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30+ DIY Pallet Projects (Unique & Budget Friendly!)

If you’ve ever seen a pallet by a dumpster and wondered what to do with it, these 30 DIY pallet projects will give you some great inspiration. These unique pallet ideas cover a wide variety of decor in your home.

You should also scroll down to the bottom of the post to get a video – learn how to disassemble a pallet. These tips will come in handy for your future wood pallet projects!

Unique Pallet Project Ideas

Recently I went through the Starbucks drive through, which is located very close to a dumpster. And next to that dumpster were several pallets. And my first thought was “these babies need to hop into my trunk so that I can do some pallet wood projects.”

But then my second thought was “I live in a one bedroom apartment; I can’t take them unless I know what I’m going to with them.”

So I ended up getting my latte and heading out without the pallets. I wish I had seen all of these DIY pallet projects before that trip, because then I would have known exactly what to do with them. Can you believe there are so many things you can make from a pallet?

Using Pallets in DIY

I’m obsessed with these unique ideas and can’t wait to share them with you; first I want to address a few common things when tackling projects that use pallets.

Finding Pallet Wood

The biggest question I get from people wanting to attempt these projects is, “where do I get pallets?” Here are the most common places that I find them.

Be sure to ask before taking! I’ve never had anyone deny me yet. People seem to love giving away their pallets. Find them here:

  • Construction sites
  • Feed and pet supply stores
  • Grocery stores
  • Hardware and home improvement stores
  • Landscaping companies
Where to find pallets for pallet wood projects

Picking Your Pallets

After you’re granted permission to take a pallet, grab some gloves. You’re going to want to make sure to protect your hands while grabbing wood that likely has splinters. Be sure to keep a blanket or towel in your car that you can lay down to protect your seats.

Avoid any pallets with liquid marks or strange discolorations. Some pallets are used for transporting food/liquids or toxic chemicals, so it’s best to avoid anything that looks like it leaked.

Preparing for Pallet Projects

Once you get your pallet home, you’re going to a use a pry bar or cat’s paw to disassemble the pallet. You’re going to be prying nails, essentially. You kind of have to wing it a bit based on your pallet. It helps to prop it up on something so you can move the pry bar up and down.

Some people like to continue to use the pry bar and then a hammer to remove the nails. Others like to use a reciprocating saw on the nails once they are exposed. These are typically the easiest way to break up the pallets.

If you have a nail that really won’t budge, you can use a drill. It might take some time, but once you get started on your pallet wood projects, it will totally be worth it!


If you’re ready for the projects, scroll down. There are great options for home and garden with scrap wood. Enjoy!

1
DIY Coffee Table Inspired By West Elm

DIY Coffee Table

This DIY coffee table was inspired by a West Elm find for $999 – except we made our version for less than $50 using pallet wood. It's easy to do and would look great in your living room!
Get the Tutorial
2
homemadelovely.com

DIY Barn Door & Track

Purchasing a barn door or even barn wood to make a door can be really expensive. This barn door was made with (you guessed it) wood pallets!
Get the Tutorial
3
www.sixcleversisters.com

Wood Herringbone Headboard

If you like pallet furniture, this is a simple idea. Using old fence boards or a wood pallet you can DIY this beautiful headboard in one afternoon!
Get the Tutorial
4
diy hose box

DIY Hose Holder

Learn how to make a pallet planter that also holds a garden hose! The door comes open to reveal the hose inside, but there is a planter on top.
Get the Tutorial
5
www.jennaburger.com

DIY Pallet Wall

Add a rustic farmhouse look to any room by covering an accent wall with pallet boards. This one in a teen room turned out great.
Get the Tutorial
6
Knock Off Restoration Hardware Clock Using a Pallet
camelotartcreations.blogspot.com

DIY Restoration Hardware Clock

This Restoration Hardware inspired clock was made for less than $4, and looks just as good as the original. The project is made a lot easier if you go with vinyl stickers for the roman numerals.
Get the Tutorial
7
www.prettyprudent.com

How to Build a Pallet Daybed

In terms of pallet wood projects, furniture is my favorite. I love that an entire bed for can be built out of a few pallets. This is so cute!
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8
Ready to roll vintage camper art

Ready to Roll Camper Wood Pallet Art

Share your love of travel with this unique “ready to roll” camper wood pallet art! It didn’t cost us much to make – we got the pallets for free. So fun!
Get the Tutorial
9
www.jennaburger.com

How to Make a Pallet Bookshelf

Pallets make the most beautiful bookshelves – and you can get two shelves out of one pallet. These look fabulous in kitchens and with rustic/farmhouse décor.
Get the Tutorial
10
savedbylovecreations.com

Wood Pallet Recycle Bin

Need a stop gap before your recycles hit the street? This is a pallet wood bin that actually looks like a real piece of furniture.
Get the Tutorial
11
DIY porch swing bed using wood pallets
grillo-designs.com

DIY Pallet Swing Bed

Porch swings (especially bed-size ones) are super expensive. I can't believe this one is made using pallets!
Get the Tutorial
12
marieatousprix.canalblog.com

Pallet DIY Coat Rack

This piece of upcycled décor was made awesome by several paint colors. This is one of my favorite wood pallet ideas ever!
Get the Tutorial
13
diy-wood-pallet-american-flag
homesteadlifestyle.com

American Flag

My country 'tis of thee – sweet land of liberty! Show your love for the Fourth of July and our country with this American flag painted on a pallet.
Get the Tutorial
14
www.diycraftsy.com

Pallet Dog Bowl Stand with Storage

I can think of so many ideas for a storage box made of pallet wood. This one has sunken dog bowls with room to store the dog food below.
Get the Tutorial
15
lollyjane.com

Home is Where the Heart Is Sign

One of the most popular pallet ideas you’ll find is a simple sign. This is a beautiful sentiment in beautiful colors – on upcycled wood.
Get the Tutorial
16
how to make a pallet shelf DIY

Pallet Shelf

Learn how to make a rustic, DIY pallet shelf in under a few hours! It looks great with farmhouse decor.
Get the Tutorial
17
www.mookychick.co.uk

DIY Pallet Chair Tutorial

Yep, DIY pallet projects can even be for the littles! You’ll need one pallet per chair to make this furniture set. Don’t you love the painted blue?
Get the Tutorial
18
www.makingmanzanita.com

Rustic Pallet Wood Side Table

Pallet wood makes it easy to create wood furniture that has rustic charm and is inexpensive—just like this side table!
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19
Pallet wood pumpkins
www.infarrantlycreative.net

Wood Pumpkins

Pallet wood projects make great decorations when you cut them into shapes. These are pumpkins, but you could cut them into any silhouette you like!
Get the Tutorial
20
Pallet Coffee Table
www.upcyclethisdiythat.com

Pallet Coffee Table

Find out how to make a pallet coffee table using only one pallet plus some scrap pallet wood and blocks. So inexpensive!
Get the Tutorial
21
www.instructables.com

Herring Bone Pallet Bench

The top of this bench covered with pallet wood in a chevron on herring bone pattern. Isn't it gorgeous? Looks absolutely beautiful with stain.
Get the Tutorial
22
www.virginiasweetpea.com

DIY Pallet Wine Rack

Easily store your wine and glasses on a wall with this pallet wine rack.
Get the Tutorial
23
www.re-fabbed.com

Easy DIY Pallet Coat Rack

Chalk paint adds the rustic charm of this coat rack. Can you believe it can be made in only 20 minutes?
Get the Tutorial
24
hellocreativefamily.com

Upcycled Rainbow Pallet Flower Garden

Such a bright and creative way to show off your potted flowers in bloom!
Get the Tutorial
25
Vertical pallet herb garden
diyshowoff.com

Freestanding Pallet Herb Garden

Creative a beautiful and inexpensive herb garden right outside your kitchen for easy access!
Get the Tutorial
26
domesticsuperhero.com

DIY Tufted Ikat Ottoman

Where is the pallet in this project? It forms the structured base (or box) that is covered in padding and fabric. Just add some legs to get a custom Ikat ottoman.
Get the Tutorial
27
www.craftsbycourtney.com

Wooden Pallet Mantle Centerpiece

This simple DIY pallet piece makes a perfect background for your seasonal decorations. Just place it on your mantle and swap out decorations as you like!
Get the Tutorial
28
theshabbytree.com

DIY Pallet Tree

The great thing about this project is that you don't need to pry apart the pallet boards. Just cut the pallet into the shape you want. The pretty design is accomplished by spray painting through lace fabric.
Get the Tutorial
29
thistlewoodfarms.com

Pallet Desk

Table legs and pallet boards come together to make this beautiful farmhouse inspired desk. I love the cubby holes on the front.
Get the Tutorial
30
www.jennaburger.com

Pallet Gardening Table

With only around $10 of hardware and 2 pallets, you can make this gardening table that closes up when not in use.
Get the Tutorial

Let me know what you thought of the projects in the comments! We’ve also got quite a few more home decor posts on the blog – I hope you’ll visit some of the following tutorials:

Tim Leinonen

Friday 28th of May 2021

Great ideas. Thanks. I'll try some out. Tim

Cheryl A. Thomas

Monday 2nd of July 2018

GREAT IDEAS!

Alanna Rusnak

Saturday 4th of October 2014

Gasp!! That table!!!! This is a great collection - thanks for sharing it :)