DIY wood pallet decoration ideas

Wood pallet furniture is very popular these days. And you don’t need to be an expert cabinetmaker to make it! This industrial-looking, vintage, country-style furniture is sturdy, original and very inexpensive. Just apply a few basic rules, and you can create a personalized array of designer furniture!

Where to find wood pallets

Many businesses receive merchandise daily on wood pallets since they make transportation easier. Sometimes, pallets are stored outdoors and there’s no prohibition on reclaiming them. You could also visit a public or private site in person to see about picking up discarded wooden pallets through official channels. Reclaiming pallets often helps companies out since they might otherwise have to hire a removal company to collect the pallets.

Five basic rules before getting started:

-Disassemble the wood pallet (if your project doesn’t require a wood pallet in its original state). During disassembly, start planning the dimensions and plank colour of your future furniture.

- Measure and sort the wooden planks. Determine exactly how many planks you have, and note their dimensions. Use an approach that sorts planks according to their condition, and plan ahead so you can conceal planks that are less attractive.

- Make a drawing of the piece of furniture you want to build to guide you in the design process. It doesn’t need to be a faithful architectural drawing! The idea is to give you a visual sense of the logical steps you’ll need to follow, so you can determine how many planks you’ll need as well as their dimensions.

- Gather your tools and organize your workspace. Use the appropriate tools for each step on your diagram. Nail, saw and sand. Finish by applying a layer of varnish or wood stain. If the piece of furniture is for outdoor use, use stainless-steel nails and weatherproof paint.

- Most importantly, have fun! Set your creativity free. Pallet wood opens up many possibilities each more inspiring and unique than the next.

Here are a few ideas for using wood pallets:

Decorate a wall:

Use the most attractive side of your planks. Focus on just the longest planks, or choose different lengths. Position the planks at random to create an intriguing, irregular effect. Use various shades of stain ranging from dark to clear for a more rustic look.

Create a practical storage space:

In your hall, affix planks to the wall lengthwise (walls are often narrow in halls) to create an impression of height. Add hooks that match your decor. For a more country-style look, set the planks further apart. Doing so will highlight the colour of the wall paint and serve as an accent colour. It’s a stylish design that also generates additional storage space!

Design a TV stand:

A range of combinations is possible. Start by planning ahead. Ask yourself whether you need one or many compartments, and determine what size the stand needs to be so your components fit. Finally, draw a sketch of your project.

Tips & tricks: Hang a wood pallet on the wall, so the planks are set horizontally, and attach your flatscreen TV to it. Match the colour of your wood pallet wall planks to the colour of your TV stand. Glue LED light strips behind each wood plank making sure they are centered. The result will be breathtaking!

Build a wine shelf:

Create a wine shelf for your kitchen or dining room wall. Many options are possible. To begin, determine how many bottles will be placed on the shelf. That way you can establish the length of wood plank you need. Make sure there’s enough space between the plank supporting the bottles and the indented one, so there’s enough space to insert wine glasses by their stems.

Design an ottoman:

It’s possible to use full-sized wood pallets to make an ottoman. For example, you could lay pallets over each other until the desired height is reached. Then, secure the pallets together. The real challenge is finding a cushion that fits on top of the pallets, but the final result is well worth the trouble! In addition to having created a cozy and distinctive item, you’ll benefit from additional storage in the side compartments.

Make a headboard, shelving or a wood pallet  table the choice is yours! Let your creativity run wild, and enjoy the results!