From décor to everyday function these easy diy pallet projects for beginners are a great way to get started upcycling! Find some inspiration and new ideas with this list of pallet projects and begin your DIY journey today.
Have you ever seen old pallets on the curb and thought what a waste it is just sitting there? It is! And you can do something about it. You can repurpose pallets into amazing indoor and outdoor projects that can save you a lot of money.
You can use the whole pallet for things like a pallet compost bin or pallet fence or remove the slats of the pallet and use the pallet boards for things like a welcome sign or garden beds.
If you’re new to DIY, know that all the projects below are geared towards beginners. In the list, you’ll find ways to upcycle pallets into furniture, home decor and outdoor pallet projects. All of these pallet wood projects all have with easy-to-follow instructions.
Where to find free pallets
You can find pallets in the simplest of places: grocery stores, pet supply stores, garden centers and hardware stores, and often times you’ll have a variety to choose from. Just ask someone working there, if they have any free wood pallets they need to get rid of.
Also, don’t overlook using old wood pallets, since they’re already weathered, they can give an immediate “vintage” look to these projects.
Try to choose a pallet without any stains or water marks on it (as you don’t know what has been spilled). Likewise, keep a blanket and gloves in your car to protect you from sharp edges. Afterward, the possibilities are endless as to what you can do with it.
Pallet Safety 101
If you’re brand new to the world of upcycling, especially when it comes to pallet wood, there are a few learning curves to get started.
For starters, not all pallets aren’t created equal, and selecting the right ones is essential for successful projects. Look for pallets marked with “HT,” indicating they have been heat-treated rather than treated with methyl bromide. Heat-treated pallets are safer to work with as they do not contain toxic chemicals. Additionally, inspect the condition of the pallets—avoid those with stains, excessive damage, or signs of infestation. It is possible to safely use pallet wood indoors. Here are some tips on determining if the pallet wood is safe, how to transport it, and tricks on working with pallet wood.
Some projects will use the entire pallet and you won’t need to take it apart. But for other projects, you’ll need to deconstruct the pallets so you can use just the pallet slats. Learn how to disassemble pallet wood safely and without the use of power tools. Not only is this a great read and step-by-step guide but there’s also a video so you know exactly what you’re doing.
After that, it’s time to get started on some fun pallet projects!
Easy Pallet Projects
The pallet projects below are unique ideas to get you started with woodworking. All of them are beginner-friendly, use basic tools, and result in gorgeous DIY creations for your living space.
Pallet Wood Side Table With Rustic Style
A side table for any room! This pallet project requires only three main items and is simple to whip up. As
far as a project goes, it’s a perfect project for anyone new to upcycling.
DIY Pallet AC Unit Cover You Can Make In Just 45 Minutes
An easy DIY project that requires almost no monetary investment. This air conditioner cover is a creative way to maintain an elegant look throughout the yard. This is one of the easiest outdoor projects to make since it uses the whole pallets and can be completed in less than an hour!
Leather Sign: Thankful Grateful Blessed Pallet Wood Sign for Fall
A cute sign perfect for the front door or even a back porch. This DIY project is easy to customize and
cost-effective to put together. Plus, it brings a new cozy element to any space.
DIY Hose Holder with Pallet Wood Planter
A multi-purpose project that saves space! With this pallet project, you create a storage box for your
outdoor hose while having a flower planter on top. This is a great addition for smaller backyards that need a bit of a lift.
Ready to Roll Camper Wood Pallet Art
A fun art project for rainy days. You’ll be reassembling your pallet into a frame and using plywood and
leftover pallet pieces to create the art. A thoughtful decoration to gift for any RV lover.
DIY Coffee Table Inspired By West Elm
This coffee table is a beautiful addition to any living space? This DIY pallet coffee table does just that. Though this project
is a bit more advanced for some as it does require tools, the result is a beautiful, elegant creation that
works in any room.
DIY Wood Pallet Storage Crate Box On Wheels
A cost-effective storage option! Taking pallets and making them into crates is an easy DIY project that
lets you organize your home with new décor. These crates are perfect for parents with young kids who
need the mess off the floors in minimal time.
DIY American Flag Pallet Project
A frugal way to get your yard ready for the warmer months. This DIY American flag is great for anyone
new to upcycling because it doesn’t require too much hands-on work. Instead, you’ll be breaking apart
the pallet, painting, and reassembling.
DIY Pallet Planter
Take your outdoor space up a notch by creating one (or a few!) wooden pallet planters! Pallets a great option for planters
because there are so many ways to use them. Laying flat, angled up, it all works. Stain and decorate your
pallet as you like and then organize in your favorite plants.
Simple DIY Pallet Pool Storage
Put a single pallet to good use and organize your pool accessories with this DIY creation. This pallet project is an easy project and perfect for beginners because there’s not much change to the shape of the pallet. Instead, you re-purpose the original pallet for better storage.
DIY Hexagon Side Table: Pallet Challenge
The perfect side table for small spaces! This pallet project creates a hexagonal table with rustic appeal. It
works beautifully on an outdoor deck or even beside the bed where you don’t have a lot of room.
DIY Floral Rustic Backdrop for a Wedding
Perfect for the photographer in your house this rustic backdrop gives rooms a whole new level. Made
with the pallet, some vinyl, and a floral design this project can be unique to the creator.
How to Make a DIY Pallet Coffee Table
If rustic look is your style, this rustic coffee table will be great for your living room. This pallet project is a great one because you can add
your customizations to truly make it your own coffee table. Choose the color, add accents, and even opt for wheels if
you need it to move frequently. Regardless, it’s a great weekend project.
DIY Pallet Bed Frame
The ultimate upcycle, use a collection of wooden pallets to create a bedframe! From toddler beds to
guest room accommodations these DIY bedframes are unique and fun to create.
How to Paint a Pallet and Transform it Into a Stunning Moroccan-Style Plant Wall
An eco-friendly design perfect for any living space. This tutorial walks you through how to build the wall
garden as well as how to paint a stunning Moroccan design on it to capture attention. And the best part
is that you really only need a few items to get the job done.
Abbi
Tuesday 16th of July 2013
Here is the link to our chicken coop: http://proverbs31living.blogspot.com/2013/07/making-chicken-coop-with-what-we-have.htmlWe just made another trip to pick up pallets today as we hope to use them for a chicken run too but that is not done just yet.
Black Fox Homestead
Thursday 4th of July 2013
We have not done anything like this yet, but I have heard so much about it that I'd really like to if we could find the pallets. Thanks for sharing at the HomeAcre Hop! We'd love to have you back again tomorrow: http://wp.me/p2urYY-127 Hope ya'll have a Happy Fourth!
Bonnie K
Sunday 30th of June 2013
We had this amazing pallet come with a purchase that we actually now use as our back deck! That is how well made it was. Saved us a lot of time and money.
Angi Schneider
Monday 1st of July 2013
How cool is that! Do you have a picture of it, I'd love to see it.
Sarah
Thursday 27th of June 2013
We made a couple buildings for our goats and alpacas using pallets. http://allboyhomeschool.blogspot.com/2012/02/goats-pallet-barn.html and http://allboyhomeschool.blogspot.com/2012/03/procrastinators-goat-shed.html I love using them!
Angi Schneider
Friday 28th of June 2013
Sarah, those look great. And, I'm pretty positive it was your barn post that inspired us to build one with pallets, although ours looks a little different. I'm going to add that to my post.
Backyard Chicken Lady
Tuesday 25th of June 2013
The shed looks great, and I love the Esther Hauler too! I've been looking into different things you can make with pallets, have made anything yet, goota keep collecting till I have enough :-)
Hopping by for the first time, going to take a look around.
Holly
Angi Schneider
Wednesday 26th of June 2013
Thanks! I think we'll rename it the Esther Hauler. Hope your enjoyed your visit.