10 Easy DIY Projects Using a Free Pallet
I LOVE finding a free pallet!
They are the ultimate blank canvas for DIYers. Whether you want to add some farmhouse charm to your decor or need a functional piece for the garden, a single pallet can go a long way.
Pro-Tip: Safety first! Before you start, look for a stamp on the side of the pallet. If it says “HT”, it was Heat Treated and is safe for indoor use or gardens. Avoid pallets stamped with “MB” (Methyl Bromide), as these were treated with chemicals.
1. The Patriotic Pallet Flag or Art
This is a classic 4th of July project that is almost entirely free. The fun thing is you can make just about anything – get creative!
How-To: Clean the pallet and let it dry. Paint every other board red and white. Leave the top left corner open for a blue square. Once dry, cut a sponge into a star shape, dip it in white paint, and stamp your stars onto the blue section!
2. Vertical Herb Garden
Perfect for small patios or balconies.
How-To: Staple landscape fabric to the back and bottom of the pallet to create “pockets” behind the slats. Fill with potting soil through the top openings and plant your favorite herbs in the rows. Lean it against a sunny wall and watch it grow!
3. Simple Pallet Bench
You’ll need two pallets for this one—one for the seat and one for the backrest.
How-To: Cut one pallet in half to create the seat. Use the second pallet as the backrest. Secure them together at a slight angle using heavy-duty screws. Add a few leftover 2x4s for legs, sand it down, and add some outdoor cushions.
4. Outdoor Coffee Table
This farmhouse-style table looks expensive but costs nothing.
How-To: Stack two pallets on top of each other and screw them together. For a finished look, pry the boards off a third pallet and use them to fill the gaps on the top surface. Add some heavy-duty casters (wheels) to the bottom for an industrial feel.
5. Mudroom Shoe Rack
Stop the entryway clutter!
How-To: Stand a pallet vertically against the wall. The natural openings in the pallet are the perfect width for sliding in shoes. Sand it well to prevent splinters and paint it to match your decor.
6. Pallet Wine Rack
A great gift idea that only uses about 1/4 of a pallet.
How-To: Cut off the bottom section of a pallet (the part with the “shelf” support). Use a hole saw to cut small notches into the bottom board for the wine glass stems to slide into. Sand, stain, and hang!
7. Garden Tool Organizer
Keep your shovels and rakes from falling over in the garage.
How-To: Mount a pallet vertically to the wall studs in your garage or shed. Slide your long-handled tools down through the slats. They stay upright, organized, and off the floor.
8. Rustic Picture Display
Bring the pallet inside for a gallery wall.
How-To: Take the pallet apart and use the individual boards. Lightly sand them and stain them. Use small clothespins or binder clips screwed into the wood to hold your favorite photos.
9. Compost Bin
You need three or four pallets for this, but it’s the best way to get free fertilizer.
How-To: Stand four pallets on their ends to form a square. Zip-tie or screw the corners together. The gaps between the slats provide perfect airflow for your compost to break down.
10. Pallet Swing Bed
The ultimate backyard luxury.
How-To: Reinforce two pallets joined together with 2x4s. Place a twin-sized mattress on top. Drill holes in the four corners and use heavy-duty rope to hang it from a sturdy tree branch or porch beam.
Tip: Pallet wood is very dry and porous. If you are painting it, use a primer first, or you’ll find the wood “soaks up” all your expensive paint!
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