The Original Pallet Shelf Tutorial

pallet shelf tutorial
Difficulty
Starter Projects
| Print this plan

Take a pallet and turn it into wall shelves for free!  The shelves are very useful and can be used for storage or decor, indoors or out, in any room of the home.  This is a very easy project to tackle.

The original tutorial to recycle a discarded pallet into a very useful wall shelf by Ana White

Collections
 

To make this pallet shelf, you'll need a good pallet, look for a clean one that is suitable for your needs.

 

Identify the ends that are perfect for a shelf.  Use a reciprocating saw or a jigsaw to cut the ends off as shown.

Measure the spaces at the bottom.

Insert a 1x4 or 2x4 cut to fit into the spaces.  Use a nailer or screws to attach in place.  Easiest option is 1-1/4" brad nails with an 18 gauge brad nailer.

This completes the bottom.

Sand and finish as desired.

The shelf will be heavy. It is recommended to screw through the back piece directly into a stud in the wall for hanging.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Preparation

Tools
Tape Measure
Pencil
Safety Glasses
Drill
Jigsaw

Comments

Lyssa (not verified)

Wed, 04/21/2010 - 09:22

So so awesome! There are always free Pallets on craigslist in my town. I want to try this!! You are a genius!

nateandcole (not verified)

Sat, 04/24/2010 - 13:46

What a fun idea. Love how they look. I did this as my first project with a few pallets we already had. I like it, but my hubby's not sure...I think it will grow on him. Now that I know I can do it, I'm ready to try another one of your projects.

~Sha~ (not verified)

Mon, 04/26/2010 - 23:00

I am envisioning a couple of these in my wood shop area to hold plans etc... I have pallets out back!

kt (not verified)

Fri, 05/14/2010 - 15:03

We used pallets to make a STAGE for our backyard! MY--er I mean *our*--very own STAGE! My husband & oldest son used 2 pallets, topped w/ a big piece of plywood, painted a groovy shade of plum & voila'!

We've used that stage for many karoake party nights, improv shows, as well as to hold a band for my oldest's 17th birthday party.

LOVE your blog!

Tiff :o) (not verified)

Wed, 06/16/2010 - 06:01

WOw...great idea. They lok so rustic. Just the kind of thing I like. I work in a warehouse and recently took 3 unwanted pallets home but wasn't really sure what to do with them. This looks perfect! Thanks for sharing.

SeriouslyAHomemaker (not verified)

Thu, 07/08/2010 - 10:56

Oh no you di-n't!!!!

seriously.

Liana Brooks (not verified)

Sat, 08/07/2010 - 09:56

Thank you, Ana! My friend just had twins and is trying to maximize the room in her house. This looks like the perfect baby present! I'm going to paint them and put some magnetic/chalkboard paint on the front strips.

I'll send pictures when I'm done!

Shelf Planter (not verified)

Thu, 09/09/2010 - 22:25

[...] The Original Pallet Shelf Tutorial — Ana White 00000hh I used to work in a warehouse and saw these come and go and tried so hard to think of what i could do with one, best i thought of was some planter boxes that didnt look half as nice as those cute shelves! nice job! [...]

Rebecca Smith (not verified)

Sat, 12/04/2010 - 07:18

What a great idea! We own a small plumbing shop in Alaska and are forever stashing away pallets for bonfires and such, but now I'm going to try my hand at some small projects...this would make a great shelf for my sewing books. Happy Holidays!!!

Sara (not verified)

Thu, 12/16/2010 - 05:51

This is a GREAT idea! We have a pallet storage & distribution company just outside our town... I'm gonna get crazy with these! They are going to be awesome storage in our playroom & kitchen! Thank you so much!

stephanie (not verified)

Sat, 01/01/2011 - 04:17

I love this idea. I am so glad that I found your website. Now I need to find me some pallets. I would like to put one of these shelves in my dining room to display some antique plates and another in my sons room to put his books in.

laura (not verified)

Wed, 01/12/2011 - 18:26

great idea! thank you so much! (now i know what to do with one of the many pallets i grabbed in a scavenging spree i had some months ago!)

michelle (not verified)

Wed, 02/09/2011 - 11:14

I plan on using a pallet for my bolts of fabric. I'll keep it as it is, but nail a 2x4 to the bottom and lean it against the wall. I'll paint the inside (or the whole thing) so the wood doesn't snag my fabric. Can't wait!

cate (not verified)

Mon, 03/21/2011 - 13:00

From working in the industry for years, the colored/painted ones are hardwood and reuseable as pallets and the wood colored ones are softwood that, in some cases, are next to impossible to get rid of.

ang

Tue, 04/19/2011 - 16:07

i made 3 of these and love them they are so easy to do.

Kiyon (not verified)

Wed, 09/07/2011 - 13:43

Hi,
First I love your blog!!!
I was looking up info about wall bookshelves, rain gutter shelves and came upon this post. I wanted to ask, did you paint them after you finished or just hang them as it is? Did it have any issues with wet wood or mold, insects? I really want to take action and make something instead of just drooling over these projects. I'm very new to woodworking and probably I will need to get some tools first LOL...
Thank you so much.

Guest (not verified)

Fri, 12/23/2011 - 13:40

I love these pallet shelves, and have seen them floating around the internet-- So I asked a neighbor/farmer friend for his "ugliest" pallets, because I love the look of old weathered wood. I made sets for each of my family members who have "rustic" looking decor- including a big shelf and a small shelf (half) and I used a wood burning pen to put a monogram on them, while keeping the integrity of the wood :) Great Great idea!! Love your site!!

Guest (not verified)

Fri, 12/23/2011 - 13:40

I love these pallet shelves, and have seen them floating around the internet-- So I asked a neighbor/farmer friend for his "ugliest" pallets, because I love the look of old weathered wood. I made sets for each of my family members who have "rustic" looking decor- including a big shelf and a small shelf (half) and I used a wood burning pen to put a monogram on them, while keeping the integrity of the wood :) Great Great idea!! Love your site!!

Jessykah (not verified)

Thu, 01/12/2012 - 07:32

We just built 2 tiny cabins out of wood pallets and other reclaimed materials. We just stuffed insulation inside each pallet... I am looking forward to making these shelves for our pallet cabins! What a great way to make good use of the little space we have in our cabins! Thank You soooooo much!

CarolAnne (not verified)

Wed, 02/08/2012 - 11:32

Brilliant! It's one of those "Gee, I wish I had thought of that" ideas. I've added this to my weekend project list.

Mgirl8 (not verified)

Mon, 06/04/2012 - 10:54

Wood pallets are commonly treated with chemicals that contain arsenic, formaldehyde and other toxic substances. Treated wood should not be used for firewood, home remodeling projects, landscaping or animal bedding because it may release the chemicals into the air or ground.

Wood that has been chemically treated looks more brown, gray or green than untreated wood. Some wood has identifying marks to signify it has been treated. The wood can also be tested in a laboratory or in the field to see if chemicals are present.

Seasonal And Holiday