Cute pallet carts made from reclaimed wood boards.
These turned out so much better than I would have ever expected for $8 each.
Especially with a few setbacks.
You all already know that I can't spell. Stencils really should come with spell check. Or at least you should have to pass a test before you can purchase stencils. Or they should sell sandpaper with stencils. Good thing I had some sandpaper handy.
And while I was working on these carts, a bee stung me. So now I smell like vinegar too.
At least I got our wedding date right on the first try.
These crate carts were intended for my great room, but because of the setbacks, I ended up photographing them in Grace's room (that's where all the evening sun is in my house). And I just think they look adorable filled with kids stuff. They will look adorable as bumper cars too, ugh, I know that's coming!
Here is a breakdown of the price per cart:
- 2 feet of 1x12 boards - $3
- 2 sets of 1 5/8" Caster Wheels - $4
- Reclaimed boards from pallets
- 2" Wood Screws
- 2" Finish Nails
- Wood Glue
Not bad, eh? And did I mention that my carts are made of oak? Yep, sanded down the pallet boards, and it's oak!
You just gotta make your own! If you don't have a pallet to reclaim, you can use 1x6s and 1x4s, but don't expect the character to be as fabulous when you use new materials. You can watch a video on how to reclaim boards on a pallet here.

Preparation
2 – 1×12 @ 11 1/2″
2 – 1×6 @ 18″ (bottom, adjust width as desired)
6 – 1×4 @ 18″ (sides, adjust width as desired)
Comments
Ana White (not verified)
Mon, 09/13/2010 - 16:53
Just wanted to comment that
Just wanted to comment that my crates are actually unfinished. After being so nervous about the stencils, then totally ooopsing there, I'm terrified to ruin the beauty of these with a finish.
KD (not verified)
Mon, 09/13/2010 - 16:56
love it. It's funny, that's
love it. It's funny, that's what my husband and I had inscribed on our wedding rings (Established 2002)
Melissa (not verified)
Mon, 09/13/2010 - 17:47
Any suggestions where to
Any suggestions where to acquire some free pallets in/near Fairbanks or North Pole area? I really want to make some of these :)
Ana White (not verified)
Mon, 09/13/2010 - 18:05
Hi Melissa, getting pallets
Hi Melissa, getting pallets should be super easy to do as so much is imported to Alaska on pallets, but very little leaves Alaska on pallets. Try calling warehouses, stores, and asking at shipping companies. Even using broken pallets would work for this project.
Parri (not verified)
Mon, 09/13/2010 - 19:09
need to make one of these for
need to make one of these for the workshop to hold all the little wood scraps!
lyndyjo (not verified)
Tue, 09/14/2010 - 02:56
Love these! I do see the
Love these! I do see the bumper car danger. My youngest is just starting to walk and he would love one of these to push around :)
chrisandpatience (not verified)
Tue, 09/14/2010 - 08:10
I just picked up 3 amazing
I just picked up 3 amazing pallets. Thank you Ana, for making me a wood working junkie. Can't wait to show you my creations.
HammerTime (not verified)
Tue, 09/14/2010 - 08:11
How cool! I can just see a
How cool! I can just see a little handle on one side to pull it...
megnstuff (not verified)
Tue, 09/14/2010 - 09:07
I am building these for my
I am building these for my basement/playroom/family room area. I love them. My boys will love to play in them and they just might even love putting their toys away in them!
I can't wait to make these. I promise to post pics as soon as we get them done!
fawnjenee (not verified)
Tue, 09/14/2010 - 15:01
These are fantastic. I bet
These are fantastic. I bet they are going to be everywhere. Can't wait for the bragging board on this one!