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!
Okay, let’s talk about the elephant in the room, or rather, the piles of seemingly ‘useless’ wood you see sometimes in parking lots or in front of dumpsters. I know what you’re thinking: ‘Just another piece of discarded lumber.’
But hold on, what if I told you that this old wood could be your next masterpiece? Yes, I’m talking about reclaimed wood projects, the unsung heroes of the DIY world!
I wasn’t always a believer. But one day I was sipping my latte outside the local coffee shop when my eyes wandered to a pile of pallets by the dumpster. It was like they were calling out to me, ‘Transform us!’.
And that’s when it hit me – why not dive into the world of reclaimed wood ideas? It’s like giving a second life to something that’s been overlooked. Plus wood is expensive these days?
So, here I am, a DIY enthusiast with decent woodworking skills, ready to guide you through the magical world of reclaimed wood.
I’ve rounded up over 20 reclaimed wood project ideas – from rustic charm to modern flair, all doable with a bit of elbow grease and creativity.
If I can do these, you can too!
Where to Get Reclaimed Wood
Now, before you start worrying about where to get your hands on this old, character-filled wood, let me share some pro tips. You could buy it, but why spend when you can get it for free?
Yes, you heard that right. Free.99! Check Freecycle, community Facebook groups, or even Craigslist. You might be surprised at what people are willing to part with.
And here’s a fun tip: take a stroll behind your local grocery or furniture store. Spot any pallets?
Politely ask the manager if you can take them off their hands – remember, sneaking them out is not an option unless you fancy starring in the next viral security camera footage!
Also, don’t forget to give your local contractors a buzz. They often have surplus wood from remodeling projects.
And, if you’re feeling adventurous, reach out to an excavator. They occasionally dismantle barns and might have some rustic gems just waiting for you.
So, are you ready to turn those reclaimed wood pieces into something spectacular? Scroll down and let the show begin!
Trust me, these projects are so cool, you’ll forget they were once part of a dumpster scene. Let’s get crafting!
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 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 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
- Reclaimed Wood Projects Web Story
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. :)