Cool Things to Make with Wood Pallets
Your go‑to guide for turning humble pallets into standout DIY projects
Why Pallet Projects Are Worth Your Time
- Cost‑effective – Most pallets are free or cheap, especially if you ask local businesses for “scrap” pallets.
- Eco‑friendly – Repurposing pallets keeps wood out of landfills and reduces demand for new lumber.
- Versatile – A single pallet can become a coffee table, a garden planter, a wall shelf, or even a pet house.
If you’re new to pallet woodworking, don’t worry. This post walks you through a variety of ideas, from beginner‑friendly to “wow‑factor” builds, complete with a quick‑reference table, essential tools, and a handy FAQ.
Quick‑Reference Table: Project Overview
| # | Project | Approx. Size | Skill Level* | Estimated Cost | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Coffee Table | 30×30 in | Easy | $0–$10 (screws, sand) | Living room |
| 2 | Vertical Garden Wall | 48×96 in | Medium | $15–$30 (soil, liners) | Patio / balcony |
| 3 | Outdoor Bench | 60×20 in | Easy | $5–$15 (cushion optional) | Backyard |
| 4 | Pallet Shelf Unit | 36×48 in | Medium | $10–$20 (paint, brackets) | Home office |
| 5 | Dog House | 36×36 in | Medium | $20–$40 (roofing, paint) | Pet area |
| 6 | Headboard | 80×30 in | Easy | $5–$12 (fabric, paint) | Bedroom |
| 7 | Wine Rack | 24×12 in | Hard | $25–$45 (hooks, finish) | Kitchen/bar |
| 8 | Firewood Storage Crate | 48×24 in | Easy | $5–$10 (hinge) | Garage / shed |
| 9 | Pallet Desk | 48×24 in | Medium | $15–$25 (drawer, finish) | Home office |
| 10 | Treehouse Platform | 8×8 ft | Hard | $30–$80 (reinforcement) | Kids’ play area |
*Skill Level: Easy – minimal cuts, mainly assembly; Medium – some cutting, sanding, finishing; Hard – precise measurements, structural considerations.
Getting Started: The Basics You’ll Need
| Tool / Material | Why You Need It | Tips & Alternatives |
|---|---|---|
| Safety gear (gloves, goggles, dust mask) | Protects you from splinters and dust | Use a reusable respirator for sanding |
| Circular saw or handsaw | Cuts pallet boards to size | A jigsaw works for curved cuts |
| Power drill + drill bits | Drives screws, makes pilot holes | A cordless drill offers mobility |
| Screwdriver set | Finishes assembly | Use a screwdriver bit set for speed |
| Sandpaper (80–220 grit) or Orbital sander | Smooths rough surfaces, removes splinters | Start coarse, finish fine |
| Wood screws (2.5–3 in) | Secure boards together | Avoid nails – they can pop out over time |
| Wood glue (optional) | Adds extra bond strength | Use only when you want a hidden joint |
| Paint / stain / sealant | Protects wood from moisture | Choose exterior‑grade for outdoor projects |
| Measuring tape & carpenter’s square | Guarantees accurate dimensions | A laser measure speeds up layout |
| Pallet disassembly tool (crowbar, pry bar) | Separates slats without damaging them | A reciprocating saw can speed up de‑nailing |
Project Spotlights
Below are step‑by‑step guides for three of the most popular pallet builds: Coffee Table, Vertical Garden Wall, and Dog House. Feel free to adapt the dimensions to fit your space.
1. Pallet Coffee Table – The Easy Win
What you’ll need
- 1–2 clean pallets (standard 48×40 in)
- 2–3 2‑in screws (for legs)
- 1 sheet of ½‑in plywood (optional, for a smooth top)
- Sandpaper (80 → 120 grit)
- Paint or clear sealant
Steps
| Step | Action | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Prep the pallet | Remove any loose nails with pliers. Give it a quick wipe‑down. |
| 2 | Sand | Start with 80‑grit to smooth splinters, then finish with 120‑grit for a smoother surface. |
| 3 | Add a top (optional) | Cut the plywood to 30×30 in. Attach with 1‑in wood screws for a sleek look. |
| 4 | Create legs | Cut four 12‑in blocks from the pallet’s side slats. Sand edges. |
| 5 | Attach legs | Screw each leg into the underside corners of the table top. Pre‑drill pilot holes to avoid splitting. |
| 6 | Finish | Paint, stain, or clear‑coat. Allow 24 hrs to cure. |
| 7 | Enjoy | Place your new coffee table in the living room and add a couple of coasters! |
Why it works – Minimal cuts, no complex joinery, and you can customize the finish to match any décor.
2. Vertical Garden Wall – Grow Your Green Thumb
What you’ll need
- 2–3 pallets (depending on desired width)
- Landscape fabric or heavy‑duty plastic liner
- Potting soil
- Small planting containers (plastic pots, repurposed crates)
- Screws & brackets (to mount on a wall)
- Paint (optional, for a polished look)
Steps
| Step | Action | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Disassemble pallets | Pry off the slats, keeping them as long as possible for larger planting sections. |
| 2 | Cut slats to size | Aim for 12‑in wide strips; sand edges. |
| 3 | Create “pocket” frames | Arrange slats in a grid (e.g., 4 rows × 6 columns). Screw them together, leaving a 1‑in gap between rows for drainage. |
| 4 | Attach liner | Staple landscape fabric to the back of the frame, covering all gaps. |
| 5 | Mount on wall | Use heavy‑duty brackets (M6 bolts) to secure the frame at eye level. |
| 6 | Add containers | Slip small pots into each pocket, fill with soil, and plant herbs, succulents, or strawberries. |
| 7 | Finish | Paint the outer frame if desired. Water and watch your garden thrive! |
Pro tip – Position the wall where it gets 4–6 hours of sunlight per day. Use a drip‑irrigation system for low‑maintenance watering.
3. Pallet Dog House – A Cozy Retreat for Your Pup
What you’ll need
- 2–3 pallets (solid, non‑treated for safety)
- ½‑in plywood (roof & floor)
- Roofing shingles or a waterproof tarp
- Paint or outdoor‑grade sealant (non‑toxic)
- Hinges (for a roof that opens)
Steps
| Step | Action | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Frame the base | Lay two pallets side‑by‑side, screw them together to form a 36×36‑in platform. |
| 2 | Cut walls | Use pallet slats to build four walls, each 20‑in high. Secure with 2‑in wood screws. |
| 3 | Add floor | Attach a ½‑in plywood sheet (cut to 36×36 in) to the base for a solid floor. |
| 4 | Create roof | Cut a sloped roof from plywood (1‑ft overhang each side). Attach hinges to the back wall so you can lift it for cleaning. |
| 5 | Waterproof | Nail roofing shingles or stretch a tarp over the roof, securing with staples. |
| 6 | Finish | Paint with a non‑toxic exterior paint in a color you love. Add a cushion or blanket for comfort. |
| 7 | Place | Situate the house in a shaded spot, preferably with a little breeze. Your dog will thank you! |
Safety note – Ensure all nails and screws are flush or covered to avoid injury to pets.
Customizing Your Pallet Creations
- Stain vs. Paint – Stain showcases the natural grain, while paint offers a pop of color and extra protection. Choose a water‑based, low‑VOC product for indoor projects.
- Adding Wheels – For mobile pieces (e.g., a garden cart), swap out the bottom slats for a platform and attach caster wheels.
- Lighting – Incorporate LED strip lights under a coffee table or along a shelf to create ambiance.
- Upcycling Extras – Old crates become drawer fronts; reclaimed windows can become decorative backs for a pallet headboard.
Common Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)
| Mistake | Why It Happens | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Skipping the sand | “It looks rustic enough” | Even a quick pass with 120‑grit prevents splinters and improves paint adhesion. |
| Using treated pallets indoors | Treated wood contains chemicals | Only use heat‑treated (HT) pallets for interior projects; avoid chemically treated (“C‑treated”) pallets. |
| Over‑driving screws | Trying to make them “extra tight” | Stop when the screw head is flush with the surface; overtightening can split the wood. |
| Ignoring weight limits | Building a shelf without checking load | Calculate load (e.g., 10 lb per shelf) and reinforce with additional slats or brackets as needed. |
| Not sealing outdoor projects | Assuming paint is enough | Apply a clear, UV‑resistant sealant on top of paint for lasting protection. |
FAQ – Your Pallet Project Questions Answered
Q1: Are all pallets safe to use?
A: No. Avoid chemically treated pallets (marked with a “C”) because they contain preservatives that can be hazardous, especially for indoor or pet projects. Look for “HT” (heat‑treated) pallets, which are safe for most DIY uses.
Q2: How do I remove nails without damaging the wood?
A: Use a pallet pry bar or a reciprocating saw with a metal cutting blade to cut nails flush. Then pull remaining nails with pliers or a hammer and nail puller. If a nail is stubborn, gently pry it out by sliding the bar under the slat and rocking it upward.
Q3: What’s the best way to protect my outdoor pallet furniture from rain?
A: After sanding, apply a water‑based exterior paint or oil‑based stain followed by a clear marine‑grade sealant. Re‑seal every 12–18 months to maintain protection.
Q4: Can I use pallets to build a safe playground for children?
A: Yes, but the structure must meet local building codes for load‑bearing and safety. Use reinforced joists, proper anchoring, and smooth, sanded surfaces. Always supervise children and avoid sharp edges or loose nails.
Q5: How do I keep pallets from rotting when stored outdoors?
A: Store pallets off the ground on a pallet jack or concrete blocks to allow air circulation. Apply a protective sealant annually, and avoid direct contact with soil.
Q6: Do I need a special license to sell items made from pallets?
A: Generally, no, but if you plan to sell food‑related items or furniture, check local business licensing and consumer safety regulations. Some jurisdictions require an artisan dealer’s permit.
Q7: What’s the cheapest way to get pallets?
A: Many retailers (grocery stores, hardware stores, warehouses) will give them away for free if you ask politely. Just bring a truck or a large vehicle to transport them, and make sure they’re free of hazardous markings.
Q8: How thick are pallet boards and does that affect my project?
A: Most pallet slats are ⅜‑inch to ½‑inch thick. Thicker boards provide more strength for load‑bearing projects (e.g., a desk or bench), while thinner slats work well for decorative items or panels.
Q9: Can I paint over a stain?
A: Yes, but first sand lightly (220 grit) to remove the glossy finish. Then apply a primer to ensure the paint adheres uniformly.
Q10: What tools can a beginner start with?
A: A basic hand saw, cordless drill, screwdriver, sandpaper, and clamps are enough for most entry‑level pallet projects. Upgrade to a circular saw and orbital sander as you grow more confident.
Take the First Step
You’ve got the ideas, the tools, and the know‑how. The only thing left is to roll up your sleeves and start cutting, sanding, and building. Whether you’re looking for a quick weekend project (the coffee table) or a statement piece for your backyard (the vertical garden wall), pallets give you a sturdy, affordable canvas for creativity.
Pro tip: Keep a project log—note dimensions, finishes, and any tweaks you made. It’s a lifesaver for future builds and helps you perfect each design.
Happy pallet‑crafting!