My $40 pallet planter fell apart in 4 months, but I still prefer it over store bought

Last spring I built that raised bed from free pallets behind the old feed store on Maple Ave, and by August the whole front panel was bowing out after one heavy rain. Everyone in the group posts about how cheap and easy pallets are, but nobody mentions the rot and splinters you deal with by next season. Has anyone else had better luck sealing or reinforcing pallet wood, or am I the only one who thinks the $80 cedar kit is actually worth it?

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oliver_morgan11d ago

Built a similar one two years back and learned the hard way that pallet wood needs a lot of prep before it touches dirt. I ended up treating mine with a cheap wood preservative and lining the inside with thick plastic sheeting, stapled up the sides. That stopped the soil moisture from soaking the boards directly, which was the real killer. Still had to replace two bottom slats this spring, but the structure held up way better than the first attempt. Cedar kits are nice, but if you can find free hardwood pallets and seal them right, you can stretch them a couple seasons. Did you try painting the cut ends with anything before the rain hit?