Coldframe from single pallet build (2 hrs)

[no_akira]

Made a couple of these back in the summer for my plot and another plot holder.

Coldframe made from a single pallet for hardening off plants

Typical skipped pallet find, tools I used.


Remove most of the slats and save the nails. Where going to use the nails to build this coldframe. For nails that remain in the struts the easiest way to remove them is tap them in a little further, this breaks the wood >= rusty nail bind and make them easier to remove.


Re-position slats, 5 at top end 3 at the bottom


Cut through the x4 supports to create two panels, front (3 slats) & back panel (5 slats)
note: slanting cuts, notice my error with sawing on the 3 panel, slope of struts is going down, should have been up.


Use the remaining slats to join the two panels together.


*Note little pile of scraps left over from build, everything used up in the build, nothing wasted.

** The pallet just makes the box part you still need to come up with a lid.

*** Side slats are cut down by 4 inches to allow for the slanted side support, creates a box 103cm x 88cm approx (40.5" x 34.5" inches).

I used a small sheet of corrugated perspex from wickes in a batton frame for the lid

[mrbadexample]

Quality post thanks, I'll have a go at that.

Although I haven't got a posh pallet-disassembler like you've got so I'll probably use three pallets to get enough unbroken wood.

[ESBkevin]

Lovely job, I've done a few similar things. The downside is that the untreated wood will rot where left in contact with the soil, pallet wood is never quality stuff to begin with. One option is a square ring of bricks to set the frame on, this gets it out of the wet for a decent part of the year. I also place some weight across the top to hold down the lid and stop the whole thing going for a walk in the breeze, hopefully thats not a problem for you. I did one where the top is make of two glazed hardwood doors from an old sideboard display cabinet.
I like your pallet breaker too, I have one identical and it's well worth the cost.

[nickdub]

Great post and good work - most people could do more recycling.


BTW do you have a favourite treatment or preservative that you use to help prevent rot ?

[no_akira]

I've got the whole coldframe sitting on 1.5 x 1.5 m square, bed of stones & flints (6" deep) collected from my plot over the last 5 years. The large air gaps between these stone means is very free draining. My plants thrived & hardened off nicely last year.

Did have to periodically check for slugs & snails.

Found pic from back in June


The wood is untreated but im going to staple manure bags (pvc) onto the outer weather facing parts, front & sides of the coldframe, black side up.

As everything is made from pallets on my plot the slat puller pry bar is invaluable. Always pry up from the center of the slats before moving onto the outer struts.

[Bonjour]

Great post and good tips on a simple DIY build.

Being a trained carpenter, I'd probably over-complicate a job like this, whereas anyone could make a frame that is usable, with few tools and very basic skills. so what if it rots away in a couple of years? pallets aren't hard to come by and a couple of hours isn't a big time investment to replace it.

Well done!