Uses for Recycled Pallets

Wood pallets are used around the globe for shipping everyday products and goods. These pallets can be acquired and given a second life by recycling old pallets into a useful items that can be used years down the road.

Container Exchanger believes in recycling, reusing, and reducing waste. They assist companies in achieving this goal on a vast scale, and the following are some ways you can participate individually by repurposing wooden pallets.  

Transforming Pallets into Unique Furniture Pieces

Wood pallets have existed for many years as a method for shipping and storing larger items. In recent times, these pallets have become a useful means of creating unique home décor and design.

Professional decorators, as well as beginner do-it-yourselfers, find a variety of uses for pallets like crafting them into large and small furniture pieces and home décor accessories. Wood palletscan be dismantled into wood planks and used for a variety of projects. The wood can range from nearly new, to rustic with patina, or somewhere in between.

Furniture

Wood pallets are constructed from unfinished wood which provides a blank canvas on which to create your project. Used pallets offer many options to be given a second life in such uses as garden boxes, desks, chairs, bookcases, tables, and beds. If you build your recycled project on you own, you will want to use basic tools and pallets. The typical recommendations for recycled wood pallets are 24 x 24 inches or 30 x 30 inches.

  • Recycled wood pallet dining table. Construct an original dining table using four wood pallets. A pallet table is useful either indoors or outdoors, since it has a simple and rustic appearance.A table can be fit to size, and its design can be flexible.Be sure to complete the piece with oil, wax, or a polyurethane/deck sealer to add resilience and weatherproofing.
  • Coffee table. An easy-to-build coffee table can be constructed using two wooden pallets, stacked and screwed on top of another. Finish if off by adding some casters to the bottom. 
  • Contemporary coffee table with glass top. Thisstylish pallet coffee table is even easier to construct. The glass top creates a more modern appearance.Built from wooden pallets, you can individualize the table by staining, whitewashing, or painting it to make it unique.
  • Computer desk. You can easily construct your own unique desk using wood pallets.All that is required is a pallet, strong legs, and a sheet of plywood.This is a straightforward and economical project, and you will have a perfectly fitting desk for your home office.
  • Kitchen island. To create a kitchen island, you will need at least three pallets, some basic tools, and paint. Just cut the pallets to the required size, secure them together, and add a counter top. Then paint them in a color that coordinates with your kitchen. 
  • Comfortable sofa. A plastic pallet can becut in half, and stainless steel plates and legs added to provide stability and hold the two pieces together.Add cushions, and the sofa is ready to use. A more complex project that can be built is a couch with storage space, which requires six wooden pallets.
  • Bookshelf. Pallets can be easily constructed into bookshelves without a lot of adjustment. All you need to do is place the pallet against the wall, secure it, and add some shelves. You can then paint it to coordinate with your current décor.
  • Outdoor swinging chair.Dismantle a pallet and sew small boards together using durable rope. Then use additional rope and hang the swing from a tree.
  • Outdoor lounger. Use four equal size pallets and stack on top of one another, two by two. Create a backrest with the remaining 2x4s and attach them to the top boards on both sides. Paint your chair a lively color, and relax.

Other Uses for Pallets

Not limited exclusively to furniture, amateur wood workers are recycling old pallets and transforming them into many other creative items.

  • Pet beds. Use leftover wooden pallets to make a bed for your dog or cat.Just cut a pallet to obtain a rectangular shape, and add a comfortable pillow and some decorations if you desire.
  • Pet food stand. A pet food table can be built from reclaimed pallets that coordinates with the wood tones in your home, and it will hold up to the dailywear and tear of your loving pet, as well as being fashionable and functional. 
  • Picture framesFrames are perfect for displaying your pictures year-round. They can be stained or painted in any color you desire. 
  • Serving tray. Serving breakfast in bed to those with big appetites requires a tray that can handle the job. Be sure to use pallets with a substantial weight. 
  • Kitchen hanging pot rack. This item requires just onewooden palette that is attached to the wall by hooks and brackets.Position it below the ceiling to save space.

A significant advantage of using pallets is they are recyclable and reusable for numerous projects – imagination and creativeness are all you need!