Workshop Shelf / Articles / Pallet wood projects for beginners
Pallet wood projects for beginners
Affiliate links: some buttons on this page are affiliate links. If you buy, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. #ad Product notes are based on each vendor’s own description, not hands-on testing.
TedsWoodworking
Plans you can adapt to reclaimed and pallet timber, according to the vendor.
Is pallet wood safe?
Pallets carry an IPPC stamp: HT means heat-treated; MB means fumigated with methyl bromide and is best avoided. Don’t use pallets with spills or unknown history, and avoid them for food-contact items. Wear gloves and a mask when sanding.
How to take a pallet apart
- Use a pry bar and a hammer, or a reciprocating saw to cut nails between boards and stringers.
- Work slowly from both ends of each board.
- Punch out remaining nails before cutting.
TedsWoodworking
Plans you can adapt to reclaimed and pallet timber, according to the vendor.
Eight beginner projects
- Vertical herb planter
- Compost bin from four pallets
- Garden bench
- Shoe rack
- Wall shelf
- Raised bed
- Coffee table on casters
- Firewood store
Finishing pallet wood
Sand well, fill or accept knots and nail holes as character, and use exterior oil or paint outdoors. For self-sufficient garden builds, see our product notes.
Common questions
Which pallets are safe to use?
Pallets stamped HT (heat-treated) from a clean source are the usual choice.
Can I use pallet wood for furniture?
Yes, after cleaning, de-nailing and sanding; it’s ideal for rustic pieces.
Where can I get free pallets?
Local businesses often give them away; always ask first.
What we’d look at next
TedsWoodworking
Plans you can adapt to reclaimed and pallet timber, according to the vendor.
Self Sufficient Backyard
For garden projects like compost bins and raised beds.
Not sure which fits? Take the 30-second quiz or see our comparisons.
Related comparisons: TedsWoodworking vs My Shed Plans · Best woodworking guides for beginners: 3 compared
More articles
- How to build a shed, step by step
- 12 woodworking projects for beginners (basic tools only)
- How to set up a small woodworking shop on a budget
- 8x10 shed plans: materials list and what it costs
- How to build a shed base (and which type to choose)
- Pent vs apex shed roof: which is better?
- Is it cheaper to build a shed or buy one?
- DIY workbench plans for beginners
- Beginner woodworking tools list: what to buy first
- Woodworking projects that sell (beginner-friendly)
- How to build a simple garden bench
Get the free PDF
A 4-page PDF plan for a sturdy freestanding 2×4 and plywood bench, with tool list, materials, cut list and step-by-step build. Metric with imperial equivalents.