Build a turf bench

The use of pallets in garden DIY has become something of a craze, and there’s good reason why. They are readily available, tough, sturdy and treated to withstand the elements.  Often found for free, using them is a  way to upcycle wood that may otherwise find it’s way to landfill. This project uses a pallet that has closely spaced planks. This detail is important; it gives the soil within the right amount of support. With a few judicious sawn cuts and screws, a  pallet like this can be transformed into an attractive seat.

Choose the right spot

Getting started

Joining the cut halves of a pallet deck together to make a bench

Step by step guide

1. Drill and build

Drill guide holes through the planks that make the short ends, then screw them to the longer sides to build the box shape.  

2. Prepare the ground

Weed the ground where the bench is to sit, rake it level and tread to compact. Sand down the bench before putting it in place. 

3. Install a liner

Line the inside of the bench (we used compost bags) to prevent soil seeping out. Tack it into place with drawing pins. 

4. Fill with topsoil

Fill the bench with topsoil (rather than compost, which will shrink and compress over time).

5. Top with turf

Seedlings or young plants grown singly in small modules, with the advantage that they can be transplanted with minimal root disturbance. Bedding plants and young veg plants are often sold as plug plants of various sizes, with smaller ones requiring more aftercare. They usually need to be potted up and grown on indoors until large enough to plant outside.

plug plants