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!
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
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!
DIY Pallet Projects
Wood pallets are easy to come by and they can be used to create some amazing things. Here is a collection of 30 projects using wooden pallets. There is something for the beginner all the way through advanced DIYers.
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!
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!
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!
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.
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.
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.
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!
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!
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.
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.
DIY Pallet Swing Bed
Porch swings (especially bed-size ones) are super expensive. I can't believe this one is made using pallets!
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!
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.
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.
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.
Pallet Shelf
Learn how to make a rustic, DIY pallet shelf in under a few hours! It looks great with farmhouse decor.
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?
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!
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!
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!
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.
DIY Pallet Wine Rack
Easily store your wine and glasses on a wall with this pallet wine rack.
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?
Upcycled Rainbow Pallet Flower Garden
Such a bright and creative way to show off your potted flowers in bloom!
Freestanding Pallet Herb Garden
Creative a beautiful and inexpensive herb garden right outside your kitchen for easy access!
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.
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!
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.
Pallet Desk
Table legs and pallet boards come together to make this beautiful farmhouse inspired desk. I love the cubby holes on the front.
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.
Are you ready to dive in and try something? Get my tips for disassembling a pallet in the video in this post!
What do you think of these pallet projects DIY? It’s hard to pick which one I want to start with first! Let me know your favorite out of these unique pallet ideas 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:
- DIY Outdoor Bench Inspired By Williams Sonoma (So Easy!)
- DIY Coffee Table with Storage (Farmhouse Style)
- Paver Planter: Make Large Outdoor Planter Boxes
- DIY Plant Stands: 25+ Ideas with Free Build Plans
- DIY Home Decor: 50+ Easy Projects on a Budget!
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 :)