Amazing Pallet Summer Cottage

The versatile pallet can become something spectacular like this amazing Pallet Summer Cottage! I used 20 pallets, and it took me about three months to build as time permitted.

Here’s my Pallet Summer Cottage:

I love making art and practical pieces from pallets, and my latest project is this lovely Pallet Summer Cottage.  The French doors came from a skip find. The glass for the windows were two old pieces from garden cloches. I did buy wood for the roof stretchers and roofing shingles, as well as LED lighting (six sets) for under the soffits. I also found some old 6mm thick perspex to make into the back upper triangular roof span to let the sunlight in.

The foundation for this Pallet Summer Cottage:

I started simply. This project used four pallets for the flooring, and I cut one at an angle for the front entrance area. Next came the walls. I began attaching pallets to create the sides of the little cottage, screwing them to the floor and to each other. Temporary braces were used to stabilize the walls as I built.

The cladding on the front and sides is my “grand design”. I saw a similar pattern on the outside of a building. I cut these by ripping down lengths of pallet wood into random widths, but wide enough to cover the gaps in the pallet walls. The two-tier step and planter are made from an old pallet.

From frame to finish: Pallet Summer Cottage home stretch:

I used 2×4’s to frame out the door and to stabilize the next set of pallets to get the Pallet Summer Cottage height. The soffits were created from 1×6 boards attached to the top of the pallets and the roof spanners. I clad the sides with pallet wood (of course!). Next, I applied to wood to create the roof and began shingling the project. I applied leftover flooring to cover the pallet foundation. Then I cut out the locations for the windows and installed them, as well as the little window for the perspex. Finally, I installed the doors. We finished the project with paint and stain. My wife will figure out what to do with the inside as she uses it more.

I have pictures of the whole build from ground level upwards and thought you might like to see the finished project. I got the inspiration from seeing a similar Summer House on sale for £6500, This construction was the total cost, including roof shingles – £280. Now have a happy wife with her own potting shed and summer cottage – and I’ve got my garage back! Happiness all around now!