially causing problems with your wood pallets. Wet wood can swell, soften, bend, and damage, reducing its lifespan. Some other cons on the list are somewhat related to this issue.
Consider using lacquer or paint to seal your pallets and protect them from the elements. Remember to ensure the sealant won't harm your soil or plants. If at all possible, try to keep the wood out of the rain.
They're Susceptible To Fungus And Pests
Being a porous surface instantly makes wood a naturally appealing environment for fungi, bacteria, and pests. Further reason to treat or seal it before using it in the garden.
This must be monitored and maintained, especially if you're using pallets to make planters for your garden. You don't want to risk anything ruining the fertility of your soil or eating away at your plants and roots.
Wood Can Rot
Any dead wood that's been exposed to moisture can potentially rot. This will instantly decrease its lifespan and make it more likely to attract pests. Garden-friendly pesticides and fungicides can help mitigate wood rot.
If your pallet wood starts to rot, you can try mending it. First, remove the rotting bits of wood. Then, fill it up using a wood filler and leave it to try.
They May Present a Safety Hazard
They might be a good, affordable source of extra wood. But the wood used in pallets usually hasn't gone through much finishing. Intended for transporting other goods, the wood is often cut into shape and left as it is.
So, the surface is typically quite rough. Most pallets have splinters coming off the edges. They also tend to have nails—often rusted nails—sticking out where panels and blocks are joined. You may end up with a splinter or nail piercing you or your clothes if you're not careful. Ideally, you should sand down the surface of pallets and either grind sharp nails or remove them.
Pallet Ideas
Pallets are versatile and have many uses in a garden. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
Leave Them As Is For Ground Planters
Most pallets have gaps between panels of wood. If you're happy with how they are by default, consider using them as they are. You can finish them, paint them, and lay them on your garden floor. Then, fill them with soil and plant. This is good for shallow soil crops that need to be spaced out.
Start A Vertical Garden
Use a vertical garden to take advantage of the vertical space in your yard. Pallets are pretty sturdy and can be fastened upright against a wall. From there, it's only a matter of how you choose to fasten your planting pots to it. People often do this with hooks or shelves.
Garden Walkway
Sometimes it's nice to have a set path when navigating a garden. It prevents accidentally stepping on fragile new plants and keeps you from trudging through the soil. Just cut the panels into your desired length, sand and treat the wood, and lay them down as needed.
A Bench To Work On
A garden workbench is one of those things you don't always feel the need for until you have one. It's a perfect little DIY project that can be accomplished with one or two disassembled wood pallets.
Build A Planter Box
Building a planter box from pallets is probably one of the most popular ways they're used in gardens. You can make it custom to fit your garden's shape. If you have pets who love destroying gardens, you can make a raised planter to keep your plants safe.
Conclusion
Used and remanufactured pallets are an excellent resource for gardeners. Pallets are a cost-effective, durable, easy-to-find, and versatile source of pre-cut lumber. You can dismantle and rebuild them however you want or use them as they are. Even though wood is porous and has other weaknesses, there's no arguing that wood pallets can help add something beneficial to any garden.
