I love pallets!
They are free and very versatile. They can be repurposed to build anything you want. With pallets, you can create home furniture for practically free.
There’s just one problem:
It’s hard to find good guides, tutorials, plans, or instructions on how to build something with a pallet. There’s absolutely nothing in books or magazines, and you have to dig deep all over the internet to find the one you need.
That’s why I created this Pallet Projects article.
I’ve collected more than 100 pallet projects that have detailed step-by-step tutorials or at least a series of images so you can follow along and build one yourself.
Alright, let’s dive right in!
…two things before we start
Before we get started, there are two things I have to tell you. First, where you can get these pallets for free and, second, which ones are safe to use for DIY projects.
How to Get Free Pallets for Your Pallet Projects
You can often call small businesses around your area. Usually, they have to pay a company to come get the pallets for them so they can be disposed of. If you come get them you save that company money so a lot of times they’ll just give them to you.
It is also wise to checks sites like local yard sale pages and Craigslist. People will often advertise if they have pallets that need to be disposed of in hopes that someone will come get them.
Here’s where/how you can get pallets for free:
- Small business (hardware store, pet supplies store, furniture store)
- Newspaper companies
- Construction site
- New business openings
- Craigslist
Make sure to ask someone first before taking pallets, even if you find them on a dumpster.
Determining If Your Pallets are Safe
Not all pallets are safe to use for DIY pallet projects, most of them are not. It’s because the woods are treated with harmful chemicals. So to make sure your pallets are safe to use, follow these steps:
First, find the IPPC marking as pictured below.
The most important thing to consider is the treatment code. There are several types of treatment for pallet wood. Here are the codes:
- HT: Heat Treatment – safe to use
- MB: Methyl Bromide – not safe to use
- DB: Debarked – safe to use
Now identify your pallets. If there’s an MB treatment code, that means you shouldn’t use (and burn) them.
But what if your pallets don’t have the IPPC marking?
Since it’s required to put the IPPC markings on international pallets, your pallets might be used for domestic purpose only. Some people say it’s perfectly fine to use domestic pallet because they’re not treated, but if you want to be safe it’s better not to use it.
Finally, if it looks like there’s something spilled on your pallet or the wood is rotten, don’t use it.
Now that you know how to get pallets and making sure it’s safe, let’s get started with the pallet projects.
122 DIY Pallet Projects
1. Pallet Headboard
This is actually an idea I want to do in my own bedroom. I love the rustic touch it adds to any room. But it also adds a little touch of elegance too.
2. The King Size Pallet Bed
Need a new bed? But you don’t have a lot of money? No worries. This pallet bed has got you covered. It also can offer you a ton of room.
3. The Pallet Accent Wall
I’m in love with this wall. I love accent walls anyway but with pallets it adds a beautiful rustic feel. Again, this is another idea I hope to duplicate in my own home one day.
4. The Pallet Bar
Need a man-space in your basement? But don’t want to spend a fortune on the bar? That’s okay. This pallet bar is beautiful and since it is made from pallets your expenses should drop drastically.
5. The Pallet Coffee Table
I not only love how unique this coffee table is, but I also love the fact that it has a hidden nook under it to hide magazines and books. For people that despise clutter (like myself), this is a great feature.
6. The Pallet Desk
Oh my! My jaw just dropped seeing this beautiful desk. It is a rustic beauty that offers a ton of space, too. My wish list just keeps getting longer.
7. Pallet Sofa With Storage
This is not only a really cute love seat that can be made very easily and for little expense. But it also has great little slats in the back meant to store smaller items while not in use. Multipurpose and easy on the eye. Sounds great!
8. Outdoor Pallet Sectional Sofa
I’ve always loved this idea. It has floated around in a few different designs on multiple sites. The fact that you can a large outdoor couch with tables, all handmade from pallets. That is a splendid idea.
9. Welcome Sign
This sign is very cute. You can paint your family’s name and year you were established on it. You could also put something as simple as ‘Welcome.’ Either way, it will catch your guests’ eyes.
10. Free Pallet Fence
This was one of my first posts here on Morning Chores. We have built many free fences and some really adorable gates, all from pallets, and all basically free.
11. Rustic Sofa
I love this rustic sofa. They obviously create it out of pallets. But it was taken one step further. They made cushions from old burlap bags. Along with really cute pillows too. It just ties everything together.
12. Pallet Adirondack Chair
I love Adirondack chairs. They are super comfortable. The fact that one can be made out of pallets just makes it that much better in my book.
13. Pallet Outdoor Sofa
So if you like the rustic look, aren’t afraid to build something yourself, and want to save money then this outdoor furniture is probably for you. It fits into all of those categories and would be a great addition to almost any outdoor space.
14. Pallet Kids Bookshelves
I love these. I’m actually in need of more storage in one of my boys’ rooms. This looks like it would be a great option and very affordable too.
15. Pallet Herb Garden
This is beautiful. If you are someone that can grow herbs in versatile situations then I encourage you to do this (and send me pics.) If I don’t stick the herbs in a pot or in the ground, mine just won’t grow.
16. The Pallet Photography Backdrop
Are you a photographer? If so, just know I’m jealous. That is such a gift to have. So if you need an inexpensive backdrop to use for a rustic setting this one is a beautiful choice.
17. A Pallet Swing Bed
Do you not just love lazy days? Well, if you had this swing you would have a lot more of them. No doubt about it. It is very inviting, to say the least.
18. Pallet Bar Stools
Need some bar stools to go along with your pallet bar? Well, these would certainly do the trick. They are unique and can be as colorful or as basic as you wish.
19. Pallet Clock
This is a unique clock. It doesn’t take much to put it together but it certainly would be a conversational piece.
20. Pallet Desk
This desk could work for working desk or as a craft station. I love the drawer area on the bottom side of the desk. It is a very versatile piece.
21. The Rustic Cooler Stand
This is an awesome cooler. If you like to entertain a lot during the warmer summer months then this would be a great addition to your outdoor décor.
22. Storage Chest
I still have ‘trunks’ (as they were once called) that belonged to my grandmothers when they became new brides. They are great for storing all kinds of things while beautifully hiding whatever is inside.
23. Pallet Patio Furniture
This is an amazing patio set. The best part is you can make it fit your style with whatever color choice you make. But it looks like it is waiting for lots of summer guests.
24. Rustic Picture Frame
My mom just had my very first published article framed in something similar to this. The upside for you is that you can have the very same, beautiful look for practically no cost.
25. Kitchen Island
If you don’t have a kitchen island, I promise you, you would love one. It is great storage and also gives you an ample amount of space to prepare food for your family. This would be a beautiful addition to any kitchen.
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