If you’ve always wanted to do some reclaimed wood projects, then this collection is for you. I can’t get enough of these cool repurposed barn wood projects – I want to try them all!

I never thought about making things with reclaimed wood before, but lately it’s a trend I can’t ignore. And then all of the sudden I am noticing pallets near the dumpster behind the coffee shop.
I think it’s time for me to join in and make one of those cool reclaimed wood projects. You know, something cool out of repurposed pallet or barn wood!
Reclaimed Wood Ideas
My building skills are limited, but luckily there are quite a few tutorials out there that can help me figure it out. If you’ve always wanted to make something with reclaimed wood, this collection is for you.
Where to Get Reclaimed Wood
You can buy reclaimed wood, but I recommend trying to get it for free first. There’s nothing like doing a repurposed wood DIY when you got all of your materials at no charge! Here are some ideas:
- Place an ad in the local paper, on Craigslist, or on Freecycle. Sometimes communities even have their own Facebook pages or groups! Let people know you are looking for old wood or pallets to take off of their hands and how to get in touch with you.
- Look behind grocery stores or furniture stores for old pallets. If you see they have some in the back, go to the manager of the store and ask if you can have them. Never just drive away with pallets . . . you could get caught on camera :0
- Call local contractors, especially those who specialize in remodeling. They might have some projects coming up that involve wood removal, and will be happy to give you the extras that they won’t have to pay to dispose of.
- Contact an excavator. Sometimes excavators take down barns(especially when they build new subdivisions) and will have access to old lumber that you can use.
Are you ready to see some projects? Scroll down to see them.
Reclaimed Wood Projects
Tables, a walkway or even an entire wall! There are so many cool reclaimed wood projects DIY out there. Here is a collection of over 25 ideas.
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!
Hose Holder
Learn how to make a DIY garden hose holder out of pallet wood! This is unique because it has a planter box on top.
Round Barn Quilt Table
Take an old table and give it new life by changing the look of the top. This quilt look with wood is amazing!
Console Table
Reclaimed wood and hairpin legs really make a stunning console table! It's made from a piece of barn wood, and Sonja walks you through how to stain and prep it.
Potting Bench
An old outdoor storage bench gets a new life as a potting bench! It even has a sink that you can hook the garden hose up to.
Planter Bench
Use a reclaimed wood ceiling beam to create a bench that doubles as a planter. The nice part about it? It's on wheels if you need to move it.
Barn Wood Headboard
I love the idea of using reclaimed wood for a headboard, and it adds a perfect touch to a farmhouse or rustic decorating scheme.
Plant Shelves
An old floorboard and three wood slices make a beautiful three-tier shelf for plants. You can use this reclaimed wood project to display all sorts of things.
Wood Clock
I love that Melissa used a Christmas tree stand as the circle template for this cool clock! Perfect for rustic or farmhouse decor with the weathered look.
Rustic Wood Chargers
These chargers were made from imperfect fence boards. It really gives a rustic look to a rustic or farmhouse table!
Dining Table
I love the way the scrap wood pieces come together on the top of this table. A great farmhouse feel!
Repurposed Wood Easy Shelves
The distressed white brackets look pretty against the dark tone of the wood on these reclaimed wood shelves.
Walking Path
Donna used reclaimed wood to create a cool walkway outside her home. f you’ve ever desired a meandering pathway in your garden somewhere, you will love this easy tutorial.
Rustic Shelving
I love the combination of rustic wood and pipe pieces. Makes a great industrial feeling shelf and looks great in a kitchen or bathroom.
Bed with Drawers
Create tons of storage with this queen size bed made from scrap wood! There's also a king version of the plan available.
Octagon Mirror
Instead of paying big bucks for a mirror from a shop, build a repurposed wood one yourself like Kelly did.
Calavera Pallet Art
This unique calavera (skull) art was made using a recycled pallet. Perfect for Dia de Los Muertos, but you can keep it up all year!
Scrap Wood Wall Art
This really has a steampunk look to it, doesn't it? Hard to believe that it is made from all scrap pieces of wood.
Wood Bench
A found piece of scaffolding board and the legs of a broken chair come together nicely as a bench! This is such a genius reclaimed wood project - one of my favorites.
Salvaged Wood Wall
If you can get colorful pieces of wood, all the better – and this gorgeous repurposed wood wall only cost a little over $130. This is one of my favorite DIY reclaimed wood projects of all time!
Bean Towers
These pole bean towers make growing and picking beans in your garden much easier. These were made from scrap wood and wire and they fold up for off season storage!
Small House Craft
If you are looking for an easy wood project to start with, this may be the one! Only one piece of wood to work with, a bit of paint and you have a cute decoration. You could even switch out the little wreath to go with the holiday.
Wine Rack
Brooke gave a garage sale find a makeover with some pallet wood and paint. It's a perfect way to re-do a wine rack or any other flat top piece of furniture.
Pallet Shelf
Learn how to make a rustic, DIY pallet shelf in under a few hours! It looks great with farmhouse decor.
Distressed Garden Sign
Urge your garden to grow with this cute sign made with 2 pieces of wood, paint and a stencil. Hopefully your garden will listen!
Playroom Sign
Two reclaimed fence boards and painted craft store letters make a super cute sign! I would love something like this in my craft room.
If you’ve always wanted to do some DIY wood ideas, then you’ll want to watch this video I made – I show you four places you can get reclaimed wood to use in your DIYs:
If you enjoyed these reclaimed wood projects, I think you’re going to like these other posts:
- DIY Refurbished Dresser Ideas You’ll Have to Try
- DIY Light Fixtures For Your Home to Obsess Over
- DIY Concrete Projects For Home Decor
- DIY Wood Lamps That Will Look Amazing in Your Home
- These DIY Pallet Projects Are Unique & Budget Friendly
Barbara Moore
Friday 20th of July 2018
I like all these ideas! Thanks for sharing them with us.
Kevin Hansen
Thursday 12th of January 2017
I absolutely love these ideas! I'm doing research on reclaimed wood ideas and these are just great! Thanks for sharing them.
Saurabh Sharma
Thursday 2nd of June 2016
Lovely designs. I hadn’t thought of using wood like this! Wonderful ideas!
Gilly
Monday 30th of June 2014
It is a growing trend. I was looking up some ideas myself for what to do with some old wood pallets I have in my back garden. Rather than taking them over to the municipal dump I got to thinking surely there is something I can make from them. After pulling them apart with a crow hammer I have some sweet pieces of wood left over. Enough to make a nice garden bench or something practical anyway. I came across coolwoodprojects.club site that has some nice ideas on it not sure if you're aware but thought I'd share with you and your readers. :)