Used in the shipping industry, wood pallets are typically a low end commodity. Usually, pallets will get reused a few times and then they will either be scrapped as trash or used as firewood.
Most often made from inexpensive junk species of lumber (whatever is most widely available), wood pallets are the perfect candidate for upcycling. Check out these creative examples of upcycled pallets and I think you'll agree!
Adirondack chair made from pallets DIY
upcycled pallet floor via arcticplank
Pallet furniture (above and below)
DIY garden pallet fence (above and below) from Camelot Art Creations
A great way to hide trash cans or air conditioning units!
A great way to hide trash cans or air conditioning units!
Painted wood wall art by Inspired by Charm
Pallet headboard
Painted pallet art (above and below) by Pamela Joyce
Wonderful wine storage
in the kitchen
kitchen table upcycle
pallet stairs lead to loft
Check out this awesome pallet wall unit made by Domestic Doozie. I think this is my favorite!
It's amazing what a coat of paint can do! Here, a painted pallet is wall mounted and hooks are added.
Pallet & grain sack sofa via Gibson Germany
On a final note: A word about safety and wood pallets
Be advised that some pallets are chemically treated and could actually be hazardous to your health. There are regulations in the US which require pallets to be treated with either chemicals or heat before being shipped overseas. The safest kind of pallets to use for projects are those that are marked "HT" on the wood - that means they have been heat treated by being dried in a kiln.
Aside from chemicals, pallets can also harbor bacteria, insects, and mold. You never know where a pallet has been, or if it could have come in contact with something dangerous, or if it was used to ship a hazardous material such as a pesticide.
Keep these things in mind when considering your pallet project.
Aside from chemicals, pallets can also harbor bacteria, insects, and mold. You never know where a pallet has been, or if it could have come in contact with something dangerous, or if it was used to ship a hazardous material such as a pesticide.
Keep these things in mind when considering your pallet project.
What's your favorite pallet upcycle?
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What do you think?
I hope you have a great week
Love, Laura
My broken china jewelry is always available for purchase
at https://www.etsy.com/shop/dishfunctionldesigns
at https://www.etsy.com/shop/dishfunctionldesigns
Once again, great collection of images! Now if I only I could come across some pallets of my own...
ReplyDeleteYou can! And they're free! Go to any store that has a garden center. Usually Ace Hardwares, local garden stores, and Home Depots, or Tractor Supply Company. Lowe's recycles theirs, so they don't give them away. But they are free and usually out by their dumpsters to take.
DeleteDO NOT take any pallets without asking! many stores keep their pallets behind the store because they are recycled by their store trucks after recieving deliveries, and taken back to the warehouse to be re-used. it is a criminal offense to take them, so please ask if you can have one or two.
DeleteCheck with local storage facilities. We often have pallets that customers have left behind. And we would love to give them away rather than toss them!
DeleteOften craigslist will have listings under the free section for pallets.
DeletePaige, Pallets are often just left in piles at any company that gets bulk supplies in. Walmart, Kmart, Home depot,Office Max and etc... just look behind the buildings, not the front... LOL.
DeleteONLY TWO WORDS
DeleteFREAKING AWESOME.
I would ask these retailers before taking any pallet like lowes, home depot does the same thing.
DeleteI was recently able to get 2 from an AC/Heat company. They just get rid of them! Cha Ching! Now I just have to figure out which 2 projects are going to be first! Thanks for the info:))
DeletePallets are so versatile. Wish I had the studio space to do more stuff with them... one day! I love the Union Jack table (obviously!) and the wine rack bar...!
ReplyDeleteBack in London, I made a futon bed out of pallets - most comfortable bed I ever slept on!
Ant (the Art-Pants artist)
http"//buyartbyant.wordpress.com/Celebrity-Art-Pants-Project/
The Union Jack table is awesome...
DeleteI just love the pallet Balcony garden!
ReplyDeleteMe too. Wished I would have had that idea years ago when I was in a small apartment!
DeleteLOL..I literally have 90 pallets stacked on my carport from when my husband's business moved locations. They are newer 2x4 palettes that they used in their freezers..very sturdy. We made a couple potting benches and may make a couple coffee tables to sell. My fav use I have seen for ME is a gal that turned them sideways and used them as fencing for her garden!
ReplyDeletenow I am pondering how I could turn them into harvest tables!
ReplyDeleteI love the balcony garden too - would be great for spices that tend to "take over" the garden!
ReplyDeleteI meant herbs not spices - lol - getting a little ahead of myself - long day!
ReplyDeleteI absolutely love the one done as flooring! So beautiful. Also really like the mosaic inlay table and the rough chevron table. I made a crude potting bench for my garden a few years back with a single pallet. I am thinking I may need to make another one like the one seen here. This was a beautiful collection of ideas, thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteI love the one with the mosaic inlay too - looks like a museum piece!
ReplyDeleteHy Laura,
ReplyDeleteI'm Julien From Doobi,
Thanks for your post, the balcony garden is very nice, good idea,
See you, julien
Julien I LOVE your table! Exquisite!
ReplyDeleteLOVe the wine rack. I could see that becoming the cool way to display wines in many trendy restaurants!
ReplyDeleteI think that was the most re-pinned image of the lot.
DeleteAwesome! I can't wait to try so many of these ideas.
ReplyDeleteThanks for visiting Patti!
DeleteSo many great re-using ideas - thanks! I really dig that potting bench, that comes on top of my to-do list before the gardening season begins. The daybed is great too, and pallets in the kitchen looks so good. I'll see if I can find a small pallet like the one in the corner of a kitchen used as shelfs, but for my bathroom. Shampoos and stuff on the shelfs, and some hooks underneath for towels. Luckily we have a supplier of pallets nearby :)
ReplyDeleteRecently my husband made a dog bed from a pallet, which made both me and the dog happy. Gotta love repurposing!
I would love a pallet potting station. Seems like the perfect use for old pallets!
DeleteHola , Soy ana del blog EL PEKU , Me encanta tu blog ¡ Nunca pense que se pudieran hacer cosas tan originales con un simple palé . Ya tienes una nueva seguidora ¡
ReplyDeleteUn Beso
Thanks for visiting Ana!
DeleteBeautiful ideas! I might have to try something. I put together a few pallets to make as a compost bin, which works perfectly. I'll blog about it once the weather warms up at http://amber-pursuitofserenity.blogspot.com/ You can often find them at retail businesses. Usually there's a blue "good kind" that they keep and send back, and the others which they'll happily give. I've had luck finding them in subdivisions of new construction. The bricks & stonework come on pallets.
ReplyDeleteYeah, it's best to look for ones that are heat treated and not chemical treated.
DeleteLove the ideas of useing the pallets for beds/tables/shelves...awesome
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by :)
DeleteWhat incredible ideas! I am calling my dad now to tell him to scout out some pallets for me! I especially love the balcony garden and the couches!
ReplyDeleteGlad you liked the post!
DeleteAmazing! Love it all!
ReplyDeleteThanks for visiting!
DeleteGREAT WORK....TRULY FANTASTIC. I AM WORKING IN AN ORGANISATION WHICH MANUFACTURES & SUPPLIES PALLETS. I AM AMAZED TO SEE THE OTHER PART OF IT
ReplyDeleteGreat! Be sure to share this post with your organization!
DeleteI love that you have an entire living room made of pallets. This is fantastic!! Such an easy idea that makes for such a unique feel. Love.
ReplyDeleteGreat for students too.
Deletegreat idea !
ReplyDeleteThanks for visiting
Deletewow I just can't decide where to start. Collecting pallets might be good.
ReplyDeleteLook for ones that are heat treated, those are best to work with.
DeleteThis is the most comprehensive, amazing and gorgeous selection of pallet ideas I've ever seen! I want to try all of them. So great and creative!
ReplyDeleteAmber, glad you enjoyed the post!
DeleteLove the reading spot, and the coat rack.
ReplyDeleteI like the coat rack too, I could think of so many different colors that I would paint it!
DeleteWould have never of thought to use pallets! Cheap and stylish
ReplyDeleteGlad you liked the post, thanks for stopping by!
DeleteMy husband and I covered our son's ceiling with pallet wood. We love the rustic feel to it! http://www.mapleleavessycamoretrees.com/2012/02/ryders-room.html
ReplyDeletewow that's quite a job!
DeleteGreat job.
Deleteso many great ideas!!!
ReplyDeleteGlad you like!
DeleteLove the ideas! We also used pallets to construct a compost bin.
ReplyDeleteThat is one of the best ways to reuse pallets. ...and potting stations.
DeleteVery inspiring ideas
ReplyDeleteGlad you enjoyed it.
DeleteHi! Thanks so much for including our Pallet Wine Rack from Wilsonsandpugs.blogspot.com (link: http://wilsonsandpugs.blogspot.com/2011/09/pallet-wine-rack.html)! Love your collection.
ReplyDeleteThanks, I've updated the link!
DeleteLove,Love,Love.
DeleteHere's a challenge. How meny different ways can you use a Chinese News Paper in a design? Marjorie
Great post! I am the maker of the above pallet potting bench. I still make pieces out of pallets as well as locally salvaged wood for more refined furniture. Check my work out here www.thedesignpallet.com/pallets
ReplyDeleteRe-use and re-purpose!
Bruce
Wow I love your potting bench. I just checked out all of your other work on your site, and I think your Madrona Outdoor Pallet Coffee Table is my favorite. I love the moss growing between the boards! http://thedesignpallet.com/pallets
DeleteThank you. Thank you. Thank you ! No I know what do with all those pallets we own from our factory that aren't good enough anymore !!!
ReplyDeleteGreat! Let us know what you make!
DeleteGreat post ! amazing projects !!!
ReplyDeleteThanks for including my creation : the table with mosaic inlay, you can also check my work on my website (and if you could change my website : http://dansunetatsecond.blogspot.ca/
LOVE your website! Many thanks!!! Glad you enjoyed my work too! STephane beauchet
Your table is one of the most re-pinned of all the pallets here! Love it!
DeleteAmazing
ReplyDeleteThanks for visiting!
DeleteI have made the rustic cooler box and 4 benches for my yard and several tables that we will use for a up comeing family reunion...love this site...so many good ideas...
ReplyDeleteGlad you like the site, thanks for visiting! The cooler box sounds neat!
DeleteVery cool! Kind of Pure Salvage Living movement out of Luling, Texas.
ReplyDeleteYou ought to check it out at puresalvageliving.com I think it's something you might be interested in, despite the fact that you're not in TX.
thanks will check it out
DeleteHow do you get the boards off ???? I've tried a crowbar and that didn't work !!!!!! HELP
ReplyDeleteCheck out my blog post about how to disassemble pallets. The link is at the end of the post above.
DeleteLOVE this post! I just made some pallet art for my house- super fun.
ReplyDeletehttp://sara-mincy.blogspot.com/2012/07/pallet-art.html
Fun!
DeleteI own a company that manufactures pallets and I am absolutely amazed at the creativity. In my much younger years, I was always finding ways to reuse/recycle ordinary items but must admit that never did I think of reusing pallets.
ReplyDeleteI'd like to add one thing for everyone. Before you take pallets, please ask the business. Yes, pallets are normally only used a few times but there has become a huge market for rebuilding pallets. I would hate to see anyone in trouble for taking what was mistaken for trash. Once you have been told its okay....Go for it! I look forward to seeing everyone's creativity.
Yes, always ask first! Also look for heat treated pallets as opposed to chemically treated pallets.
DeleteAbsolutely wonderful designs. I am so inspired. Thank You!
ReplyDeleteThanks for visiting! Glad you were inspired! :)
DeleteLove your ideas but a friend told us that those pallets are chemically treated and could be dangerous health wise. Do you know anything about it?
ReplyDeleteYes that's absolutely true. Some pallets are chemically treated. Others could harbor bacteria, mold, or insects. You never know where a pallet originated or where it has been or what is was used to ship. I would certainly use caution when considering a pallet project, and would avoid using them for things that would come in contact with food.
DeleteAmazing ideas, I can't wait to try these ideas. I have a very rustic family room that is greatly in need of a room divider. Thanks!!!
ReplyDeleteSounds like a great idea for your family room! Good luck with your project!
DeleteVraiment extraordinaires ces palettes...et elles n'ont pas fini de nous surprendre! Très contente de faire partie des illustrations retenues pour ces up-cycling de palettes industrielles!
ReplyDeletePour en savoir plus et découvrir encore d'autres possibilités de détournements et de valorisations, rendez-vous sur : http://unairderecup.canalblog.com/
A bientôt!
AurélieP pour Un air de récup'
Thanks for visiting!
DeleteClever collection! Thanks for sharing :) I found you from Pinterest!
ReplyDeleteThanks for visiting June, glad you enjoyed the post! :)
DeleteDid my wine cellar with pallet wood; stunning result at lescomestibles.blogspot.com. Thanks for all the ideas...lots of work ahead for me!
ReplyDeleteNathalie
Wow, nice selection of ideas to reuse pallets ! Thanks for these inspiring and creative projects !
ReplyDeleteGreat ideas that I will surely try. One thing that concerned me was the placement of the Union on your pallet flag. In the rules for displaying the American flag vertically the Union (field of stars) should always be placed in the upper left corner.
ReplyDeleteHello i'm interested to know how you had the stairs attached, i need to make some for our back yard we have a very high retaining wall and don't want to use up much space going down the middle so that idea you have would be great. for what i need so it would'nt be so steep. my husband i can't use our part of property without getting up there on a ladder. its about 7 foot high thanks!
ReplyDeleteI am an artist and I started using pallets when canvases became too expensive. People just love them. You can see my pallet art at fingertips-to-freedom.com I simply ask my friends on facebook if they know where I can get pallets when I need them and someone always knows where I can find some for free. If the pallets are in good shape, stores can get money for them...so always ask before taking them from a business.
ReplyDeleteHi!! Where did you get the hot rod stencil on the boys headboard?
ReplyDeleteThank you,
Dana
tutto molto bello provero a fare qualcuno,grazie per idea
ReplyDeleteAnother source to find pallets is any store that sells pellet stoves and pellets. We get free pallets when we buy pellets by the ton. The stores also sell by the bag and should have lots of pallets to give away. Each year we do another pallet project. This year was pallets at the end of our patio for privacy. Next we'll be fencing in our children's play area. Our 17 year old son needs to start picking out what furniture he wants made. Nothing but the best for him! We've used this site to choose many projects! Thank you. :)
ReplyDeleteExactly! I have a pellet stove too and yes, when you order a pallet of pellets the bonus is the pallet! Glad you liked the blog!
DeleteLove all these great ideas, want to try them all but really wish they came with instructions on how to build them for the creatively challenged, barely knows a hammer from a screw driver, but really wants to attempt it people such as myself lol. Thanks for the tips on where to find pallets
ReplyDeleteThis article realy hits home for me on many of these creations. Having been an avid wood butcher, I have scrounged many pallets, crates, forgotten, and abandoned wood pieces to create projects. I've done a variety of similar things, but marvel at the creativity involved in many... I really love the simple Christmas tree...
ReplyDeleteLove the DIY herringbone flooring! Such a creative use of the recycled material.
ReplyDeleteGreat post.
Great stuff. Loved them all.
ReplyDeleteHi -- @Laura Beth Love, you mention a few times that one should try to find heat-treated, rather than chemically-treated palettes. How do you know which is which? Thank you!
ReplyDeleteRead at the bottom of this post: http://dishfunctionaldesigns.blogspot.com/2012/07/how-to-disassemble-wooden-shipping.html
ReplyDelete