Cool Things to Make Out of Pallet Wood
Turning discarded pallets into standout home décor, functional furniture, and clever hacks.
Why Pallet Wood?
You probably have a stack of abandoned pallets in the garage, a friend’s workshop, or a local store that’s willing to give them away for free. Pallet wood is:
| Benefit | What It Means for You |
|---|---|
| Low Cost | Most pallets are free or cost pennies. |
| Sustainability | Up‑cycling reduces waste and your carbon footprint. |
| Rustic Charm | The weathered grain adds instant character. |
| Versatility | Can be cut, sanded, stained, painted, or left raw. |
With a few basic tools, you can transform these humble boards into pieces that your guests will ask, “Where did you get that?” Let’s dive into the most popular (and coolest) pallet‑project ideas, how you can tackle each one, and what you’ll need to get started.
1. Pallet Coffee Table – The Classic Starter
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Beginner |
| Tools | Saw (hand or circular), drill, screwdriver, sandpaper, clamps |
| Materials | 2–3 pallets, wood glue, 4‑6 metal corner braces, finish (oil/stain) |
| Time Estimate | 2–3 hours |
| Cost | <$30 (mostly finish & hardware) |
How to Build It
- Disassemble the pallets using a pry bar and hammer. Keep the longest, straightest boards.
- Cut the boards to size: a typical coffee‑table top is 36” × 24”.
- Lay out the planks side‑by‑side, apply wood glue, and clamp them tightly.
- Secure with screws or metal corner braces on the underside for extra stability.
- Sand the whole surface, then apply a protective oil or stain.
Pro tip: Add a lower shelf using a couple of extra planks for books, magazines, or a hidden storage box.
2. Pallet Wall Shelf – Rustic Storage for Any Room
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Tools | Saw, drill, level, brackets (optional) |
| Materials | 1 pallet, 2‑3 L‑shaped brackets, paint or stain |
| Time Estimate | 1 hour |
| Cost | <$15 |
How to Build It
- Remove the pallet boards and discard the bottom slats (they’re often warped).
- Cut the boards to equal lengths (e.g., 12” for a small shelf).
- Attach the boards together with wood glue and a few finish nails – you now have a single “shelf” board.
- Mount the board on the wall using brackets or directly screw it into studs.
Pro tip: Paint the back of the shelf a contrasting color for a pop‑of‑color effect.
3. Pallet Outdoor Bench – A Seat for the Garden
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Intermediate |
| Tools | Saw, drill, screwdriver, sander, outdoor sealant |
| Materials | 3 pallets, 4‑6 2×4s (for legs), outdoor-grade paint or sealant |
| Time Estimate | 4–5 hours |
| Cost | ~$40 (including sealant) |
How to Build It
- Design a simple bench: 48” × 18” seat with 18” high legs.
- Cut the pallet boards for the seat surface and secure them with wood glue and screws.
- Construct the legs from 2×4s, reinforcing each corner with metal brackets.
- Attach the seat to the legs, sand rough edges, and apply an outdoor‑grade sealant.
Pro tip: Add a slatted backrest made from leftover pallet boards for extra comfort.
4. Pallet Headboard – Hotel‑Style Sleeping Chic
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Intermediate |
| Tools | Saw, drill, sandpaper, paint/stain, mounting hardware |
| Materials | 2 pallets, foam padding (optional), fabric, paint or stain |
| Time Estimate | 3–4 hours |
| Cost | ~$50 (including fabric) |
How to Build It
- Lay the pallets flat and secure them together to make a large panel (≈ 80” × 50”).
- Sand the surface smooth.
- Paint or stain the wood, or cover it with fabric for a softer look.
- Mount the headboard to the wall studs using lag bolts.
Pro tip: Attach thin LED strip lights along the top edge for a subtle night‑light effect.
5. Pallet Wine Rack – Store Your Bottles with Flair
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Easy‑moderate |
| Tools | Saw, drill, sandpaper, wood glue |
| Materials | 1 pallet, 2×2 lumber (for dividers), finish |
| Time Estimate | 2 hours |
| Cost | ~$25 |
How to Build It
- Cut the pallet boards into vertical slats (~8” tall) to hold bottles horizontally.
- Space the slats 4” apart; glue them onto a back panel of pallet wood.
- Add a bottom shelf for extra storage.
- Sand and finish the rack.
Pro tip: Paint the back a deep burgundy to make the wine bottles pop.
Quick‑Start Tools Checklist
| Tool | Why You Need It | Suggested Budget |
|---|---|---|
| Pry Bar & Hammer | Disassembling pallets without damaging boards | $10–$15 |
| Circular Saw or Hand Saw | Cutting boards to size | $30–$80 |
| Power Drill & Screwdriver Bits | Drilling pilot holes & driving screws | $25–$60 |
| Clamp Set | Holding glued boards together | $15–$30 |
| Sandpaper (80–220 grit) or Orbital Sander | Smoothing rough edges | $10–$40 |
| Safety Gear (gloves, goggles, ear protection) | Protecting yourself | $15–$30 |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Do I need to treat pallet wood before using it? | Yes. Pallets are often treated with chemicals (e.g., heat‑treated H‑type, or chemically treated “MB” pallets). Look for the stamp “HT” (heat‑treated) – it’s safest for indoor projects. For any pallet, sand thoroughly, and apply a sealant or finish to lock in dust and potential contaminants. |
| Can I paint over raw pallet wood? | Absolutely. Start with a coat of primer (oil‑based works best on rough surfaces), then add your chosen paint. For a rustic look, distress the paint with sandpaper after it dries. |
| What’s the best way to avoid splinters? | Sand all cut edges and surfaces to at least 120‑grit. Finish with a protective oil, polyurethane, or wax. If you plan to use the piece for seating, add a cushion or fabric cover for extra comfort. |
| How do I store leftover pallet wood? | Keep the boards flat and off the ground, covered with a tarp to protect from moisture. Store them in a dry, ventilated area to prevent warping. |
| Is pallet wood strong enough for outdoor furniture? | Yes, once it’s properly sanded, sealed, and protected with an outdoor‑grade finish. Adding extra support (e.g., metal brackets or thicker leg boards) enhances durability. |
| Where can I find pallets for free? | Local hardware stores, grocery stores, and big‑box retailers often discard pallets. Ask the manager if they can spare a few; most are happy to give them away. |
| Do I need a permit for building a pallet structure? | For typical indoor furniture or small outdoor pieces, no. If you’re constructing a large, permanent structure (e.g., a deck), check local building codes. |
| What if the pallets have nails or staples? | Use a nail puller or pliers to remove visible nails before cutting. A stud finder can help locate hidden fasteners. A good quality grinder can smooth out any remaining metal bits. |
Wrapping It Up
You now have a toolbox of ideas, step‑by‑step guidance, and a clear list of the tools you’ll need to turn ordinary pallet wood into extraordinary pieces for your home. The best part? Each project you finish not only saves money but also adds a personal, eco‑friendly touch to your space.
Ready to get started? Grab a pallet, pick a project from the tables above, and watch your imagination turn reclaimed wood into a conversation‑starter. Happy building!