Pallets and mobile homes have a bit in common. Both have unlimited potential and can be turned into something beautiful. Both were once forgotten but have been enjoying a renewed intrest now that people are recognizing their affordability and usefullness.
Unfortunately,I knew nothing about pallets until I started researching for this article. There’s a lot more to pallets than I realized! I’ve added everything I found about these handy, and extremely affordability, sources of lumber.
I’ve added all the important stuff, like their various designs, sizes, and toxicity levels below. I also found some handy charts and safety precautions you should use whenever you use pallets.
Why Use Pallets?
Pallets are easy to find and often free for the taking. You can use pallets as a whole or by breaking them down into individual boards. Single boards from pallets are a great building material.
Wood from older pallets can have a beautiful weathered patina that is hard to mimic with new lumber and that makes them perfect for creating texture on a wall or other displays.
We’ve gathered some great information that will help determine which pallets are the best for your intended project and how to find affordable or free pallets. Also, be sure to check out our Pinterest page for some of our favorite pallet pins.
What is a Pallet?
A pallet is basically the bottom frame or deck that is used to maximize loads during transport. They are placed under packaged goods to make stacking easier and allow front loaders and forklifts to move them during shipment easily. Simply put, they act as a sturdy foundation and stacking tool.
What is the Basic Pallet Size in the US?
You can find some odd sizes but in general, 40″x48″ will be the most common size.
What are the 2 Main Types of Pallets?
There are two main types of wood pallets. The most popular is the stringer pallet design.
Stringer Pallet Design
The Stringer design has a top deck and sometimes a bottom deck of equal size separated by middle framing boards. They are perfect if you need lots of boards for your project.
Here is an image from STBPallet.com of a stringer pallet:
Block Pallet Design
The Block pallet is another popular design. They have access openings on all 4 sides, making it more convenient for forklifts to use.
Between the top and bottom decks are solid wood shaped in a block, hence the name. Here’s another image from STBPallet.com of what they look like:
Common Deck Designs
There are also deck design variations available for both stringer and block designs.
Who knew pallets could be so complicated?Outdoor DIY Pallet Projects For Your Manufactured Home
2-Way Vs. 4-Way Entry
The most popular frames used for pallets is the 2-way-entry and the 4-way-entry. The entry counts refer to the number of openings on the sides of the pallet. A 2-way-entry pallet only has 2 places for a forklift to insert its arms in order to move it. A 4-way-entry has 4 opening, 2 on each side.
Different Deck Designs
Since different types of pallet frames are used for various weight loads and stacking needs there are a variety of designs available.
The open board and closed board deck are the two most popular designs for both stringer and block structures.
Open boarded pallets have a space between them and closed decks do not. It’s similar to building a deck onto your home, open decking allows water to flow between the boards and closed decking does not.
Look at the photo below, found on a great site called DIYReady.com and you’ll better understand the different types of wood pallet:
Handmade pallet bed and dotted bedroom wall
Wood Pallet Safety
Sometimes pallets are coated or soaked in toxic chemicals to extend their lifespan and keep bugs away.
If you will be using the pallet for a kitchen or outdoor dining area it’s important to steer clear of those pallets.
Luckily, most pallets will have a stamp on them to help you determine if they’re safe. There are also a few visual clues that can help too.
The IPPC Stamp
The IPPC stamp will tell you a lot about the pallet. Here’s a handy-dandy infographic from DIYReady.com that explains the stamps and codes found on most pallets.
See Outdoor DIY Pallet Projects For Your Manufactured Home.
Finding Pallets for your Home Decor Projects
Here in WV, there’s an old gas station turned pallet station that sells any kind of pallet you want. The more you buy, the cheaper they get.
I suspect there are dealers close to you and a simple Google search should help you find them.
If paying a few dollars per pallet doesn’t bother you, that’s probably the most convenient method of getting them. You can pay to have them broken apart as well and that’s especially nice because some pallets have some crazy nails that are hard to remove.
If you’re thrifty (or what my daughter likes to call ‘cheap’) then you probably don’t mind spending a morning calling around asking store managers if they have any damaged or unneeded pallets that you could take off their hands. Smaller, locally owned grocery stores, furniture stores, and nurseries are great places to start.
Breaking Wood Pallets Apart
You can use a pry-bar to break pallets apart, but it will probably damage the wood a bit, so it’s best to use a saw and cut the nails and then pull them out. The video below will show you how:
80 Unique Pallet Projects for Every Room
Now that you know more about pallets, it’s time to learn just how awesome they really are!
If you’re lucky enough to find a few pallets for free, you can completely transform a room for practically no cost at all. You can also build anything you want – for cheap!
Below are just a few pallet projects that you can find online. There are entire websites dedicated to pallet projects so you can easily find a project that you will love. Just click on the pallet project title to be taken to the original site for instructions.
One of my favorite pallet projects is using the wood to cover a wall. It creates a beautiful accent in any room and adds texture to a space. The room below is a perfect combination.
Colorful Pallet Wall Project
The wall below provides texture and color to a room, and it is beautiful!
Bedroom Pallet Projects
The bedroom below uses pallets in several different ways. The possibilities are endless!
Pallet Ceiling Project
Adding pallet boards to your ceiling is a perfect project for any room, especially smaller rooms that just need a little pizzazz.
Pallet Flooring Project
You can use pallet wood as a floor covering!
This next pallet floor project is awesome, and you can get the entire step-by-step instructions and photos from the owners of the blog called ‘A Building We Shall Go‘:
Deck Pallet Project
With the right construction experience, you can even build a deck with pallets!
Twin Bed Pallet Project
This twin bed combo is a great way to turn a spare bedroom into a smart guest room.
Pallet Bed Frame Project
This is a beautiful and unique pallet bed frame project.
Outdoor Pallet Bed Project
This pallet bed is perfect for your deck.
Outdoor Pallet Bench Project
You can create a great outdoor bench and flower pot combo with relative ease.
Outdoor Shower Pallet Project
If you live close to the beach, this is a perfect project for you. Having an outdoor shower is so convenient.
Pallet Bench and Storage Project
This Etsy find is a perfect piece to create a little mud-room area.
Colorful Pallet Bench Project
With a little color and additional distressing, you can make this beautiful bench!
Hanging Light Pallet Project
These hanging lamps are a perfect project for a rustic themed room.
Coffee Table Pallet Project
This beautiful coffee table would look perfect in any living room. Adding a colored glass top to it according to room theme can also be a considerable option.
Pallet Kitchen Island Project
This island would look great in your kitchen!
Platform Bed Pallet Project
This is a fantastic project that is beautiful and useful.
Shelf Pallet Project
This relatively simple shelf made from a single pallet would be a great addition to any room.
Outdoor Table Pallet Project
Another great addition to your deck or porch.
Pallet Pathway Project
Using pallet boards as a pathway is a beautiful addition to any yard.
Creative Wall Light Pallet Project
What a great way to separate space in a large area!
Wall Office Pallet Project
This little wall office is a perfect way to have a desk in a small area.
Woodshed Pallet Project
Need a place to keep wood dry? Here ya go!
TV Stand Pallet Project
This is a beautiful piece of furniture. You could use it as a TV stand or a desk.
Desk Organizer Pallet Project
This is a great way to keep office and school supplies organized on your desk.
Pet Bowl Pallet Project
Your dog would love this pet bowl! Raising the bowls off the floor a bit is said to aid in digestion health.
Shoe Shelf Pallet Project
Have a big pile of shoes at your front door? This is a perfect solution!
Retro Coffee Table
Looking for an original retro piece? This is coffee table is awesome!
Planters
These planters are easy to make and will make a statement on your porch.
Easy Coat Rack
This coat rack gives you a spot to add your decor and put your coats!
Coffee Cup Holder
If you can’t live without your morning coffee, might as well have a cool place to hang your cups!
Sofa With Hidden Compartment
This little sofa would be perfect on a porch or by the pool!
Multi-Purpose Coffee Table
This multi-purpose table will be perfect if you need extra storage.
Just a Swingin’
An original idea for a swing!
Pool Wrap Project
This pool project gives you access to the pool and a place to lay out by the pool as well!
Vertical Planter
If space is an issue, this vertical planter may be just what you need.
Nook
Great spot to encourage the love of reading for your kids!
Gardening Shelf
Have a green thumb? This gardening shelf will put all your tools in one spot!
Playhouse
Girls playhouse or boys hideout, the choice is yours!
Compact Desk
If space is an issue, this compact desk may be the answer.
Kids Shelf
This shelf is perfect for backpacks and books.
Frugal Barn Door
An economical twist on the popular barn door.
Lighted Pallet Bed
A twist on the pallet bed that is a favorite pallet project.
Entry Way Table
This table would make an excellent addition by the front door.
Outdoor Privacy Fence
Love this privacy fence idea!
Decorative Shelf
Add a touch of style to any room.
Countertop Idea
This countertop will turn heads!
Towel Hooks
Add a touch of country to your bathroom with these towel hooks.
TV Stand or Desk
Tight on space? This smaller piece could be used as a TV stand or a desk. You could use a corner TV mount to save space.
Wine Rack
Spot for those favorite wine glasses and bottles of wine!
Pallet Wall Hanging
Look at what a cute combination!
Large Shelf
This shelf will hold tons of decor.
Window Planter
Who wouldn’t love to look out their window to see flowers!
Strawberry Planter
Thinking of trying your hand at growing strawberries? The slats provide just enough space for the plant to grow through.
Lounge Chairs
Looks like a good spot for a nap!
Kids Tool Bench
What better setup for the future mechanic or carpenter in your life!
Swing for One
Paracord and pallet slats create a swing for one!
Deck Furniture
Add some upholstery to this pallet sofa and you have the perfect entertaining spot.
Adirondack Chair
Love these chairs.
Kitchen Island
So much potential in this kitchen island.
Kids Picnic Table
Perfect kids size table for outdoors!
DIY End Tables
These end tables will compliment any room.
Nightstand
Need a nightstand to go with your pallet bed?
Jewelry Organizer
Need a place for your jewelry? This will hold your jewelry and add some style to your room.
Picture Frame
An original way to get crafty.
Pallet Barn
This barn look adds some country flare to your home.
Peg Shoe Holder
Another option for all those shoes crowding the floor.
Trash Bin
This pallet trash bin is a stylish way to hide the garbage!
Desk
Plenty of work space with this desk.
Vertical Bookshelf
Space saving idea for all your books!
Dart Board
Darts anyone?
Stylish Cooler
Hot option for your cooler!
Pot and Pan Rack
Space-saving option for your pots and pans.
Cornhole Boards
Game of cornhole anyone?
Foldable Gardening Table
This gardening table will fold up and out of the way! It’s a perfect pallet project for those green thumbs in your life.
Clock
DIY a clock to fit your decor.
As you can see above, you can make anything you want with pallets and at an affordable price. The sky is the limit!
Want more pallet project ideas? Check out our Outdoor DIY Pallet Projects for Your Manufactured Home for even more ideas!
Have you created something beautiful from a pallet? Is there a lesson you learned or a tip you’d like to share please add it in the comments below.
As always, thank you so much for reading Mobile and Manufactured Home Living!
Image Source: Pallet Image Strips, Infographic, Pallet Type Images
Hi Susan,
I wasn’t able to find any instructions for that but here is a cute kitchen island made from pallets (link).
How do I get the instructions for the kitchen island?
I like the nail heads to show in many of my projects and find using a reciprocating saw works best for dismantling without damaging.
.
Its all good!
Hi Lori,
Probably the easiest method for bent nails is to cut the nails between the wood and then just pull them out. If the nails are straight just be careful when you use the hammer. The wood is usually a bit soft so you’ll want to be easy as you leverage the hammer. The guy in the video shows you how.
Best of luck!
Sometimes I become really surprised how it is possible to create something cool from so simple things as pallets. But when I see a real result, I realized that it’s easier than it may seem.
How do you take apart a pallet without damaging the wood
Yes ma’am! You may want to sand them first.
Oh, and sometimes the chemicals they use on the wood interferes or interacts with stain and paint (acts as a barrier of sorts). Just be aware that it may happen – it’s not you or anything you did. Sanding and primer usually help a bit (no primer for staining, though).
Best of luck!
I can stain my pallet boards right?
That’s awesome to hear! Take lots of pics of all the projects you do!
Wow!love. Love your site!!You even got my husband excited!! And he’s NOT a handy man!!But I think that’s going to change now !! Thank you ! Nel B.
I love these ideas and am gathering pallets to do a fireplace project. What have you found is the easiest way to take the pallets apart without causing damage to the planks?
Great article.
Hi Yohan!
I’d start locally at flea markets just to get the practice in. I’d also open up an Etsy store or on Ebay and have a few bloggers mention it in an article and link to it. Shipping is going to be the real issue but people pay for shipping large items every day if they want an item bad enough.
Best of luck!
Hi Crystal,
First I would like to tell you thanks for share with us this fabulous ideas.
I’ve done my living room with an industrial style, I’ve did my tv furniture ans my tables with palets and I’m really pround of the results.
Because I really enjoy to do it and because the results are so nice I would like to make extra money selling my projects, but I dont have idea how to sell it, do you have an idea or an advice ?
Thanks in advance and sorry for my English :/
Their is no sound scientific basis to state that MB pallets are dangerous.
Methyl Bromide is a fumigant, there is no condensation of the product nor is their residual outgassing. It is not like chemically treated lumber.
The concern for MB, and why it is being phased out, is that it depletes the ozone.
It is for the most part not used in pallets anymore so if you find one they are more than likely beat up and useless.
The only allowable pallet wood that is still fumigated and allowed in the US , that I have seen, is the thicker more dense woods and I mean 4×3’s and thicker coming from India(again the only one I’ve seen) to ship slabs of stone.
Any deaths or illness have been from those who are actually using, applying and/or storing it. For years MB was used to fumigate homes. There were deaths and illnesses from people going back into there home while it was being fumigated… and I mean while the house was still tented.
It is still used for the inoculation of your captain crunch et.al. and the fields they are grown in. Remember in mono-culture farming the soil is only to transport water, protect the the root from the sun, and keep the plant upright.
It is still allowed in Europe not for pallets but for nuts, seed and grain inoculation. Pest can easily wipe out dry goods in no time….every wonder why there are no bugs in your flour….
IMHO
Very good article. Thanks for adding our website and some ideas of it :)
Hi Van! Thank you so much for the kind words! I think you’re going to have a wonderful retirement! Maybe after you get a few things built you’ll consider letting me add them to the list?
Keep in touch – I’d love to see all the great things you build! Thanks so much for reading MHL!
So my wife and I have just started collecting pallets. I am going to retire within this next year and I want to be able to make some pallet furniture for our place and to sell as an extra income. You have inspired the creative gods in me to want to get out there tonight and get busy…. (my neighbors will love me) NOT!!!. Keep up the great work and long live MHL and you Crystal
Haha!
Crap. I just need to do one project for a expo… now my whole house is going to be full of pallet furniture! LOL
Hi Carrie!
I looked around but couldn’t find the plans for it. I did find a very cool Pinterest board with other deck chairs though, perhaps one of those links will lead you to the schematics? Good luck!
http://interiordesignhunter.com/pool-chaise-lounge-chairs/
Do you by chance have the instructions on how to make the pallet lounger chair on here? I am wanting to make one for this summer. Thank you!
Thank you so much Sia! It means a lot to me! I’m so happy for you! Congratulations on your new home! Please take lots of pictures – I’d love to see what you do with it!
Thanks so much for taking the time to write this comment – I appreciate it very much! If there’s anything I can help you with please don’t hesitate to contact me!
Hi Crystal!
Just bought my first MH (signed papers this week), then found your site, which is chocked full of fabulous info! I’ll be renovating a room at a time by diy & will share pics along the way. Thank you for being here! MH’s have received a bad wrap for far too long. It’s wonderful people like you that are opening people up to the positives of MH ownership.
Thank you again;
Sia
Hi Renee! I would love to publish a book! It’s on my todo list but that doesn’t really mean much these days. Thanks so much for stopping by! Hope to hear from you soon!
I sure wish you could put this whole page into a printable book. Or a book period. I’d buy it!
Just love all these projects! Super ideas and they all look so great!
It’s great to hear from you Tamra and I’m so glad you like MHL!
You are gonna love mobile home living! Not worrying about a house payment every month is awesome! Please keep us updated on your progress and take lots of pictures – I’d love to feature you and your home someday!
If there’s anything I can help you with along the way just let me know – you can comment on any article or just email directly at [email protected].
Thanks so much for the kind words, it means a lot to me!
WOW, what a cool website…we are new to the Mobile Home world. In fact, we purchased our first 1977 MH located near Menifee, CA, a year ago; gutted it – and now we are putting it back together…using vintage finds including a Cherry wood kitchen that was given to us which came out of a beautiful custom home. Each room gets new drywall and we are relocating walls and putting in new doors. Bathrooms are a total gut job as well. We plan to retire there on the cheap and do some traveling. Blessings to you and all that you have going on too.
Thanks Troy!
I like what you guys tend to be up too. Such clever work and exposure! Keep up the excellent works guys I’ve added you guys to our blogroll.|
Hi Rancher Girl!
We LOVE your floor too! It’s beautiful! Thanks so much for sharing it online and teaching us how to do it!
Thanks for the share! We do LOVE our floor!
Hi Sherri!
Thank you so much for taking the time to comment such kind words! I hope you keep in touch throughout your new adventure – there’s nothing like the feeling you get when getting a new home – enjoy every moment!
I, too, am from WV. Due to a turn in my husband’s health, we are currently downsizing to a double wide on a wooded acre. I have spent hours upon hours browsing your site, while waiting on the closing date. Thank you so much for your work – it is inspiring!
Thanks to you and all who have contributed, I can barely wait to begin personalizing our new home <3
Hi Sharon!
They are some very creative people out there – some of those projects blows my mind! Thanks for commenting – it’s always great to hear from you!
Thank you so much Suzanne! It’s always great to hear from you!
Fabulous pallet ideas!
Wow! What a great assortment of projects…tiny to huge.
Just looking at the laundry room ceiling made my arms and neck tired!
The thing about viewing LOTS of projects is that it allows us to think about our own projects in a new way.
“As always, thank you so much for CREATING Mobile and Manufactured Home Living!”