Pallet projects are a lot of fun, and best of all they are affordable. Pallets can often be acquired

for free or very cheap from local warehouses or hardware stores.

Pallets also provide a “rustic” look to your project, since every board has character and is

unique. Before we share 3 of our favorite DIY pallet projects you can do this weekend, here

are some steps for disassembling your pallets (which can be really difficult if you try to pry

them.)

Take apart your pallet by cutting it.

This is my preferred method because it is faster than any other method I have attempted.

Most of my pallet projects are not so fancy that I care about nails in the wood or maintaining the

“original” length of the boards. You could say that I have low standards for accuracy…

My low standards afford me the luxury of spending about 5 minutes dismantling each

pallet…and without much effort.

Here is how it’s done.

1. CUT EXCESS WOOD FROM SIDES

I find it easier to cut the wood away that is hanging over the side of the pallet, but it isn’t

necessary. Depending on the project, you may need the boards at their full length.

Likewise, you may want the boards smaller. In this case, cut along the runners and remove the

small pieces of wood still attached by the nails afterwards.

2. CUT NAILS WITH SAWZAW

Make sure you have a metal blade attached to the sawzaw, and one long enough to cut both

nails at the same time.

Sometimes it can be difficult to get the blade between the boards, but if you press the trigger

slightly, the reciprocating blade will slowly work its way to the nails.

3. REMOVE NAILS FROM CUT BOARDS

Use a punch to hit the nail through the board.

Need more instruction? Watch the full video on Youtube from beachbumlivin.

Project #1: Pallet Feature Wall

Creating an accent wall out of reclaimed pallet wood is such a simple and cheap project!

It also looks amazing, and will be sure to have your guests talking.

Here is a step by step tutorial on how you can create this on virtually any wall of your house:

What You’ll Need

Pallets (number depends on size of wall)

Pallet buster (to disassemble pallet boards)

Miter Saw (this one works well)

Pencil

Level

Liquid Nails

Ready to get started?

1. MEASURE THE WALL

This will give you an idea about how many planks you’ll need, which also lets you decide how

many pallets it will take. It’s hard to estimate since every pallet is different, and has a different

amount of planks on it.

There are tons of things you can do with pallets, so it never hurts to get too many!

If it helps, dividing the length + width of your surface and dividing by 144 will give you the total

amount of square feet you’ll need. It takes about 7 or 8 pallet boards to get 10 square feet.

2. PREPARE SURFACE

Clean the wall with some soap and water, and make sure to pull out any nails or items that may

cause an issue when you hang the boards.

3. DETERMINE A PATTERN

We’re going to do a staggered horizontal design, but if you are going to align your boards

differently, now is the time to decide.

4. DRAW A REFERENCE LINE

Using your level and pencil, draw a straight line across the area where you’ll be laying the

boards. This will be your starting point and make sure that your first boards are completely level

and straight, so the wall doesn’t get crooked!

5. ADD PLANKS ON REFERENCE LINE

Using your liquid nails (or other construction adhesive) apply a liberal amount to the back of

your first board. Place the first board directly above or below your reference line and press it

onto the wall. Make sure this plank is level. Then, apply a second board on the other side of the

reference line – staggering the boards as shown below.

6. FILL IN THE ENTIRE SPACE

Using a miter saw to cut/trim boards as needed, fill in the entire space staring with the boards

along the reference line. Simply repeat the steps over and over until your project is complete.

Now you’re done!

Enjoy your pallet wall for years to come!

This project comes to us from Wabash Lumber, check out the full video below or click here to

watch it in action.

Project #2 - Rustic Wall Shelf

Today we’re going to show a step by step guide to building a cool wall shelf out of pallets. Pallet

projects are hot right now, and this shelf in particular has a very rustic look that will be sure to

have your guests talking.

If you need some help finding free pallets and reclaimed wood for your projects, check out this

article.

This tutorial comes from Jake Schmanke, and here is a look at the finished product:

WHAT YOU’LL NEED:

Four 36 inch pallet boards

Two thicker pieces of reclaimed wood to use as shelves

One rustic/vintage hook

One thin (1 inch) board to brace the back of the shelf

Tape measure here’s the one I like.)

Compound miter saw (Here’s our top rated miter saw)

Pencil for marking measurements

Eight 1 inch screws

Four 2.5 inch screws

3/32 drill bit

STEP BY STEP GUIDE:

STEP 1: CUT THE 4 PALLET BOARDS TO 36 INCHES.

While you may or may not want the boards to be exactly even – you want to start by making

them all about 36 inches long. Simply mark the measurements with your pencil, then use your

miter saw to make the cuts:

STEP 2: MEASURE AND MARK SHELVES

For the bottom shelf, the design shown only used about 7 inches of shelf. So measure one of

your shelves to 7 inches and then cut it. For the top shelf, this design makes it an 11 inch shelf.

So cut your second shelf to 11 inches:

STEP 3: CUT THE SHELVES

While these shelves are 7 inches wide and 11 inches wide, respectively; you could technically

make them as long or as short as you’d like, depending on what you plan to hang on them.

STEP 4: MARK AND CUT THE BRACES

Take your one inch scrap board and mark it with a pencil so you can get 2 pieces out of it. As

shown below, these 2 pieces are going to be on the back of your shelf and serve as a brace, to

make it more stable. In this case, simply mark your scrap board so it is a little less than the width

of your shelf. Once you’ve marked it, cut your 1 inch board so you get 2 back braces out of it.

STEP 5: FLIP YOUR PALLET BOARDS OVER AND ATTACH THE BRACES

Once you’ve flipped the boards so you are now working on what will be the backside of your

shelf, simply put your braces in place and attach them with one inch screws, using at least 3

screws spaced throughout your brace. (Note: places your braces where you plan to put your

shelves, as the braces will provide extra support and give you more wood to screw into when

you attach the shelves.)

STEP 6: LEVEL AND MARK YOUR SHELVES

Using a small level and your pencil, put your shelves in place on the front of your shelving unit.

Remember that your shelves should be directly on top of the braces you attached to the back,

so they have extra support. Mark a line on both sides, so you can see where your shelf will be

attached.

STEP 7: PRE­DRILL YOUR HOLES

Flip the shelf on it’s side, and hold your shelf into place firmly – using your pencil marks to make

sure you are holding it level and in place. Then, use your drill bit to drill straight through your

brace, the shelf back, and the shelving board. Pre­drilling your holes will make putting the

screws in a whole lot easier!

STEP 8: SCREW IN ONE SIDE OF THE SHELF

After you’ve drilled the pilot hole, put one of your 2 1/2 inch screws into that hole, which will

attach one side of your shelf.

STEP 9: LEVEL THE SHELF BEFORE PUTTING IN YOUR SECOND SCREW

By only putting in your first screw, this gives you a chance to pull out a small level and make

sure your shelf is perfectly straight, before putting in your second and final 2 1/2 inch screw.

Once it’s confirmed to be level, repeat step 8 on the other side of the shelf, drilling a pilot hole

and putting in your second screw.

STEP 10: REPEAT FOR SHELF #2

Attach your second shelf following the same steps that you used for the first one – remember

that drilling pilot holes will make putting your screws in much easier.

STEP 11: ATTACH YOUR RUSTIC HOOK

One reason for leaving the shelves a little more narrow in this design is so you can add a rustic

looking hook to hang a hat, jacket, etc. next to your shelves. If you have one, find a vintage

looking hook and simply attach it with a 1 inch screw.

You’re done!

To watch Jake’s video tutorial to making this shelf, click here.

Project #3 - Chevron Pattern Coffee Table

The Saw Guy here with another pallet project. This coffee table from pallets isn’t just your

typical coffee table. Using the “chevron” pattern, this pallet coffee table from Beach Bum Livin is

one of the coolest yet, but also, one of the easiest.

Get your short list of tools ready. Here we go!

WHAT YOU’LL NEED

Drill

Power Planer (not 100% necessary)

Table Saw and Circular Saw (can be done with circular saw only)

Sawzaw (I recommend this one)

Nail Gun

Kreg (pocket hole) Jig

Hammer and Nails

2­3 in Deck Screws

At least 4 pallets

2×4 – 1/2 inch Sheet of Plywood

8 ft – 4×4

2­ 8 ft – 1×2

1. DISASSEMBLE PALLETS

Everyone has a favorite (very relative term) way to dismantle pallets. However, if you’re not

familiar with the process, or are looking for tips, click the link below to check out our guide.

2. CUT EACH PLANK TO 2­1/2 INCHES

The table will fit more planks to make­up the table top if each board is cut down to 2­1/2 inches.

It also ensures a straight edge on each board, helping each plank to fit tightly against one

another.

The tutorial shows each board being planed before assembly. This will help the grain to stand

out, but isn’t entirely necessary. However, if you do not plane the boards, I suggest sanding a

little to clean the wood up (which also helps expose the wood grain).

3. MAKE 45 DEGREE ANGLES

Cut one end of each of the 2­1/2 inch boards at a 45 degree angle. If you have a table saw or

amiter saw, this is the best time to use it. However, if all you have is a circular saw, just make

sure to mark the 45 degree angle with a bevel.

4. ASSEMBLE CUT WOOD PLANKS & ATTACH TO BASE

I recommend lining up all of your pieces (45 degree angle inside) to ensure you have enough,

and so that you don’t get into a situation where you have to disassemble everything.

Draw a straight line down the center of the plywood.

Once you’re confident in your design, start attaching each board onto the plywood by adding a

layer of wood glue. Next, use a nail gun (or hammer and finish nails) attaching the board onto

the plywood.

5. CUT AWAY EXCESS PLANKS

Using your circular saw, cut away the excess wood on each side of your tabletop.

6. ATTACH 1×2 FRAME

Basically, you want to border the tabletop with 1×2’s to cover up the edges.

7. ATTACH LEGS

Use the base pieces from your disassembled pallets, cut, and attach to the underside of your

tabletop.

If you have a Kreg Jig, awesome, use it. If not, go back to step 3 and screw your plywood base

into the pallet base pieces before you attach the tabletop wood.

Now, just screw your 4×4’s into the pallet base pieces.

8. FINISHING TOUCHES

Dude…you’re basically done! The finishing touches are all up to you. If you want a smooth

finish, sand it up. Stain it or something. Try painting it with some chalk paint…it’s up to you.

Watch the full tutorial from Beach Bum Livin here.