Are you looking for a way to spruce up your home decor, without breaking the bank or causing unnecessary harm to the environment? If so, we’ve got just the thing for you to try. Depending on where you live, you may have noticed a trend in local restaurants, bars, and stores of furniture and other items being constructed from old wooden pallets. Not only are these pallets uber cheap (or even free, in some cases) but they are extremely versatile.
From creating under-the-bed shoe storage to outdoor furniture, window boxes, or DIY rocking chairs, the list of things you can do with long-forgotten wooden pallets goes on and on. Not only are pallets an affordable way to add character to your home, but they are also sustainable and eco-friendly.
Once items have been shipped and unloaded from pallets, they are typically tossed in the dumpster or stacked away, never to be used again. By taking these discarded, perfectly good piles of timber and turning them into something creative and beautiful, you are doing your part to keep the environment alive and well.
In recent years, people have done some pretty incredible things with old wooden shipping pallets, many of which are downright inspiring. Before we go over some of the most creative – and accessible – ways to repurpose pallets, it should be noted that some pallets have been chemically treated or heat treated.
Depending on your intended use, we recommend steering clear of using these pallets for interior projects or gardening projects. You may also want to treat the wood before using it for aesthetic reason. One eco-friendly option is refined walnut oil by Earth Paint, which is a non-toxic, natural medium that won’t yellow over time like many other oils.
Now, here is a look at a few creative uses for wooden pallets. If you have done any projects of your own with pallets, we would love to hear about them!
Vertical Planter
This is one of the most interesting and innovative uses of wooden pallets, in our opinion. A great option for those with a small backyard or if you are looking for a unique way to integrate plants in your home, you will only need a handful of materials and a couple hours to create a vertical planter. Simply use a pallet as your base, pick your your favorite succulents and grab a roll of landscaping paper, potting soil, a hammer and nails, and a staple gun, and you will have yourself a stunning vertical planter in no time!
Wall Shelves
Another easy way to repurpose wooden pallets in your home is by creating wall shelves. Simply deconstruct the pallets until they are the size you want the shelves to be and mount them to the wall. These pallet shelves serve as a wonderful way to display art or pictures, store books, and even as a place to store knickknacks around the house. They are also an eye-catching conversation starter, as an added bonus!
Outdoor Chair
This project is a little more involved than the other two, but the end result is something you will be proud of for many years to to come. Upon completion, you will a stunning, comfortable, and unique chair that will be the focal point of your back or front yard outdoor space for many years to come. While this pallet chair requires a little more skill and commitment than some of the other projects, it is well worth the effort.
Next time you are looking for a fun, eco-friendly project, consider turning an old wooden pallet into something useful and creative!