DIY Pallet Project

get the most creative and easy ideas of pallet project

Recycling Wood Pallets

How To Recycle Wood Pallets

I love to do wood projects that are fun and recycling wood pallets is one of my favorite ways to find wood for my projects.

It wasn't always that way though. There were times when I went to the big box home improvement store and purchased new lumber for my projects. If you've bought any new wood lately, you'll know that it isn't cheap! I knew that if I could find a source for used wood I could cut the cost down considerably.

I was lucky to find a new source and it was free! You can't beat free! I had noticed that there were a lot of stores and shops in my area that had wood skids laying around outside their property. I asked around and found out that most of this old lumber was just disposed of in the garbage. What a terrible waste. Here's some ideas on how to recycle wood pallets and ideas for projects.

Finding Pallets To Recycle

Salvaging Wood Skids

It's actually not hard to find the skids. Most businesses have their products shipped and delivered on them. What are they doing with them after the product has been delivered to the store? Nothing. They are going to the landfill.

All you need to do is visit a few stores and look around the property to see if they have any used pallets. Most likely you will find some right away. Then you just need to ask them what they do with the pallets. Many business will say they just dispose of the pallets. If that's the answer then you can offer to take the pallets for them. Many business owners will jump at the chance to get rid of them free of charge because they are an eyesore and costly for them to dispose of.

You may run across a few stores that say they re-use the old pallets, but don't be discouraged. There will be other businesses around that will want to get rid of their pallets and will be happy to offer them to you.

Easy Projects With Wood Pallets - Repurpose Them, Don't Throw Them Out

Wood Pallet Projects: Cool and Easy-to-Make Projects for the Home and Garden

You'll find lots of projects for reusing wooden pallets in this book by Chris Gleason. Learn how to construct a toolbox, a birdhouse, and even a ukulele

How I Found Lumber For Free

Finding Cheap Wood

I approached a few of the businesses and asked them if I could take their discarded pallets for them. It was a win win situation for both of us. I got an endless source of wood and the stores saved money because they didn't have to pay to remove the garbage. Of course, the environment also won as the waste timber didn't have to go to the landfill site and there were trees being saved because I didn't have to buy new lumber.

Another advantage of reclaiming them is that you also are getting some lumber that has been weathered and aged, and some that is still new and yellow. If they have been outside in the weather for a long period of time, they will look like old barn wood. Some of the lumber is very rough looking and might be perfect for the design of your project.

Wood Pallet Projects - Make Something Out of Wood Pallets

• Over 50 Wood Pallet Ideas

Plenty of inspiration here for turning wood pallets into furniture and art. Lots of really unusual ideas. Wood pallets used as wall paneling, headboards, picture frames, shelving, potting bench, and room dividers.

• Pallet Bookshelf

Turn a generic bookshelf into stunning décor by adding a wood pallet back.

• Amazing Projects Using Wood Pallets

Lots of ideas for reusing wood pallets here. Some of these projects don't require taking the pallets apart.

Recycled Wood Pallet Project Book - New Uses for Old Timber

Lots of wooden pallet projects from Joe Jacobs. Learn what kind of pallet to look for, and build projects like fences, chairs, planters, tables, and indoor and outdoor furniture. An inspiring book for anyone looking for wooden pallet projects.